The University of Free State Announces Second Cohort of TAGDev 2.0 Program Scholars for the 2025/26 Academic Year

The university of Free State (UFS) is proud to announce the selection of its first cohort of scholars under the TAGDev 2.0 program – a transformative initiative in partnership with the Regional University Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) and Mastercard Foundation.

UFS is deeply committed to creating an inclusive and humane environment for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This is achieved through a multi-faceted approach that includes comprehensive financial support via scholarships like the Mastercard Foundation and RUFORUM program, which also provides additional aid for refugees and persons with disabilities. Furthermore, UFS has dedicated offices such as the Centre for Universal Access and Disability Support (CUADS), which offers academic accommodations, accessible learning materials, and assistive devices, and the Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Office (GEADO), which focuses on creating a safe and equitable space for all, including the LGBTQIA+ community. Through these efforts and a range of other student support services, UFS aims to address financial, academic, and social barriers, ensuring that a diverse student body can thrive and reach its full potential.

Selection process

 The TAGDev 2.0 scholarship to study a Master of Sustainable Agriculture at the University of the Free State received a total of 207 applications. After a rigorous screening process to confirm eligibility for the master’s programme, 15 candidates were shortlisted for home validation interviews. Following a two-month assessment period and data analysis by an external company, five candidates were selected for the scholarship. Notably, all five selected candidates were female, academically deserving, and came from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, highlighting the program’s success in promoting both academic excellence and social inclusion.

Below is a table listing the selected scholars for the Master’s program

About RUFORUM and TAGDev

RUFORUM, established in 2004, is a network of 175 universities across 40 African countries which collaborates globally with other university networks, development partners, policymakers, and leaders to leverage synergies and work towards shared objectives in delivering science solutions for development, human capital development, and institutional reform in the African Higher Agricultural Education (HAE) system. RUFORUM recognize’ s youth as the driving force behind change and are leading the charge for a better Africa. Launched in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the TAGDev 2.0 (Transforming African Agricultural Universities to meaningfully contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development), a scale-up to TAGDev 1.0 is a 10 year (2023–2033) program being implemented in 12 African universities, namely;

1. African University (Zimbabwe
2. Egerton University (Kenya)
3. Gulu University (Uganda)
4. Malawi University of Science and Technology (Malawi)
5. Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (Morocco)
6. National University of Agriculture Benin
7. Uganda Martyrs University (Uganda)
8. University of Bamenda (Cameroon)
9. University of Eldoret (Kenya)
10. University of Cape Coast (Ghana)
11. University of Port Harcourt (Nigeria)
12. University of Free State (South Africa)

TAGDev 2.0 is designed to;

• Expand equal work opportunities for young women and men in the agricultural sector
• Improve climate adaptive agricultural production and productivity with a focus on value chains
• Strengthening the quality of higher agricultural education outcomes in training, research and innovation.

Why it matters

The TAGDev 2.0 program is highly important for South Africa because it addresses critical challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly for marginalized communities. By strengthening agricultural education at the University of the Free State, the program equips young South Africans, especially women and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the skills needed to drive agricultural transformation. This initiative not only focuses on academic excellence but also on practical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills. This approach helps to create a new generation of agricultural leaders who are prepared to tackle issues like climate change, food security, and unemployment. By fostering innovative agri-businesses and promoting community engagement, the TAGDev program directly contributes to sustainable development and job creation, thereby building a more resilient and inclusive agricultural future for the country.