Many African students dream of studying in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, or Europe. But for most, money becomes the biggest barrier. The good news is—there are many fully funded scholarships out there just for African students.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the best scholarships for African students to study abroad, how to apply, and what they offer.
1. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
This is one of the biggest scholarships for African students. It partners with top universities around the world.
What it offers:
- Full tuition
- Travel costs
- Accommodation
- Books and supplies
- Personal support (mentorship and leadership training)
Partner universities include:
- University of Edinburgh (UK)
- McGill University (Canada)
- Sciences Po (France)
- University of Cape Town (South Africa)
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The UK government offers fully funded scholarships to outstanding students from Africa and other countries.
What it covers:
- Tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel to and from the UK
- Visa costs
It’s for master’s degrees at any UK university.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports students from developing countries, including many in Africa.
What’s included:
- Full or partial tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Travel and insurance support
Programs are available for both master’s and PhD degrees in fields like engineering, agriculture, public health, and social sciences.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
This scholarship helps African students pursue graduate studies in the United States.
It offers:
- Tuition and fees
- Living stipend
- Airfare
- Health insurance
It’s highly competitive and focuses on academic excellence and leadership.
5. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship is for students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including many in Africa.
What it covers:
- Full tuition
- Living allowance
- Travel expenses
Available for master’s and PhD programs in various UK universities.
6. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
Sweden offers scholarships for African students through the Swedish Institute.
Benefits:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Insurance
- Travel grant
It’s available for master’s programs in Swedish universities.
7. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
This scholarship supports students who want to study a joint master’s degree in multiple European countries.
It covers:
- Full tuition
- Travel and installation allowance
- Monthly stipend
You’ll get a European degree and study in at least two countries.
8. African Union Scholarships
The African Union offers scholarships for African students to study both within Africa and abroad.
They are mostly for:
- STEM fields
- Young women and girls
- Postgraduate degrees
9. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (South Africa)
For African students who want to pursue postgraduate studies in South Africa, this scholarship focuses on leadership and community impact.
Covers:
- Tuition
- Books and materials
- Living allowance
- Travel
It is only for study in South Africa but welcomes students from all over the continent.
10. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)
This scholarship is for students from developing countries, including African nations, who want to study in Belgium.
What it offers:
- Full tuition
- Travel and insurance
- Living expenses
Programs focus on sustainable development, health, agriculture, and more.
Tips to Win These Scholarships
- Start early – Most deadlines are 6–12 months before the program starts.
- Follow instructions – Read the application rules carefully.
- Write a strong personal statement – Show your goals, passion, and leadership.
- Get recommendation letters – Ask your teachers or employers early.
- Keep trying – Apply for more than one scholarship.
FAQs – Scholarships for African Students
1. Can African students get fully funded scholarships?
Yes, many scholarships are 100% fully funded including tuition, travel, and living costs.
2. Which countries give the most scholarships to Africans?
Top countries include UK, USA, Germany, Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
3. Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for these scholarships?
Some scholarships require English tests, but not all. Some programs accept other proof of English like a letter from your university.
4. Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes! You should apply to as many as possible to improve your chances.
5. Do I have to return to my country after I finish studying?
Some scholarships require this (like Chevening and Mastercard). Always read the terms before applying.
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad is possible, even if you don’t have much money. These scholarships are created to support talented African students like you. All it takes is research, strong applications, and a little persistence.
Start today, pick the right scholarships for your goals, and go for it—you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
