Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students – 2025/2026

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for changing the world, and fully funded scholarships are making this transformation possible for many African students.

Securing a fully funded scholarship is competitive, but not impossible. Here are tips to strengthen your application:

• Start Early: Research deadlines and eligibility months in advance.

• Tailor Every Application: Customize your essays and CV for each scholarship.

• Get Strong References: Choose referees who know your academic or leadership qualities well.

• Proofread Everything: Errors in writing show carelessness—have someone review your applications.

• Apply Widely: Don’t just wait for the most popular awards; apply to at least 5–7 programs per year.

List of Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve compiled the top 10 fully funded scholarships for African students for the 2025/2026 academic year, including official links, eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines.

These scholarships cover tuition fees, living stipends, travel, and even insurance, providing access to world-class education without financial barriers.

1. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom

The Chevening Scholarship is a flagship UK government program that offers fully funded one-year Master’s degrees at any UK university. It is open to exceptional professionals with leadership potential from over 160 countries, including every African nation.

Host Country: United Kingdom
Study Level: Master’s Degree (1 year)
Fields of Study: Any eligible postgraduate program at a UK university

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country in Africa

• Have an undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK 2:1)

• Minimum 2 years of work experience

• Return to home country for a minimum of 2 years after the award ends

• Apply to three eligible UK university courses

What It Covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipend (~£1,300/month)

• Travel costs to and from the UK

• Visa application fees

• Travel allowance for attending Chevening events

Application Process:

1. Choose 3 eligible UK Master’s courses

2. Complete the online application via the Chevening portal

3. Submit documents: academic transcripts, reference letters, and essays on leadership & networking

4. Attend an interview at the British Embassy (if shortlisted)

Official Website & Apply Link: https://www.chevening.org/apply

2. DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme – Germany

The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme is a prestigious scholarship that supports future leaders in politics, law, and economics from developing countries—including African nations—offering fully funded Master’s degrees in public policy and good governance.

Host Country: Germany
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Eligible Fields: Public policy, development, law, economics, administration

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be from a developing country (most African countries qualify)

• Hold a university degree with above-average results

• Demonstrated leadership interest or experience in governance, civil service, etc.

• No more than 6 years since the last degree

What It Covers:

• Full tuition coverage

• Monthly stipend: €934

• Health insurance in Germany

• Round-trip travel

• Preparatory German language course (6 months)

• Research allowance

Partner Universities:

• University of Erfurt

• University of Duisburg-Essen

• University of Applied Sciences Osnabrück

• University of Passau

• Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg

Application Process:

1. Choose up to 2 Master’s programs

2. Submit required documents (CV, letter of motivation, references, degree certificate)

3. Applications are submitted directly to the universities, not to DAAD

Official Website & Apply Link:
https://www.daad.de/en/scholarship/helmut-schmidt-programme/

3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program – Multiple Countries

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners with top universities in Africa, Europe, and North America to provide fully funded undergraduate and postgraduate education to bright but disadvantaged African youth.

Host Universities Include:

• University of Cape Town (South Africa)

• American University of Beirut (Lebanon)

• University of Edinburgh (UK)

• McGill University & University of Toronto (Canada)

• Sciences Po (France)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of an African country

• Demonstrated academic talent and leadership potential

• Economically disadvantaged background

• Commitment to giving back to the community

What It Covers:

• Tuition and fees

• Full accommodation

• Books, laptop, and learning supplies

• Monthly living stipend

• Travel costs

• Support for transition into employment

Application Process:

• Applications are made directly to partner institutions, each with its own process.

• Most applications require essays, transcripts, and financial verification.

Official Website (for university-specific links):
https://mastercardfoundation.org/all/scholars/

Deadline for 2025/2026:
Varies by university; typically between September and January.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships

Overview:
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) are prestigious, integrated programs delivered by consortia of top European universities. They provide fully funded scholarships to students worldwide, including Africans, for 1–2 year master’s programs in diverse academic fields.

Host Countries: Multiple European countries
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Fields of Study: Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Economics, Social Sciences, Data Science, etc.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a European undergraduate degree

• Academic excellence and leadership potential

• Relevant background or work experience (depends on program)

• No prior benefit from Erasmus Mundus funding

What the Scholarship Covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly living stipend (€1,000–€1,500 depending on the country)

• Travel allowance

• Installation costs

• Health insurance

Application Process:

1. Visit the Erasmus Mundus catalogue and choose a relevant program

2. Apply directly through the program’s official portal

3. Submit all required documents (CV, academic transcripts, motivation letter, language test scores, references)

4. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for further steps

Official Website: https://education.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-plus/scholarships

5. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)

Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank, this scholarship supports students from developing countries, including many African nations, to pursue master’s degrees in development-related fields.

Host Countries: USA, UK, Netherlands, Japan, Australia, France, etc.
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Fields of Study: Development Policy, Economics, Public Administration, Health, Infrastructure, and Environment

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a national of a World Bank member developing country

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree earned at least 3 years before the application

• Have 3+ years of paid development-related work experience

• Not be employed by the World Bank or its affiliates

• Be admitted to a participating university master’s program

What the Scholarship Covers:

• Full tuition

• Monthly stipend (about $1,000–$1,500)

• Round-trip airfare

• Books and travel allowance

• Health insurance

Application Process:

1. Apply to one or more participating master’s programs

2. After receiving admission, submit your JJ/WBGSP application online

3. Include academic credentials, work proof, development essays, and references

Official Website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships#jjwbgsp

6. African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scholarships for Scientific Excellence

The AU Kwame Nkrumah Program promotes science and innovation across Africa by supporting students pursuing postgraduate studies in science, technology, and innovation. It’s named after Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a pioneer in Pan-Africanism.

Host Countries: African countries (at AU-accredited universities)
Study Level: Master’s and PhD
Fields of Study: Agriculture, Energy, Health Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Environmental Science

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a citizen of an African Union member state

• Hold a relevant bachelor’s degree (for master’s applicants) or master’s degree (for PhD applicants)

• Demonstrated academic excellence and commitment to research

• Female candidates and underrepresented regions are strongly encouraged

What the Scholarship Covers:

• Tuition fees

• Monthly stipend

• Research support

• Travel and accommodation (for conferences or fieldwork)

Application Process:

1. Prepare a research proposal aligned with AU’s Agenda 2063

2. Secure admission into an African institution for a qualifying program

3. Apply through the African Union’s scholarship platform with supporting documents

Official Website: https://au.int/en/education/scholarships

7. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is one of Africa’s most prestigious scholarship programs. It offers full funding for postgraduate studies in South Africa, combined with a leadership development program based on Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

Host Country: South Africa
Study Level: Honours or Master’s degree (1–2 years)
Fields of Study: Any discipline offered by accredited South African universities

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a citizen of any African country

• Be under the age of 30 at the time of application

• Hold a bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance

• Demonstrated leadership potential and community involvement

What the Scholarship Covers:

• Tuition and registration fees

• Study materials and allowances

• Accommodation and meals

• Personal allowance

• Medical aid

• Economy-class travel to and from South Africa

• Participation in the MRF leadership training and mentorship program

Application Process:

1. Apply online through the Mandela Rhodes Foundation portal

2. Provide academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation

3. If shortlisted, participate in interviews and leadership assessments

Official Website: https://mandelarhodes.org

8. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)

The Swedish Institute offers the SISGP scholarships to outstanding international students—including from African countries—to pursue full-time Master’s degrees in Sweden.

Host Country: Sweden
Study Level: Master’s Degree (1–2 years)
Fields of Study: Over 600 English-taught master’s programs, including technology, health, business, sustainability, and education

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of an eligible country (most African nations are included)

• Have completed at least 3,000 hours of work experience

• Demonstrated leadership experience through employment, voluntary work, or other engagements

• Admitted to an eligible Swedish university by April 2025

What the Scholarship Covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly living allowance (SEK 12,000)

• Travel grant to and from Sweden

• Insurance coverage

• Exclusive membership in the Swedish Institute alumni network

Application Process:

1. Apply to a Swedish university and get admitted

2. Submit a separate scholarship application via the SI portal

3. Include motivation letter, CV, proof of work experience, and leadership activities

Official Website: https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/

9. Australia Awards Africa Program

Funded by the Australian Government, this scholarship supports African professionals to pursue postgraduate degrees in priority development sectors at Australian universities.

Host Country: Australia
Study Level: Master’s Degree
Fields of Study: Agriculture, Environment, Public Health, Education, Governance, and more (based on country priority areas)

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a citizen of an eligible African country

• Possess at least 2 years of relevant work experience

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree and meet Australian university entry requirements

• Be committed to returning home and contributing to development

What the Scholarship Covers:

• Full tuition fees

• Return economy airfare

• Establishment allowance

• Living expenses (stipend)

• Introductory academic program

• Health insurance and support services

Application Process:

1. Review country-specific criteria via the Australia Awards Africa portal

2. Submit an online application and all supporting documents

3. Attend pre-selection briefings and possibly interviews

Official Website:
https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/africa

10. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of highly competitive postgraduate scholarships each year to outstanding students from developing countries—including many African nations—who have no other means of financing their studies.

Host Countries: Any country (for top universities only)
Study Level: Master’s and PhD (some exceptions for undergrad in special cases)
Fields of Study: Open to all fields but preference for development-related fields like education, health, housing, infrastructure, and environment

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a citizen of a country where the Aga Khan Foundation operates (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Egypt, Madagascar)

• Outstanding academic record

• Genuine financial need

• Admission to a reputable university

• Age limit is usually under 30 years

What the Scholarship Covers:

• 50% grant and 50% loan (interest-free, repayable over 5 years)

• Covers tuition fees and living expenses

• Does not cover international travel, clothing, or family expenses

Application Process:

1. Download application form from your local Aga Khan Education Services office

2. Submit completed forms with transcripts, recommendation letters, admission letters, CV, and financial data

3. If shortlisted, attend an interview with local scholarship committee

Important Notes:

• Preference is given to Master’s level applicants

• PhD funding is only available for exceptional cases

Official Website:
https://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme

Related:

• 📝 How to Write a Great Motivation Letter for Scholarships
• 🌍 Study Abroad Checklist for African Students

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