Scholarships provide African students with opportunities to pursue their education at universities, colleges and other recognised institutions without bearing the full cost of tuition and related expenses. These opportunities are available to students seeking undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and other specialised training programmes in Africa and abroad. Depending on the scholarship, successful applicants may receive full or partial tuition coverage, monthly stipends, accommodation, travel allowances, health insurance and other educational benefits.
Scholarship Opportunities for African Students
Scholarship opportunities for African students are offered by governments, universities, international organisations, private companies, charitable foundations and non-governmental organisations. Some programmes are designed specifically for students from particular African countries, while others accept applications from eligible candidates across the continent. Popular options include government-funded scholarships, university merit awards, need-based financial aid, research grants and scholarships supporting specific academic disciplines such as science, technology, engineering, medicine, agriculture and business.
African students can explore scholarships offered by the Federal Government, state governments, universities, international development organisations and foreign governments. African students may also qualify for international programmes such as the Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships and selected opportunities offered by the Mastercard Foundation. However, each programme has its own eligibility criteria, participating institutions, eligible countries and application schedule. Applicants should consult the official scholarship website to confirm whether their nationality and intended course of study qualify.
Scholarship requirements commonly include academic qualifications, minimum grades or a specified cumulative grade point average (CGPA), proof of admission or an application to an eligible institution, academic transcripts and recommendation letters. Depending on the programme, applicants may also need a personal statement, research proposal, evidence of financial need, proof of English-language proficiency or relevant work experience. Some scholarships prioritise academic excellence, while others consider leadership potential, community involvement, financial circumstances or a commitment to contributing to development in Africa.
Application deadlines vary considerably. Some scholarship programmes accept applications annually, while others open several times a year or follow the admission calendar of participating universities. Students should begin preparing early, check the application timeline and ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly. Applying before the deadline is essential, as late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
Applicants should also exercise caution when searching for scholarship opportunities online. Genuine scholarship providers publish eligibility requirements, application procedures and relevant deadlines through official channels. Students should be wary of individuals or websites demanding suspicious payments in exchange for guaranteed scholarships. Where application or examination fees apply, these should be verified directly with the official provider.
EducationNGR shares information about scholarship opportunities that may help Nigerian students and other Africans identify suitable funding options for their education. Applicants should verify the latest details on the official scholarship websites, as funding conditions, eligibility requirements and application dates may change from one application cycle to another.
List of Ongoing Scholarship Opportunities for African Students: Eligibility, Deadline and How to Apply
AUC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme 2027
Applications are open for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the American University in Cairo (AUC), offering eligible African graduates financial support to pursue postgraduate studies. The scholarship targets talented young Africans with financial need and combines academic funding with leadership development activities, workshops and fieldwork. The application deadline is 2 November 2026.
Selected scholars will receive tuition support covering nine credits per semester, stipends during the autumn and spring semesters, a laptop, and payment of student services, activities, medical services and health insurance fees. Other benefits include university accommodation for students living outside Cairo, an AUC bus subscription or travel allowance, and return airfare for scholars residing outside Egypt. The programme may also cover remedial or intensive English courses, provide additional research, publication and conference funding for eligible scholars, and support special software subscriptions or IT purchases for scholars with disabilities.
Applicants must be citizens of at least one African country and currently reside in an African country. They must be aged 35 or younger, applying for a graduate degree for the first time, and must not be transfer students. Candidates are also required to hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent, meet AUC’s graduate admission requirements and demonstrate financial need.
Interested candidates should first review the AUC graduate admission guidance and submit an application through the AUC online application portal. Applicants must also complete the separate Mastercard Foundation Scholars online application. Further details about the scholarship and its requirements are available on the official AUC scholarship page. The application deadline is 2 November 2026.
ALCHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme 2027
The African Leadership College of Higher Education (ALCHE) is accepting applications for its 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, offering fully funded scholarships to students who demonstrate financial need, academic ability and leadership potential. The award covers full tuition and provides additional financial support throughout the scholar’s studies. Applicants must first secure admission to ALCHE before proceeding with the scholarship application.
The scholarship targets academically capable students who cannot afford the college’s tuition, even with other available financial assistance. Applicants must provide official documents demonstrating financial need and significant socio-economic disadvantage. They must also meet ALCHE’s admission requirements, including strong national examination results of at least a B average, and demonstrate leadership potential, community involvement and a commitment to contributing to society.
Applicants must be eligible to study in Mauritius, either as Mauritian citizens or individuals who qualify for a student residence permit. Female applicants, people with physical or learning disabilities, and candidates aged 26 or below are particularly encouraged to apply. These are priority groups and do not automatically exclude other eligible candidates.
Interested applicants should first review the ALCHE admission requirements and submit an admission application. Those who meet the admission conditions can then complete the Mastercard Foundation scholarship application form. The form requires household income and personal information, details of previous education financing, essays and videos on selected themes, referral letters from respected community members, and supporting documents to verify the information provided. Further details are available on the official ALCHE Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme page.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Sciences Po 2027
Applications are open for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at Sciences Po, offering eligible African students comprehensive financial support to pursue a two-year master’s degree. The scholarship covers the full financial needs of selected scholars and provides support throughout their studies. The application deadline is 14 December 2026.
Applicants must be citizens of an African country and must not hold citizenship of a country outside Africa. Candidates must also be under 35 years old on 1 September of the year they apply, must not already hold or be pursuing a master’s degree, and must be applying to the programme for the first time. Applicants must not be currently enrolled at Sciences Po or studying at, or have graduated from, a French higher education institution.
Candidates must have completed or be completing a bachelor’s degree and meet at least one of three eligibility routes: studying at an institution on the approved reference institutions list; participating in a recognised bridge or mentoring programme offered by an approved organisation; or having current or previous refugee status recognised by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Applicants must provide proof of identity, such as a passport, national identity card, UNHCR card or travel document. Academic documentation depends on the eligibility route: applicants from listed universities must submit a degree certificate or proof of current undergraduate enrolment; bridge programme applicants must provide bachelor’s degree evidence and a certificate confirming completion of a recognised programme; while refugee applicants must provide bachelor’s degree evidence and documents confirming their refugee status.
Interested candidates should begin their applications through the Sciences Po scholarship application platform. Further details about the scholarship, eligibility and application process are available on the official Sciences Po scholarship page. The application deadline is 14 December 2026.
Awareness Africa Education Fund 2026/2027 University Scholarship
The Awareness Africa Education Fund has opened applications for its 2026/2027 University Scholarship, offering ₦500,000 in financial assistance to a Nigerian student beginning undergraduate studies at a federal or state university. The need-based scholarship is designed to support a newly admitted student who requires financial assistance to pursue higher education.
The successful applicant will receive ₦500,000 to cover university tuition and other education-related expenses. The award is intended for students entering university for the first time in the 2026/2027 academic session and who face financial challenges in meeting the cost of their education.
To qualify, applicants must be newly admitted, first-time undergraduates at a Nigerian federal or state university for the 2026/2027 academic session. Candidates must demonstrate genuine financial need, must not be receiving external financial support and must be willing to provide accurate information and the required supporting documents through the application form.
Interested and eligible students should complete the official Awareness Africa University Scholarship application form and submit the required information before the deadline. Applications close on Saturday, 31 October 2026. Candidates are advised to confirm that they meet all the eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the closing date.
University of Southern Denmark Scholarship 2027 for International Students
The Government of Denmark Scholarship at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) offers academically outstanding international students an opportunity to pursue selected Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Denmark. The scholarship is available to eligible students from countries outside the EU/EEA and provides a full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the approved programme. Application deadlines vary by programme, so candidates should confirm the relevant date before applying.
Successful applicants receive a tuition fee waiver covering up to three years for eligible Bachelor’s programmes or two years for eligible Master’s programmes. However, the scholarship does not automatically cover living expenses, accommodation, travel or other personal costs. Applicants must meet the academic and admission requirements for their chosen programme, satisfy English-language and immigration requirements, and submit a complete admission application by the applicable deadline. Those eligible to receive the Danish State Grant are not eligible for this scholarship.
Master’s applicants may need to provide a Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts, course descriptions, proof of English-language proficiency, an application deposit fee receipt and a self-assessment form for Electronics and Mechatronics applicants, where applicable. Academic documents must be in English, Danish, Swedish or Norwegian and include grades and ECTS credits or equivalent course units. Requirements may differ for Bachelor’s applicants, so candidates should consult their chosen programme’s admission page.
How to apply: Visit the official University of Southern Denmark scholarship website and select an eligible Bachelor’s or Master’s programme. Review the admission requirements, prepare the required documents and submit an admission application before the programme-specific deadline. Eligible applicants are considered for the scholarship through their admission application, so a separate scholarship application is not required. Selection is competitive and follows the university’s criteria.
Texas Tech University Petroleum Engineering PhD Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded
Texas Tech University in the United States is recruiting four PhD researchers in Petroleum Engineering for Spring 2027 through its Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering. The fully funded assistantships provide tuition support, a living stipend and access to advanced research facilities. The application deadline is 11 January 2027.
The research will focus on Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), covering reactive transport in porous and fractured media, multiphase flow, subsurface fluid–rock interactions, and CO₂ mineralisation for oil recovery and geological carbon storage. Research activities will combine laboratory experiments, numerical simulations and reservoir-scale modelling, with potential opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and national laboratories.
Applicants should have a strong academic background in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, geochemistry or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred. Candidates should prepare a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts and English language test results, if applicable. The exact stipend amount, funding duration and other conditions should be confirmed with the recruiting researcher.
How to apply: Submit the required documents through the recruiting researcher’s application link. Applicants should also review the Texas Tech Petroleum Engineering graduate admissions page for formal PhD admission requirements. The stated deadline is 11 January 2027.
University of Sydney 2027 International Undergraduate Scholarship
The University of Sydney, Australia, is offering the Sydney International Undergraduate Scholarship to eligible international students seeking to pursue undergraduate studies for the 2027 academic year. The scholarship provides full coverage of tuition fees and the Student Services Amenities Fee for the published duration of an eligible degree, up to a maximum of four years of full-time study.
To qualify, applicants must be international students under Australia’s Higher Education Support Act 2003 and must have applied for, but not yet commenced, an eligible single undergraduate coursework degree at the University of Sydney when the scholarship is awarded. The degree, which may include embedded honours, must have a maximum duration of four years. Applicants must enrol full-time, must not be commencing a second degree at the university, and must not have previously undertaken tertiary studies, excluding extension studies completed as part of a Year 12 programme.
Applicants must also have completed secondary school or a foundation programme in Australia, or through a foundation partner recognised by the University of Sydney. Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and dual citizens holding Australian citizenship are not eligible. Only applicants pursuing eligible undergraduate courses will be considered for the scholarship.
The application deadline is 15 November 2026. Interested students should review the eligibility requirements and eligible courses before applying. For further details and application instructions, visit the official University of Sydney website.
University of Twente Scholarship 2027 in the Netherlands
The University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) 2027 offers academically outstanding international students an opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. The merit-based scholarship provides financial awards ranging from €3,000 to €22,000 for one year, depending on the award granted. The application deadline is 1 April 2027, and eligible applicants must be seeking admission to a Master’s programme starting in September 2027.
The scholarship is open to non-EU/EEA students who have received conditional or full admission to an eligible Master’s programme and obtained a University of Twente student number. Applicants are expected to rank among approximately the top 5–10% of their graduating class, meet the university’s English-language requirements, including Academic IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 with the required speaking score, and satisfy the applicable visa requirements. Candidates must also meet the scholarship’s other eligibility conditions, including not being eligible for a Dutch student loan or having graduated from a previous University of Twente programme.
Successful applicants may receive between €3,000 and €22,000 for one year. Students enrolled in eligible two-year Master’s programmes may qualify for additional funding for the second year, subject to academic progress requirements. To qualify for continued funding, students must achieve an average grade of at least 7 out of 10 and earn at least 50% of their European Credits by the end of the third quartile of the first year. The UTS is a partial scholarship, not a fully funded award, so recipients must cover any remaining tuition fees, accommodation, travel and living expenses themselves. Current University of Twente students, pre-Master’s students and applicants to specified programmes, including those at the Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), are excluded.
Interested applicants should first apply for an eligible Master’s programme at the University of Twente and obtain their admission decision and student number. They must then submit a separate application for the scholarship through the official university portal. Applicants are advised to review the eligible programmes, full selection criteria and funding conditions before applying. Deadline: 1 April 2027. Apply Now
University of Edinburgh 2027 E5 Fully Funded PhD Scholarship
The University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom is inviting applications for its 2027 E5 Doctoral Training Partnership (E5 DTP) studentships, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The programme welcomes eligible applicants from the UK and other countries for doctoral research addressing environmental challenges through interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. The application deadline is 2 December 2026.
Successful applicants may receive up to four years of funding, including an annual stipend of £21,805 at the stated 2026/2027 UKRI rate, eligible tuition fees and approved research-related expenses. Depending on the project and award conditions, research support may cover costs such as fieldwork, equipment, consumables, conference travel and software. Students are expected to submit their doctoral theses by the end of the four-year funding period.
Applicants must meet the University of Edinburgh’s PhD admission requirements and normally hold at least a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or an equivalent international qualification. Relevant academic preparation or professional experience may also be required for particular projects. A master’s degree is not compulsory for an E5 studentship. All applicants must satisfy the university’s English language requirements, although accepted qualifications may qualify some candidates for an exemption. International applicants should check the entry requirements applicable to their country.
Required documents include the E5 studentship application form, an academic CV of no more than two pages, the completed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) monitoring form, and relevant undergraduate and postgraduate certificates and transcripts, including interim transcripts where applicable. Applicants must include the EDI response ID in the application, save the completed EDI form as a PDF and upload it to the application portal. Documents not issued in English must be accompanied by official translations. Interested candidates should review the available PhD projects and follow the official E5 DTP application instructions, ensuring that their applications are submitted by 2 December 2026. Apply Now
University of Sydney 2027 International Undergraduate Scholarships
The University of Sydney in Australia is offering the Sydney International Undergraduate Scholarship to eligible international students seeking to begin undergraduate studies in 2027. The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees and the Student Services Amenities Fee for the published full-time duration of an eligible degree, up to a maximum of four years.
Applicants must have applied for, but not yet commenced, an eligible undergraduate coursework degree at the university when the scholarship is awarded. The programme may include embedded honours and must have a maximum duration of four years. Successful recipients must study full-time and must not be commencing a second degree at the University of Sydney.
To qualify, applicants must meet the university’s definition of an international student under the Higher Education Support Act 2003. Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and dual citizens with Australian nationality are not eligible. Candidates must also have completed secondary school or a foundation programme in Australia or through a University of Sydney-recognised foundation partner. Applicants who have previously undertaken tertiary studies are ineligible, except for extension studies completed as part of a Year 12 programme.
Interested candidates should review the eligible courses and scholarship requirements on the University of Sydney website and follow the official application instructions. The stated deadline is 15 November 2026. Applicants should confirm the current eligibility conditions and application process before submitting their applications.
University of Rwanda Mastercard Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027
The University of Rwanda has opened applications for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program for the 2026/2027 academic session. The programme is aimed at academically talented young people who face social or economic barriers and have demonstrated leadership and commitment to serving their communities. Applications will close on 12 October 2026.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial and academic support to successful scholars. The package covers full tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, a laptop, learning materials, an annual return ticket allowance and a monthly stipend. Scholars will also have access to psychosocial services, academic mentorship, tutoring and virtual learning support throughout their studies.
The programme also provides opportunities for professional and personal development. These include industry-partner internships, career guidance, industrial mentorship, leadership congresses and community service through the “Go Back, Give Back” initiative. Scholars can also join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Alumni network and Global Scholars Community.
Applicants must be citizens of Rwanda or another African country, or refugees or displaced young people in Africa, and must meet the admission requirements for eligible University of Rwanda programmes. They must demonstrate significant social or economic need, disability or a combination of these circumstances. Undergraduate applicants must be 28 years old or younger at the time of application, while the limit is 30 for applicants with certified proof of a protracted life condition, including refugees, single mothers or members of child-headed families. Applicants are also expected to show a proven record of leadership, community engagement and commitment to giving back.
Eligible candidates can apply through the University of Rwanda Mastercard scholarship recruitment portal. Applications close on 12 October 2026. Further details about the scholarship are available on the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website at the University of Rwanda.
CMU-Africa 2027 Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa) is accepting applications for its 2027 Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Africa, a six-course online programme offered free of charge to qualified applicants selected for enrolment. The programme is designed to develop artificial intelligence (AI) knowledge and practical skills for addressing challenges in African contexts. Applications close on 15 November 2026.
The certificate comprises two learning tracks developed by Carnegie Mellon University engineering professors. The Perspective and Context track covers Artificial Intelligence – Past, Present and Future and AI and Machine Learning in Africa. The Technical track includes Python for AI, Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning, Machine Learning Essentials and Applied Generative AI. Participants explore AI capabilities and limitations, model development, data-driven approaches to African challenges, and methods for validating and evaluating AI solutions.
Each course contains 14 or 15 lessons, requiring approximately three hours per lesson, or about 45 hours per course. Learners are advised to dedicate at least five to six hours weekly to keep up with the programme. Digital badges are awarded for individual courses, while participants who complete all six courses receive a shareable, verifiable certificate. The programme does not award university credit. Applicants should have introductory knowledge of linear algebra, probability and statistics, some computer programming experience, reliable internet access and a laptop or desktop computer.
Interested candidates must provide their contact details, academic background, professional experience, curriculum vitae (CV) and a short statement outlining their professional goals. Applications should be submitted through the CMU-Africa AI Certificate application portal. Admission is by invitation, based on the submitted application and the availability of places in the next cohort. Eligible applicants should complete the application process before the 15 November 2026 deadline.
Oxford 2027/2028 Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Fully Funded Scholarships
The University of Oxford is offering the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme to outstanding graduates and professionals from developing and emerging economies seeking fully funded postgraduate study. The scholarship covers 100% of course fees and provides a living-cost grant of at least £21,805 for the duration of the agreed course’s fee liability. Recipients also participate in leadership development, mentoring and professional networking activities.
Applicants must be seeking admission to a new, full-time graduate course at Oxford and demonstrate how their chosen subject relates to their long-term career goals and plans to improve public life in their home country, region or internationally. Candidates are expected to intend to return to their country of ordinary residence after completing their studies. Applicants with deferred offers to begin in 2027/2028 are not eligible, and current Oxford students cannot apply unless they are already Weidenfeld-Hoffmann scholars.
In addition to financial support, successful candidates join a year-long leadership programme featuring philosophical discussions, business skills, communication training, mentoring and networking opportunities. Oxford provides 40% of the scholarship funding, while supporters of the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust, including Fondation Hoffmann, contribute the remaining 60%. Selection considers the graduate application and scholarship statement, with an interview where relevant.
To apply, candidates should first identify an eligible full-time graduate course through the Oxford graduate course directory and check its application deadline. They must select Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and Leadership Programme in the University of Oxford Scholarships section of the graduate application and submit the completed Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships Statement alongside their application. The programme information lists 6 January 2027 as a deadline, but individual courses may close earlier in December or January. Applicants should therefore follow the deadline for their chosen course and consult the official Oxford scholarship information page before applying.
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