Interested in applying for an ORI scholarship?

Orphans of Rwanda is no longer accepting applications for our 2010
university scholarship process.

About the Application Process

Every year, Orphans of Rwanda seeks out bright young people in Rwanda to join the ORI program. ORI students are intelligent, motivated and determined to succeed. In order to qualify for an ORI scholarship, applicants must be orphaned or considered socially vulnerable by the local authorities.

The ORI scholarship is extremely competitive, and in 2009, we admitted only 1% of the candidates who applied to the program. This means that you must be determined and willing to work very hard in order to earn a place in the program, and unfortunately even qualified applicants may not receive a scholarship. Every year, ORI sets basic criteria for candidates. The criteria are published at the start of the scholarship competition each year (typically April). Interested applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements in order to submit an application.

Partner Organizations

If you are interested in applying for an ORI scholarship, you will need to apply through one of our partner organizations. Once we announce our guidelines in the spring of 2010, forms will be available at partner organizations around the country. Please apply through a partner organization located near your home, as you will need to return to the same organization for each stage of the process.

For those who qualify to apply, the scholarship process is administered in the following three stages:

1. Primary Application

Students submit copies of their National Examination results, an attestation de vulnerabilite document and a completed application form.

2. Language Test and Secondary Application

Those selected to continue to the next stage return to their partner organization to take a test in both English and French.

Following the language test, applicants complete an extensive application that includes essay questions. At this point, students must also submit their grade reports from secondary school.

3. Interview

A small group of finalists are selected to return to their partner organization for an interview with the ORI selection panel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much does it cost to apply for a scholarship?
There is no fee associated with applying for an ORI scholarship.
I applied for a scholarship last year and did not receive one. Am I eligible to re-apply next year?
Yes. As long as you meet the next eligibility guidelines, you are eligible to reapply.
I am currently enrolled at a university but I recently lost my funding support and will not be able to continue my studies. Am I eligible for an ORI scholarship?
While we prefer admitting students who are not yet matriculated at university, you are still eligible to apply for a scholarship if you have already started at university.
Do I need to be a double-parent orphan in order to apply for an ORI scholarship?
No, single-parent orphans and other vulnerable young people may also apply to ORI.
Do I need to write my application in English?
No, we accept applications in French. There is no preference given to applications written in English.

Do you have questions about how to apply?
Please email us at infoforapplicants@orphansofrwanda.org.