Students from Africa have opportunities to pick from an allure of scholarships hosted by different countries in the world. Many of the scholarships available for studies abroad are usually created for students from developing countries and there are quite a good number of developing countries in Africa.
The scholarships listed on this page are some of the top awards available for students from Africa and other developing countries around the world. The scholarship will provide students with the needed funds to pay for tuition as well as other expenses.
These scholarships will also be available for African students that wish to study abroad, even if they come from developed countries. There are so many advantages associated with going to a foreign country for your studies; you just need to find the right scholarship that suits your needs.
There are various categories of scholarship opportunities, including education, culture, politics, environment, medicine, sports, human rights, arts, etc. All these categories have numerous opportunities that can suit a wide range of student needs. Below is a list of some of the best fully-funded scholarships for students from Africa.
Top Fully-Funded Scholarships for Students from Africa
1. Africa London Nagasaki (ALN) Fund:
Africa London Nagasaki (ALN) Fund is a full scholarship awarded to undergraduates who will be studying a Master’s or Doctorate program at University College London (UCL). The fund provides full funding to successful applicants, but also includes partial funding to cover additional fees such as international airfare. This scholarship covers up to 50% of the cost of tuition fees and living expenses for successful applicants. Applicants should apply through their undergraduate university or sponsor organization. For further information about this scholarship and how to apply, visit: www.alnfund.org
2. Swiss Commission on International Migration (SCIM):
This scholarship is offered to highly motivated individuals from Sub-Saharan Africa who wishes to study in Switzerland. The SCIM Scholarship covers tuition fees and travel expenses for international students that are planning to pursue an academic career in Switzerland. Successful applicants must have excellent grades and clear future plans in order to be eligible for this scholarship. Applicants can apply directly through the online application system at: www.scim.ch
3. Undergraduate Program Scholarships at North Carolina State University:
These undergraduate scholarships are awarded to undergraduates from all around the world who wish to study at North Carolina State University. Each applicant will be evaluated individually by a panel of esteemed judges and based on academic merit, extra-curricular involvement, leadership potential, financial need, etc.
4. Mandela Rhodes Scholarships:
Established in honor of Nelson Mandela, this prestigious award is given to exceptional scholars from across the globe. Scholars receive full funding for up to three years at Oxford University in England, or Cambridge University in England. Additionally, each recipient receives travel funds for two people, including their parents or guardians, if they live more than 200 miles away from Oxford or Cambridge.
5. Bright Futures Awards:
These awards are available to highly motivated undergraduate students who demonstrate outstanding potential for success and have been admitted to an accredited U.S. university or graduate school. Eligible students may receive between $2,000 and $4,000 towards undergraduate expenses such as tuition, books, housing, meals, etc.
6. Australia Awards Africa:
This award is designed to attract and encourage exceptional Africans to pursue a degree or vocational qualification in Australia. Successful applicants will receive full funding for the duration of their studies in Australia. Each applicant will be evaluated individually by a panel of esteemed judges and based on academic merit, extra-curricular involvement, leadership potential, financial need, etc.
7. Watson Fellowship:
Established in 1917, the Watson Fellowship provides undergraduates with opportunities to explore an area of interest that might not otherwise be accessible to them. Scholars will be awarded between $8,000 and $20,000 per year towards study abroad costs such as airfare, lodging, food, etc.
8. VLIR-UOS Awards Scholarships:
These awards are designed to attract and encourage talented African students to pursue a degree or vocational qualification in Italy. Each applicant will be evaluated individually by a panel of esteemed judges and based on academic merit, extra-curricular involvement, leadership potential, financial need, etc.
9. DRD-DAAD Merit Scholarships:
This scholarship program was established in 1970 by the American Council on Education (ACE) and Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (DAAD) and now attracts approximately 2,000 recipients annually to study at universities in Germany. The scholarships range from between $7,000 and $18,000 per year towards study abroad costs such as airfare, lodging, food, etc.
Scholarships for Studies in Africa
Just like so many developed countries, developing countries in Africa also provide lots of scholarship opportunities for students. If you are looking to study anywhere in Africa, it is necessary you first obtain a scholarship; this would help reduce the cost you’d pay for your studies.
So, if you want to apply for a scholarship, read this article to learn more about how to get a scholarship in Africa. One way to acquire a scholarship is by volunteering in the field of study that you have picked. Some scholarships can only be acquired by working as a volunteer in the company or association that sponsors the scholarship.
Others can be gained through voluntary contributions such as fees and donations to worthy organizations. This may sound expensive but there are still lots of affordable options available. This means that if you want to go to school or do research in any African nation, it is best to check with some associations and NGOs and see if they offer scholarships.
Most often than not, students that work with them get financial assistance from them. Most schools have their own set of criteria that determine whether or not a student qualifies for a scholarship. Therefore, make sure you know what these criteria are before you apply for any scholarship.
Scholarships for Students in Africa
1. African Development Bank Scholarships:
The African Development Bank (ADB) has numerous scholarship opportunities available for students who want to study in Africa. There are over 3100 different types of scholarships available at the African Development Bank; some of these include postgraduate scholarships, professional training scholarships, and development bank’s senior staff fellowship, and graduate research, fellowships.
All these scholarships can be acquired through research proposals and grant applications, each one having its requirements. These grants can also be obtained by serving as a volunteer at the African Development Bank, many times through NGOs that work closely with the ADB. Each type of scholarship comes with its own eligibility criteria, usually having to do with grades, degree level, discipline, etc.
2. Aklilu Lemma Scholarship Awards:
Aklilu Lemma Scholarships is an award-winning charity organization based in Nairobi, Kenya. It provides grants to low-income families who wish to send their children to secondary school in Kenya. Their primary focus is on ensuring that all children receive an education and an opportunity to gain access to high-quality higher education. All applicants must meet certain criteria before they can be considered for the award.
3. Commonwealth Scholarships in Africa:
This is a prestigious award program sponsored by the Commonwealth Secretariat and offers fellowships to citizens of any Commonwealth country who wish to pursue a course of study in any African country. In order to be eligible for this award, you must first meet certain requirements including academic qualifications, previous employment, and personal profile. You will also need to demonstrate how your field of study relates to your home country and/or region. The funds provided are strictly limited and have a deadline date which should be met by applying before it expires.
4. ESAD Alumni Award:
The European Society of African Studies (ESAS) was founded in 1989 as a European organization that provides opportunities for Africans to connect with other African researchers and academics from Europe. The main objective of the society is to increase academic awareness and exchange between Europe and Africa. As such, it has published its own postgraduate journal called “Discourse & Interaction”, which allows scholars from across the continent to discuss current issues relating to the development of Africa. ESAS Alumni awards provide research funding for students from sub-Saharan Africa who wish to continue their studies at European universities.
5. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Tanzania Funded Young Leaders:
In 2006, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung launched a program aimed at giving Tanzanian youths opportunities to acquire skills, network with like-minded people, and improve their career prospects. It, therefore, introduced the funded Young Leaders scheme which allows bright young Tanzanians to access leadership training, skill development, and professional networking opportunities in Germany. These schemes offer free or discounted programs in technical training, foreign languages, business management, information technology, and project management.
6. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship:
Tony Elumelu is a former CEO of Heirs Holdings Limited, one of Africa’s largest conglomerates, which manages an investment portfolio of more than $5 billion and over 40 businesses in diverse sectors such as agriculture, education, real estate, information technology, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, hospitality, oil and gas, media, retail, telecommunications, shipping, consumer goods, textiles, utilities, automotive, entertainment, renewable energy, mining, plastics, etc. In 2013, he founded the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), a philanthropic organization whose goal is to stimulate entrepreneurship and economic growth on the African continent. To date, the foundation has disbursed over $700 million to 474 individuals.
Africa Health Research Institute MSc Scholarships
The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) was established in 2001 with the mission to lead a coordinated research effort on health issues of importance to Africa and other emerging markets. This will be achieved through cross-sector collaboration, programmatic partnerships, strategic partnerships, public-private sector linkages, technology platforms, capacity building, knowledge management, as well as institutional strengthening.
It will seek to use rigorous evidence and methodologies to deliver quality solutions for public and private sector stakeholders to enable inclusive growth and sustainable development. In pursuing its mission, AHRI recognizes that achieving excellence requires balancing its global research focus with local expertise. It aims to do this by attracting a diverse and dynamic team of researchers from across the globe, focusing on innovative ideas that build upon African values and strengths.
As part of this strategy, AHRI has designed a flexible approach to both student selection and scholarships that provide flexible entry into the program and allow for a balanced learning experience with opportunities to extend study beyond the two-year duration of the program.
AHRI is offering five Master of Science scholarships (one per year) for full-time study in any area of AHRI’s work program. The studentships will be tenable at any one of the following campuses: Amman, Nairobi, Dares Salaam, Cairo, Cape Town, Harare, Kampala, Lusaka, Monrovia, Windhoek, Botswana, or Ghana.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the Africa Health Research Institute MSc Scholarships:
This scholarship is open to those intending to pursue an MSc degree in any area of AHRI’s work program.
- Preference will be given to candidates who are able to study at least some of their time at the campuses where they would most like to spend their research studies.
- Applicants must base permanently in South Africa during the time of application;
- The candidates must also hold a valid passport during the period of application.
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with second class upper division and higher.
- Applicants who are selected for this award will have to fly to London to begin their studies.
- Applicants should apply before July 31st for full consideration.
- There is no particular preference for subject areas or universities in which applicants might prefer to study.
- Candidates should have excellent grades and show evidence of exceptional ability in their chosen field.
- Studentship recipients will receive financial support towards tuition fees and maintenance during their time at AHRI’s teaching campus
- Preference will be given to candidates who are able to study at least some of their time at the campuses where they would most like to spend their research studies.
Applications should include:
- A short CV outlining the educational background, previous employment, publications, honors, and prizes.
- Evidence of leadership potential or personal interest in Africa and development studies.
- One academic writing sample (1000-2500 words);
- the official scholarship provider must also submit Two letters of recommendation: 1 from a professor familiar with the applicant’s work; and 1 from an employer familiar with the applicant’s work (must be employed not friend). Letters should be sent directly to [email protected] Please specify your area of interest on the first page of your application.
Key Benefits of the Africa Health Research Institute MSc Scholarships:
The program provides fully-funded student bursaries and travel stipends for master’s level students from eligible African countries who will undertake a master’s degree program at one of our international centers in either Jordan, Egypt, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Nigeria, Cameroon, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Benin, Rwanda, or Angola.
Scholarships are provided for one year only and cannot be renewed. Scholars may reapply after two years if they wish to do so. How to Apply to Submit an online application for a place on a fully-funded MSc Scholarships course at one of our international centers in of the countries mentioned.
How to apply for the Africa Health Research Institute MSc Scholarships
You can submit an application for this scholarship using the following link
Nelson Mandela Friendship Scholarships in South Africa
Nelson Mandela Friendship Scholarships in South Africa are open to international students who are looking to pursue their undergraduate degrees at the University Of Cape Town (UCT). Applicants are required to have excellent academic credentials and possess a first-class or upper-second-class honors degree.
It is recommended that applicants should have been enrolled for at least two years before applying for the Nelson Mandela Fellowship. In addition, they should be financially sound, able to complete their studies, and must not be enrolled for more than two courses at UCT.
The scholarships will cover full tuition fees and the recipients will also receive a grant that covers living expenses for up to three years. The grant amount will vary from year to year depending on the need and cost of living in the country.
Successful applicants will be invited to take up a Master’s course at UCT, provided they have passed all entrance requirements and meet the English language requirements.
The Indian Institute of Governance and Leadership (IIGL) created under the Confederation of Young Leaders is providing for students over 51 scholarships to South Africans to pursue a Diploma Certificate Programme in International Affairs and Diplomacy under the IIGL Friendship Scholarship 2021 (IFS-2021).
These scholarships are awarded on a yearly basis and only one award per candidate is possible. Candidates should have previously applied for admission to the Diploma Certificate Programme in International Affairs and Diplomacy at the IIGL.
They should also be intending to study in South Africa at a recognized tertiary institution in 2021. Eligible candidates must have obtained a good Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized tertiary institution, as well as demonstrated leadership potential.
Nelson Mandela Friendship Selection criteria:
- Qualifications & references required: For international candidates – 3 references required; 2 references required for domestic candidates.
- Experience & relevant skills required: Relevant work experience or studies abroad or elsewhere is desirable.
- Candidate profile: Current working experience or studies abroad or elsewhere is desirable. The candidate must be aged between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. It is preferred that candidate holds an accredited Diploma qualification from a recognized institution of higher learning or professional training in international affairs or diplomacy.
- Candidates must be a permanent residents of South Africa;
- The applicants must be enrolled in one of the South African Universities;
- Applicants must have begun their studies or gained admission to begin their studies at Leiden University;
- The student must be committed to returning to South Africa immediately after their studies at Leiden University.
- Applications will not be considered unless these requirements are met.
Nelson Mandela Friendship Scholarship Benefits:
Tuition fee: the actual fee International travel costs: € 1000 Accommodation allowance: € 800 per month for a period of five months
The scholarship will also cover insurance coverage, transit fare, and residence permit fees for those living outside South Africa.
How to Apply Nelson Mandela Friendship
Students can apply for this scholarship by sending an official copy of their undergraduate degree transcripts, copies of any relevant qualifications, CV, passport details, as well as proof of funds, proof of citizenship, a statement on why they would like to study at UCT, and proof of health insurance.
Send your curriculum vitae (in pdf format) together with two recent color photographs (not more than 4MB each) and copies of relevant academic certificates, preferably officially certified by an internationally recognized accreditation agency.
Applications close on 10 August 2021 The 2022 recipient of the ANSTOSQPL grant will be selected on the basis of merit, relevance to the program, and personal suitability for the position, subject to funding availability.
Successful candidates will be notified by 15 September 2022 and asked to confirm their willingness to proceed by 1 October 2022 The closing date for applications is Friday, 10 August 2022
Applications can be submitted electronically via email: [email protected] For further information please contact Dr. Margareth Abraham (mail: [email protected]). Please quote reference number ANSTOSQPL/06521 on all correspondence. Any information given by you may be used for selection purposes only.
Students can also visit the official page for this scholarship via the following link:
HFG Foundation Young African Scholars Program 2022
HFG Foundation Young African Scholars Program is a scholarship award hosted once every two years by Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation for young scholars from Africa who wish to pursue higher education. The aim of the scholarship is to support ten scholars who have laid out projects relevant to the foundation’s interest in aggression and violence.
About the HFG Foundation Young African Scholars Program:
The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation established the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Young African Scholars Program (HFG YASP) in 2010 to strengthen relations between Africa and the United States by fostering intellectual dialogue between American and African scholars. The HFG YASP recognizes young African scholars for their dedication to understanding, analyzing, and addressing social issues of contemporary importance in Africa.
Since its inception, the HFG YASP has attracted over 60 outstanding scholars from sub-Saharan Africa, with many receiving subsequent awards. HFG YASP seeks to inspire new generations of young African scholars by nurturing research projects that aim to deepen their understanding of pressing social issues on the continent.
Hundreds of post-doctoral fellows and senior researchers from throughout the continent and beyond have taken part in the HFG YASP since its inception. To date, ten outstanding young scholars have been selected as recipients of the HFG YASP award.
Additionally, each awardee receives travel support to visit a laboratory or organization outside of the United States that focuses on their particular project area. Candidates may be proposed by either U.S. or African-based researchers; however, only one applicant per field will be awarded funding each year.
Value of HFG Foundation Young African Scholars Program:
- Creation of networks between young African scholars and American researchers;
- Research exchanges on vital social issues; · Publication opportunities for emerging scholars;
- Building an academic community that connects students and researchers across disciplines;
- Enabling international visibility for promising young scholars;
- Providing guidance to talented students on building successful careers in academia;
- Facilitating knowledge sharing among institutions in the United States and sub-Saharan Africa;
- Supporting high-level education in sub-Saharan Africa by giving access to advanced laboratories and other cutting-edge facilities in the United States;
- Attracting additional financial support from foreign sources for future research projects by expanding our institutional network of young African scholars.
- This program also includes funding for international research travel and international residencies for both junior and senior scholars. Each awardee receives $7,500 for one year of support and mentorship from U.S.-based researchers.
Who is Eligible to Apply for HFG Foundation Young African Scholars Program 2022?
Researchers under the age of 40 who are affiliated with any university or research institution located in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar, Burundi, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Angola, Burkina Faso, Benin, Senegal, Uganda, Rwanda, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Central African Republic, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Namibia, Gambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Sudan, DRCongo, Somalia, Djibouti, Sudan, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan, Syria, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Chad, Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, The Gambia, Benin, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Cameroon, Senegal, Morocco, Chad, Algeria, Djibouti, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Togo, Ethiopia, Liberia, Rwanda, Burundi, Central African Republic, Senegal, Chad, Mali, Angola, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Cameroon, The Gambia, Mali, Togo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Burundi, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Madagascar , Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia, etc.
How to apply for HFG Foundation Young African Scholars Program 2022:
Interested candidates are encouraged to ensure they meet the minimum requirements and also visit the official website to learn more about this award. The Official Scholarship Page
Top Yearly Scholarships in Canada for Africans
Over the years, Canada has become a favorite country for students from around the world especially those from developing countries in Africa. Canada is always open to helping students who cannot afford their studies in the country.
This country has opened many scholarship programs that support both permanent and temporary residents of African countries. The opportunities are available for all students irrespective of gender, religion, race, and financial background. Below are the best scholarships for Africans offered by in Canada:-
Top Yearly Scholarships in Canada for Africans
1. Ontario Leadership Development Program (OLDP) Scholarships:
The scholarship covers $20,000 over three years to pursue post-secondary studies in Ontario. This program supports young people between the ages of 18 and 30 who want to be actively involved in making a difference in their communities. They need to show that they have been engaged in leadership activities or community-based projects that reflect their skills and knowledge.
2. Co-operative Education Awards (CEA):
These awards are offered to high school students and those studying in undergraduate or graduate programs. This award offers funding of up to $5,000 per year for four years to study full-time at an accredited university or college. Students must demonstrate their commitment to volunteer or work experience related to their field of study. They also need to be able to demonstrate leadership qualities and achievements in community service or co-operative education programs.
3. MasterCard Foundation Scholarships, Canada:
The Mastercard foundation is one of the biggest student loan organizations in the world. It provides various forms of student loans including a private sector one that gives assistance to underprivileged people who are eligible for government financial aid.
4. International Leader of Tomorrow Undergraduate Scholarships:
The scholarship is open to outstanding undergraduates who have shown strong leadership potential and interest in civic engagement and volunteerism. The applicant needs to have an academic performance record of above 90% and demonstrated community service involvement. This scholarship is provided by a Canadian non-profit organization which awards scholarships annually to talented young people from developing countries who want to become leaders in their own communities.
5. ACI Foundation Scholarship in USA & Canada:
This award is available to both international and Canadian students studying at a recognized institution in the USA or Canada. It is given to applicants who show leadership skills, participation in social or volunteer activities, as well as a desire to work with others for the better ment of society. It offers $3,000 each year for two years for each student who has good leadership qualities and excellent academic qualifications.
6. University of Alberta Undergraduate Scholarships:
This award is offered to excellent undergraduate students from any nationality who wish to study at the University of Alberta. They need to be motivated, well-rounded, socially aware and display good leadership qualities.
7. Callaghan Innovation Undergraduate Fellowship:
This award is open to all high school students from all nationalities who are entering their first year of university or college. The successful applicant will receive a full tuition waiver for up to four years at a recognized university or college in Canada. Applicants should be able to demonstrate that they have exceptional talent and academic achievement, along with outstanding personal qualities and high motivation.
8. Vanier Canadian Graduate Scholarship:
This award is offered to graduate students from any nationalities who wish to study at the University of Ottawa in Canada. They need to be outstanding academics, motivated, community-minded and dedicated to public service. It provides full tuition support for two years for one student per year.
9. Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarships:
This award is offered to graduate students from any nationalities who wish to study at the University of Toronto in Canada. The successful applicant will receive a full tuition waiver for up to four years at a recognized university or college in Canada. Applicants should be outstanding academics, motivated, community-minded and dedicated to public service.
10. YMCA Full Tuition Scholarships:
This award is offered to high school students from any nationalities who wish to study at the University of Calgary in Canada. They need to be motivated, well-rounded, and socially aware and display good leadership qualities.
11. Humber College International Student Scholarships:
This award is offered to international students who are attending Humber College in Canada. The successful applicant will receive a full tuition waiver for up to four years at a recognized university or college in Canada. Applicants should be outstanding academics, motivated, community- minded and dedicated to public service.
12. Blue Skies Bursaries:
This award is offered to international students who are attending one of the Universities of New Brunswick in Canada. The successful applicant will receive a full tuition waiver for up to four years study program in the school.