RICA Admissions 2026/2027: How to Apply for the Full Three‑Year Scholarship in Conservation Agriculture

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is offering full three‑year scholarships for motivated young Rwandans who want to build a professional career in modern, sustainable agriculture. This guide explains what the scholarship covers, who can apply, the key dates for the 2026/2027 academic year, and the exact steps to submit a strong online application.​

About RICA and the scholarship

RICA is an accredited higher education institution in Rwanda that offers a three‑year Bachelor of Science in Conservation Agriculture. Students specialize in areas such as Crop Production Systems, Animal Production Systems, Food Processing Systems, or Irrigation and Mechanization Systems, combining classroom learning with intensive practical training.​

Every student who is admitted to RICA receives a full scholarship for all three years of study. The scholarship covers tuition fees, on‑campus accommodation, daily meals, and medical insurance, allowing students to focus fully on learning and leadership development.​

Who is eligible to apply?

RICA targets young people who are passionate about transforming agriculture and contributing to Rwanda’s development. Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, leadership and entrepreneurship potential, passion for agriculture and conservation practices, and English language ability.​

For the 2026/2027 intake, candidates must have sat for the national examinations in secondary school and achieved at least a 70% overall score, with strong passes in science‑ or agriculture‑related combinations. Accepted subject combinations and trades include MPG, PCM, MEG, MCE, MPC, MCB, PCB, Animal Health, Food Processing, Agriculture, Forestry, and Water and Irrigation, while international‑curriculum graduates must provide an equivalence certificate from NESA.​

Key dates and application timeline

RICA opens the online application portal once a year, usually at the beginning of December. For the class starting in September 2027 (Academic Year 2026/2027), the published application period runs from 5 December 2025 to 16 January 2026.​

After the application window closes, shortlisted finalists are invited for in‑person interviews, group activities, and an English or critical‑thinking assessment held around April. Admission decisions and scholarship offers are then communicated in May so that admitted students can prepare to join the RICA campus in September.​

Documents you need to prepare

To submit the online form successfully, applicants must upload several official documents. Required items include a valid national ID, scanned copies of national examination result slips, and any certificates needed for equivalence if you studied under an international curriculum.​

In addition, RICA and partner platforms recommend preparing a clear motivation statement and, where requested, recommendation information that shows your character, leadership, and engagement in community or school activities. Having digital copies ready in JPEG or PDF format will make the online submission process faster and smoother.​

Step‑by‑step online application process

The first step is to visit the official RICA admissions website and open the application portal link. You must create an account using a valid email address and password; this account allows you to save progress and return to your application before final submission.​

Next, fill in all required personal, academic, and contact details exactly as they appear on your documents. Upload the scanned copies of your national ID and examination results, confirm that everything is correct, and then submit the application before the deadline—late submissions are not considered.​

How selection and interviews work

After reviewing all applications, RICA selects a group of finalists who best meet the academic, leadership, and passion criteria. These candidates receive an invitation to a special interview day on campus, which includes individual or panel interviews, interactive group exercises, and an English proficiency test.​

Performance during this interview day is combined with your academic record and application information to make final admission decisions. Successful applicants receive official communication in May confirming both their admission to the BSc in Conservation Agriculture and their award of the full three‑year scholarship.​

Tips to strengthen your application

To stand out, use your motivation statement and application answers to show how you have already engaged with agriculture, entrepreneurship, or community service. Mention activities such as school agriculture clubs, family farming, youth projects, or small businesses that prove your interest in conservation agriculture and rural development.​

Also highlight clear future goals explain how RICA training will help you support farmers, create jobs, or bring new technology to your district or region. Practice speaking confidently in English before interviews and be ready to demonstrate teamwork, problem‑solving, and leadership during group activities.​

Why you should consider RICA

Choosing RICA means joining a specialized institution fully focused on conservation agriculture and innovation. Students benefit from modern facilities, strong industry partnerships, and a curriculum that mixes science, business, and hands‑on farm work to prepare graduates for jobs or agribusiness ventures.​

Because the scholarship covers tuition, housing, meals, and health insurance, talented students from across Rwanda can access high‑quality higher education without financial barriers. If you are committed to agriculture, leadership, and serving your community, the RICA Admissions 2026/2027 call is an opportunity worth pursuing immediately.​