Top 10 International Scholarships for African Students

In recent years, scholarships tailored for African students have surged in popularity, coinciding with the continent’s rapid economic expansion. This trend reflects a growing desire among African students to pursue educational opportunities overseas. These scholarships offer a distinct avenue for accessing high-quality education and training, empowering Africa’s prospective leaders to effect positive change in their nations. Serving as investments in the continent’s future, scholarships for African students not only nurture talent but also present opportunities for individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

A plethora of scholarships catering to African students are accessible through diverse channels, such as government bodies, foundations, and private benefactors. These scholarships commonly encompass tuition fees and additional educational costs, and in certain cases, offer living allowances. While many scholarships prioritize financial need,  others also factor in academic excellence or alternative criteria. Some scholarships are tailored for students from specific countries or regions, whereas others extend to any African student who satisfies the eligibility criteria. With  an array of options at hand, there’s undoubtedly a scholarship suited to your requirements.

There are many scholarships available for African students seeking to pursue their studies at the international level and we will discuss them in this article. There are many scholarships for African students that do not require IELTS scores. There is no doubt that studying at an international level is an amazing experience for every student; however, the only problem that occurs here is the financial issue due to the high cost of studying abroad. There are numerous scholarships available to African students, which makes it possible for them to study abroad with ease. African students can take advantage of these scholarships to study in the UK, USA, Japan, as well as other countries without having to worry about the cost of their studies. There are some scholarships available for African students that are supported by international organizations while there are others that are sponsored by universities as well as governments of different countries.

#1 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program aims to shape the future leaders of Africa. This program is designed to provide financial assistance to students whose talent and promise exceed their financial resources. This program is based on a vision that education is a catalyst for social and economic change, thus developing leaders who are capable of fostering a sense of community among the participants and encouraging them to be active contributors to their communities.

You can find out more information, visit Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

#2 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by providing support to students who demonstrate leadership skills as well as high scholarly achievement in their graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and health fields. The students have the option of pursuing their master’s and doctoral degrees in a wide variety of academic fields with high-class universities in Canada, in almost every field.

You can find out more information, visit Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship

#3 Orange Knowledge Scholarship Programme in the Netherlands

The Orange Knowledge Scholarship Programme in the Netherlands is a government-funded scholarship program that offers capacity-building opportunities for professionals from developing countries. Orange Knowledge Scholarships are available for a variety of different programs, and they are a great way to fund your education The program covers the costs of tuition, course materials, travel, insurance, and living expenses. It is open to mid-career professionals working in the fields of agriculture, water, and sanitation, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, or social protection. The Orange Knowledge Scholarship Programme in the Netherlands is an excellent opportunity for professionals to gain the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to the development of their home countries.

You can find out more information, visit OKP Netherlands Government Scholarship (Fully Funded)

#4 Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

The Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships are available to applicants from least developed, low-income, and lower-middle-income Commonwealth countries for part-time study at a UK university through distance learning on selected courses offered by UK universities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funds these scholarships to help international students further their education.

You can find out more information, visit Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships UK (Fully Funded)

#5 University of Birmingham Outstanding Achievement Scholarship Nigeria

This scholarship provided by the University of Birmingham enables Nigerian students to pursue further studies at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. The scholarships will be awarded to the most outstanding students starting their university studies at the University of Birmingham in the academic year 2022/23. Applicants are welcome to apply for an undergraduate degree in the fields of Arts and Law, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Life and Environmental Sciences, Medical, and Dental Sciences, and Social Sciences.

You can find out more information, visit the University of Birmingham Outstanding Achievement Scholarship 

#6 American University Merit Scholarship Awards Program

American University is committed to enrolling a diverse student body from all over the world. We are proud to offer merit-based scholarships to outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to service. American University Merit Scholarships for International Students cover up to 100% of tuition and are renewable for four years. American University is dedicated to providing an education that prepares our students for success in their careers and in their communities. We are proud to welcome international students to American University and look forward to supporting them as they pursue their educational goals.

You can find out more information, visit American University Merit Scholarships

#7 Margaret McNamara Education Grants for African Students

Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG) is a program that provides education grants to women from developing countries who are enrolled in accredited institutions of higher education. Margaret McNamara was a World Bank employee who devoted her life to empowering women and girls around the world through education. The Margaret McNamara Education Grants for African Students was created in her memory and is funded by donations from World Bank employees, private individuals, and foundations. Grant recipients have used their MMEGs to pursue degrees in fields such as engineering, agronomy, architecture, finance, and public health. They have gone on to work in a variety of sectors, including government, NGOs, the private sector, and academia. The Margaret McNamara Education Grants for African Students provides opportunities for women from developing countries to pursue their dreams and contribute to the advancement of their home countries.

You can find out more information, visit Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)

#8 Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program

The Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to enable scholars to make a meaningful impact within their institutions and communities. Through this program, Scholars are equipped with key leadership skills, allowing them to develop values vital for Engaged Leaders, such as involvement with a variety of perspectives, service to the community, audacity, and innovation. Each year, scholars are selected and are provided with leadership training in the context of Brave Spaces as well as generous scholarship funding to enable them to pursue their academic studies.

You can find out more information, visit Trudeau Foundation Scholarship Program

#9 Swedish Institute Scholarships Program for Global Professionals

Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals are intended to develop future global leaders who will contribute to the worldwide implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Candidates should be able to clearly articulate how their education will contribute to the sustainable development of their home countries and regions. The scholarship is awarded for full-time, one- or two-year master’s degree programs, and is funded by the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The best way to have a successful application is to ensure that you are eligible, that you have completed all required steps of the process, and that you have all the information you need to finalize your application.

You can find out more information, visit Swedish Institute Scholarship Program in Sweden (Fully Funded)

#10 Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program at Stanford University

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program in the USA is the largest fully funded scholarship program in the world, offering up to 100 high-achieving students full funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford University. The program is designed to develop a multidisciplinary community of leaders who will solve the world’s most complex problems. Knight-Hennessy Scholars are selected based on their demonstrated leadership potential, academic excellence, and capacity to have a positive impact on society. The program covers tuition, room and board, travel expenses, and personal costs for up to four years of study. Knight-Hennessy Scholars also receive mentorship, leadership development opportunities, and access to a network of scholars from around the world.

You can find out more about  Knight Hennessy Scholarship Program

Osin David

Osin David

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