Applications are open for bachelors and masters Fully Funded scholarships for Africa students to study abroad every year. These scholarships are offered by institutions and organizations in Africa and around the world. Africa is growing and this has created more funding opportunities that must be made available so that Africans, young and old, can make a difference in their communities that knowledge from their surroundings provides.
As Africa nears the forefront of significant global economic growth, scholarships for Africans have increased dramatically to help young people across the continent gain knowledge and skills in American institutions that can be applied in their home countries to achieve success. With 62% of the African population under the age of 25 and more than 2.2 million young people entering the workforce in the next five years, Africa is the smallest continent in the world. Also, Africa experienced an economic boom in the past decade as manufacturing, banking, agricultural and telecommunications industries flourished. Read on to find out more about 25 amazing scholarships available to cut costs for African students studying at universities in the United States to continue the continent’s path towards development.
Nowadays, African students can easily study abroad as there are many scholarships for Africans. These scholarships allow African students to study in the UK, USA, Japan, and other countries without worrying about the cost involved. Some scholarships for Africans are supported by international organizations while others are sponsored by various universities and governments.
Fully Funded scholarships for Africa in 2021
• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
This scholarship program is open to students from selected developing countries in Africa and Asia. It is provided for postgraduate studies only. Preferred Masters but PhD students. Students can apply as well. Scholarships are awarded in the form of a 50% grant: on a 50% loan basis. The main criteria for student selection for the scholarship are excellent academic records, financial need, admission to a reputable institution, and specialization in one of the areas of focus of the Aga Khan Development Network. Applications are accepted through the local Aga Khan Foundation, the Aga Khan Education Board and the Aga Khan Education Services. You may visit the Aga Khan Foundation website for more information.
• Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
This program aims to develop young African leaders. It provides them with the opportunity to complete academic coursework and leadership training in the United States. Only African citizens are taken into consideration in this fellowship program. Fellows are selected based on their leadership record, commitment to community service, ability to work in diverse groups, social communication skills, positive attitude, and commitment to return to Africa and benefit their community after the program ends. More information is available on the website for this program.
• African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Program
In line with Nelson Mandela’s vision of equality and social justice, this program allows people from sub-Saharan Africa to study in Canada. Through this scholarship, students are supported to pursue a Masters degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, and Public Finance in Canada. Aside from the academic component, which is to complete a one or two-year master’s degree in the fields mentioned in Canada, the program has a professional development component. This includes case study development, mentoring by an expert, participation in webinars, and developing a professional development plan. For more information, please visit the website of the Canadian Bureau of International Education.
• Ibrahim Scholarships
The Mohamed Ibrahim Foundation is offering scholarships for Africans so that they can study in various prestigious institutes abroad and become leaders of the future. The goal is to develop future African leaders in selected disciplines. These scholarships are for studies at London Business School, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Birmingham, and Chatham House. Specific programs at these institutions are supported by scholarships. Scholarships are awarded to African citizens only. For more details, visit the Mo Ibrahim Foundation website,
• Chevening scholarships
Chevening Scholarships are offered to students to study in the United Kingdom. Only nationals of Chevening eligible countries can apply for the scholarships. Among these African countries, many African students are also eligible to apply. Students can apply for these scholarships to study for a one-year master’s degree at any university in the UK. These are fully funded scholarships which cover tuition fees, travel costs, arrival and departure allowances in addition to the cost of the visa application. Scholars are awarded a monthly stipend as well. If you are interested, go to the Chevening website and check if you are eligible. You can also contact the British High Commission or the embassy in your country for details.
• Australia Award Scholarships
These are awarded to students from African countries that are eligible to study in Australia. They are intended for postgraduate studies only. To be eligible, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience, proficiency in the English language, and a clear vision of how the studies can be used to advance policy reform in their home country. Successful applicants will receive travel costs, visa expenses, tuition fees, contributions to living expenses, student health coverage, and more. For more information, you can visit the Australian Government website for international students.
• Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program
The Stanford University Africa MBA Fellowship Program is intended for African citizens who wish to pursue an MBA at Stanford University. It provides tuition and fees associated with MBA studies at Stanford University. Applicants are selected based on intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, personal qualities and contributions. Financial need is also taken into consideration when selecting colleagues. Fellows are also required to return to their home country once the MBA ends as the aim of this program is to support development in African countries. For more information about the Stanford University Africa MBA Fellowship Program and other forms of financial aid available for studies at Stanford University, visit the university’s website.
• Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program
This is a joint initiative between the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japan. Through the program, outstanding African postgraduate students are provided with two-year scholarships to study for a master’s degree within Africa or Japan. It is open to citizens of African Development Bank member countries, who have professional experience and a track record in supporting development efforts in their country. Scholarship holders are provided with tuition fees, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance.
• The Beit Trust Scholarships
These are Postgraduate Scholarships offered by The Beit Trust for studies in the UK or South Africa. Students from Zimbabwe, Malawi or Zambia can apply for these scholarships to study for a master’s degree. The fund has a partnership with 7 reputable UK universities and 4 well-known institutions in South Africa which allows them to share costs and fund more scholarships. Applicants must first be selected by the partner universities and then apply for these scholarships. More details on eligibility and application procedures are available on the Beit Trust.