Studying abroad is a dream for many African students but tuition, travel, and living expenses can make that dream seem out of reach. The good news? There are hundreds of scholarships available specifically for African students who want to study overseas.
Whether you’re planning to study in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or Europe, several universities, governments, and global organisations offer funding opportunities that can help you achieve your academic goals.
Here’s your complete guide to the top scholarships for African students and how to win them.
Why Scholarships Matter for African Students
For many international students, scholarships are more than financial aid, they’re pathways to quality education, global exposure, and career opportunities.
Scholarships can cover:
- Full or partial tuition fees
- Living expenses and accommodation
- Health insurance
- Travel allowances
- Research and internship support
These opportunities help students focus on learning rather than financial stress.
Top Scholarships for African Students to Study Abroad
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious UK government awards. It funds outstanding students for a one-year master’s degree in the UK.
Benefits: Full tuition, travel costs, and a monthly stipend.
Eligibility: Open to students from all African countries with at least two years of work experience and strong leadership potential.
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), this scholarship supports students from developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.
Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, and living allowance.
Fields: Development-related master’s programs such as public health, education, and technology.
3. Mandela Washington Fellowship (USA)
This flagship program by the U.S. government is designed for young African leaders aged 25–35. It offers academic and leadership training in U.S. universities.
Benefits: Fully funded short-term academic fellowship and leadership experience.
Focus Areas: Civic engagement, business, and public management.
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers generous funding to African students for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD studies in Germany.
Benefits: Full or partial tuition, monthly stipends, and travel costs.
Eligibility: Applicants must have strong academic backgrounds and meet language requirements (German or English, depending on the program).
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Partnered with universities in the USA, Canada, and Africa, this program supports academically talented but financially disadvantaged students.
Benefits: Full funding for tuition, accommodation, books, and living expenses.
Partner Universities Include: University of Toronto, University of Edinburgh, and African Leadership University.
6. Australia Awards Scholarships
These scholarships, funded by the Australian government, provide full financial support for African students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Benefits: Tuition, health insurance, living allowance, and return airfare.
Eligibility: Open to students from Sub-Saharan Africa with leadership potential and a commitment to return home after study.
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
Erasmus Mundus offers international students, including Africans, the chance to pursue joint master’s degrees across multiple European universities.
Benefits: Full tuition, travel, and living costs for 1–2 years.
Fields: Engineering, social sciences, and public policy, among others.
8. Lester B. Pearson Scholarship (Canada)
The University of Toronto’s Pearson Scholarship recognizes exceptional students with outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities.
Benefits: Full tuition, books, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Open to international students nominated by their high school.
9. African Union (AU) Scholarships
The African Union offers scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies at African universities under programs like PAU (Pan African University).
Benefits: Full scholarships covering tuition, accommodation, and stipends.
Goal: To encourage intra-African education and research collaboration.
How To Win These Scholarships
- Apply Early: Many scholarships close months before university admission deadlines.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement: Highlight your achievements, leadership, and how you plan to contribute to your country after graduation.
- Get Great Recommendations: Choose referees who know your academic and personal strengths well.
- Meet All Requirements: Double-check eligibility criteria e.g GPA, age, work experience, and English test scores.
- Stay Consistent: Even if you get rejected the first time, keep applying. Persistence pays off!
Many universities abroad offer automatic merit-based discounts or country-specific scholarships for African students.
Examples include:
- University of Nottingham Africa Postgraduate Excellence Award (UK)
- University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship (Canada)
- Monash University International Merit Scholarship (Australia)
These can significantly reduce your tuition fees, even if they’re not full scholarships.
Studying abroad is more achievable than ever for African students. With so many scholarships available, your background or finances shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dream degree overseas. All it takes is research, preparation, and determination.
At Kampus Group, we help students discover and apply to top universities, and make their study abroad journey smooth and successful.
FAQs
Q1. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes, you can. As long as you meet each scholarship’s eligibility requirements. However, if you win more than one, you may need to choose one to accept.
Q2. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to qualify for these scholarships?
Most scholarships for English-taught programs abroad require proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent exams.
Q3. Are there scholarships for undergraduate African students?
Absolutely! Programs like the Mastercard Foundation and Lester B. Pearson Scholarship support undergraduate students.
Q4. What are my chances of getting a full scholarship?
Full scholarships are highly competitive but not impossible. A strong academic record, leadership experience, and a clear study goal increase your chances.
Q5. Can I apply for scholarships after getting admission?
Yes. Some scholarships are tied to university admissions, while others require you to apply separately before or after receiving your offer letter.
