Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students in 2025

If you are looking for fully or partly funded scholarships to study abroad, this page is exactly what you need. It is a comprehensive repository of active scholarship and fellowship opportunities targeted at African students.

We regularly update this page to reflect necessary changes in eligibility, funding, deadlines, and locations for each scholarship. We aim to establish this resource as the most trusted and reliable platform for African students seeking scholarships to study abroad.

To explore detailed information about each opportunity, click on the scholarship title to visit its dedicated page.

If you find any error on this page, please don’t hesitate to use the contact page to reach us.

What is a Fully Funded Scholarship?

A fully funded scholarship covers all the expenses related to your education. This typically includes tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, health insurance, and sometimes additional costs like books, supplies, or even a laptop. These scholarships are highly competitive and are often aimed at top-performing students or those with exceptional leadership and extracurricular achievements. Fully funded scholarships remove the financial burden of studying, allowing students to focus entirely on their academic and personal growth.

What is a Partly Funded Scholarship?

A partly funded scholarship covers only a portion of your educational expenses. This might include covering tuition fees but excluding living expenses, or providing a fixed amount toward tuition, leaving the rest for the student to manage. While these scholarships don’t cover all costs, they can significantly reduce the financial load, making higher education more affordable. Many students combine partly funded scholarships with other financial aid or personal savings to cover the remaining costs.

How to find scholarship.

There are several ways to find scholarships but the best approach is to use scholarship websites or portals.

List of Fully Funded Scholarships For African Students

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly from Africa, to pursue their academic dreams.

Overview

• Eligibility: African students with a strong academic record and a passion for giving back to their communities
• Level of Study: Both Master’s and PhD
• Fields of Study: Various disciplines, with a focus on areas that can drive social and economic change in Africa
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded (tuition, living expenses, travel, and stipend)
• Institutions: Partner universities across Africa, North America, and Europe

What’s Covered?

• Full tuition fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Housing (or a housing stipend)
• Textbooks and laptop
• Travel costs (including visa fees)
• Health insurance

How to Apply

1. Visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website
2. Check the list of partner institutions and their specific application deadlines
3. Apply directly to your chosen institution, indicating your interest in the scholarship
4. Prepare a compelling personal statement highlighting your academic achievements and community involvement

2. Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarships

 

Next up, we’ve got the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarships, aimed at nurturing the next generation of African leaders.

Overview

• Eligibility: African nationals under 35 years old
• Level of Study: Master’s
• Fields of Study: Governance and Development-related programs
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded (tuition, living expenses, and travel)
• Institutions: SOAS University of London and the University of London

What’s Covered?

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation and living costs in London
• Return air ticket to and from London
• Thesis grant for research-related expenses

How to Apply

1. Check the Mo Ibrahim Foundation website for the latest application cycle
2. Submit your application online, including academic transcripts and a research proposal
3. Prepare for a potential interview if shortlisted

3. Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx) Scholarships

For those of you eyeing the hallowed halls of Oxford, the AfOx scholarships might just be your golden ticket.

The AfOx Graduate Scholarships aim to provide outstanding African graduates the opportunity to undertake a fully funded taught Masters degree at the University of Oxford.

Overview

• Eligibility: African nationals with an excellent academic record
• Level of Study: Both Master’s and PhD
• Fields of Study: All subjects offered at the University of Oxford
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded (tuition, living expenses, and travel)
• Institution: University of Oxford

What’s Covered?

• Full course fees
• Living costs (at the rate set by the University)
• One return flight from your home country to the UK

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission to your chosen Oxford graduate program
2. Indicate your interest in the AfOx scholarship during the application process
3. Submit additional materials as required, such as a research proposal and letters of recommendation
4. Visit the AfOx website for detailed instructions

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Recommend Articles:

• • The Complete Guide To Studying in the UK in 2025
  • UK Graduate Admission Requirements for International Students (2025)

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4. DAAD Scholarships for Sub-Saharan Africa

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers a variety of scholarships for African students to pursue higher education in Germany, promoting academic exchange and international cooperation.

Overview

• Eligibility: Varies by program, but generally open to students from Sub-Saharan African countries
• Level of Study: Both Master’s and PhD
• Fields of Study: Multiple disciplines, including Development-Related Postgraduate Courses
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded (varies by program)
• Institutions: German universities and select African institutions

What’s Covered?

• Monthly stipend (€861 for graduates, €1,200 for doctoral candidates)
• Travel allowance
• Health, accident, and liability insurance
• Study and research allowance

How to Apply

1. Browse the DAAD scholarship database
2. Select a suitable program and note its specific requirements
3. Prepare your application documents, including language certificates if required
4. Submit your application through the DAAD portal before the deadline

5. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program, designed to help future leaders from Africa and other regions pursue their education in the UK.

Overview

• Eligibility: Emerging leaders from Chevening-eligible countries in Africa
• Level of Study: Master’s only
• Fields of Study: Any Master’s program at UK universities
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Duration: One-year Master’s degrees

What’s Covered?

• Full tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Return flights to the UK
• Additional grants for thesis or dissertation fieldwork

How to Apply

1. Check your eligibility on the Chevening website
2. Create an account and start your online application
3. Choose three different UK university courses
4. Submit your application along with two reference letters and university offers before the deadline

6. Australia Awards Scholarships

The Australia Awards Scholarships, managed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, offer a unique opportunity for individuals from developing nations to pursue higher education in Australia.

Overview

• Eligibility: Citizens of participating African countries
• Level of Study: Master’s and PhD (limited)
• Fields of Study: Areas aligned with the development needs of the student’s home country
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: Australian universities

What’s Covered?

• Full tuition fees
• Return air travel
• Establishment allowance
• Contribution to living expenses
• Overseas Student Health Cover

How to Apply

1. Visit the Australia Awards website
2. Check the opening and closing dates for your country
3. Read the Australia Awards Scholarships Policy Handbook for detailed information
4. Submit your application online, including all required documents

7. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright program is one of the most prestigious out there. It enables graduate students, young professionals, etc., from more than 160 countries to study and conduct research in the United States

Overview

• Eligibility: Varies by country, but open to African students
• Level of Study: Master’s and PhD
• Fields of Study: Most fields of study, except medical degrees
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: U.S. universities

What’s Covered?

• Tuition and fees
• Living stipend
• Health insurance
• Round-trip airfare

How to Apply

1. Check the Fulbright website for your country’s specific application process
2. Contact the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your home country
3. Prepare a strong application, including academic transcripts, test scores, and essays
4. Submit your application before your country’s deadline

8. African Development Bank (AfDB) – Japan Africa Dream Scholarship Program

Overview

• Eligibility: African nationals under 35 years old
• Level of Study: Master’s only
• Fields of Study: Development-related fields
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: Selected universities in Japan

What’s Covered?

• Tuition and fees
• Monthly living allowance
• Round-trip airfare
• Health insurance

How to Apply

1. Visit the AfDB scholarship page
2. Check the application period (usually opens in August)
3. Prepare required documents, including a research proposal
4. Submit your application through the online portal

9. Cambridge Africa Changemakers Scholarship

Overview

• Eligibility: Nationals of Sub-Saharan African countries
• Level of Study: PhD
• Fields of Study: Postgraduate courses at Cambridge University
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institution: University of Cambridge

What’s Covered?

• University Composition Fee
• Annual stipend (sufficient for a single person)
• Return airfare

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission to the University of Cambridge
2. Tick the box to be considered for funding when filling out the application
3. Submit your application before the relevant deadline (usually early December)
4. Check the Cambridge Trust website for more details

10. Rhodes Scholarships for Africa

The prestigious Rhodes Scholarships are a golden opportunity for African scholars, offering a life-changing experience at one of the world’s top universities.

Overview

• Eligibility: Varies by country, but open to students from several African nations
• Level of Study: Full-time postgraduate study (usually a two-year Master’s degree)
• Fields of Study: All fields of study at Oxford
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institution: University of Oxford

What’s Covered?

• All University and College fees
• Annual stipend (£15,900 per annum)
• Two economy-class flights to and from the UK

How to Apply

1. Check if your country is eligible on the Rhodes Trust website
2. Prepare a personal statement, curriculum vitae, and academic transcripts
3. Secure letters of recommendation
4. Submit your application through the online system before your country’s deadline

11. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship program provides students from developing countries with the opportunity to gain a world-class education while developing practical skills to address global challenges

Overview

• Eligibility: Nationals of World Bank member countries (including many African nations)
• Level of Study: Master’s only
• Fields of Study: Development-related topics
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: Partner universities worldwide

What’s Covered?

• Tuition and fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Round-trip airfare
• Health insurance
• Travel allowance

How to Apply

1. Visit the World Bank Scholarships Program website
2. Review the application guidelines and required documents
3. Submit your application through the online application system
4. Prepare for a possible interview if shortlisted

12. Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth scholarship is one of the most respected scholarships for students from Commonwealth countries, offering financial support to study in the UK.

Overview

• Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries in Africa
• Level of Study: Master’s and PhD
• Fields of Study: All subjects, with a preference for development-related areas
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: UK universities

What’s Covered?

• Approved airfare from your home country to the UK and return at the end of your award
• Approved tuition fees
• Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,116 per month, or £1,369 per month for those studying in the London metropolitan area

How to Apply

1. Check the Commonwealth Scholarships website for eligibility and application dates
2. Apply through the national nominating agency in your home country or directly to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission
3. Prepare academic transcripts, references, and a study plan
4. Submit your application before the deadline

13. African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) Fellowships

AWARD is an impactful program dedicated to strengthening the research skills and leadership abilities of African women scientists in the agricultural sector.

Overview

• Eligibility: Women scientists who are nationals of Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zambia
• Level of Study: Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD)
• Fields of Study: Agricultural research and development
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: Various, depending on the specific fellowship

What’s Covered?

• Tuition fees
• Research costs
• Mentoring and leadership development
• Networking opportunities

How to Apply

1. Visit the AWARD website to check for open calls
2. Prepare your application, including a research proposal and career development plan
3. Submit your application online
4. Participate in the selection process, which may include interviews

14. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

This scholarship program provides financial assistance to outstanding students from developing countries, with a focus on fostering leadership and community impact.

Overview

• Eligibility: Students from developing countries, including many African nations
• Level of Study: Master’s (PhD in certain cases)
• Fields of Study: All fields of study
• Scholarship Amount: 50% grant, 50% loan
• Institutions: Worldwide

What’s Covered?

• Tuition fees
• Living expenses
• Travel costs

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from the Aga Khan Foundation website
2. Complete the application, including a detailed study plan and budget
3. Submit your application to the Aga Khan Foundation office in your home country
4. Prepare for an interview if shortlisted

15. African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) Scholarships

These scholarships focus on nurturing economists in Africa to address key development challenges through research and capacity building. For those interested in economics and policy, AERC offers some great opportunities.

Overview

• Eligibility: African nationals
• Level of Study: Master’s and PhD
• Fields of Study: Economics and related fields
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: African universities in the AERC network

What’s Covered?

• Tuition fees
• Monthly stipend
• Research support
• Conference attendance

How to Apply

1. Visit the AERC website for current scholarship opportunities
2. Apply to one of the member institutions in the AERC network
3. Submit your application for the scholarship, including a research proposal
4. Participate in the selection process, which may include written tests and interviews

16. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship Programme

The Islamic Development Bank Scholarship helps students from IsDB member countries pursue higher education and contribute to the development of their communities.

Overview

• Eligibility: Nationals of IsDB member countries (including many African countries)
• Level of Study: Master’s and PhD
• Fields of Study: Development-related fields
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: Universities worldwide (excluding IsDB member countries)

What’s Covered?

• Tuition fees
• Monthly living stipend
• Health insurance
• Round-trip airfare
• Thesis/dissertation support

How to Apply

1. Check the IsDB Scholarship Programme website for the application period
2. Create an account on the IsDB Scholarship Management System
3. Fill out the online application form and upload the required documents
4. Submit your application before the deadline

17. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships

The Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships is ideal for international students who want to pursue their PhD at one of the UK’s leading research universities.

Overview

• Eligibility: International students, including Africans
• Level of Study: PhD
• Fields of Study: All fields of study offered at the University of Edinburgh
• Scholarship Amount: Covers the difference between overseas and UK/EU tuition fees
• Institution: University of Edinburgh

What’s Covered?

• The difference between overseas and UK/EU tuition fee rates

How to Apply

1. Apply for admission to a PhD program at the University of Edinburgh
2. Check the “Applying for Funding” section on the application form
3. Select the Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships option
4. Submit your application before the scholarship deadline

18. Rotary Peace Fellowships

For African students passionate about peace and conflict resolution, the Rotary Peace Fellowships is a fantastic opportunity to get a Master’s degree or professional development certificate in peace and conflict resolution.

Overview

• Eligibility: Professionals from around the world, including Africa
• Level of Study: Master’s and Professional Development Certificate
• Fields of Study: Peace and conflict resolution
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: Rotary Peace Centers at partner universities worldwide

What’s Covered?

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board
• Round-trip transportation
• Internship and field study expenses

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements on the Rotary Peace Fellowships website
2. Contact your local Rotary district for endorsement
3. Complete the online application
4. Submit your application, including essays and recommendations, before the deadline

19. CIFOR-ICRAF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

The CIFOR-ICRAF Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides African students with opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research in forestry and agroforestry.

Overview

• Eligibility: African nationals pursuing Master’s or PhD degrees
• Level of Study: Master’s and PhD
• Fields of Study: Forestry, agroforestry, and related disciplines
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded
• Institutions: Various, in collaboration with CIFOR-ICRAF

What’s Covered?

• Research costs
• Stipend for living expenses
• Travel allowance
• Publication support
• Mentorship from CIFOR-ICRAF scientists

How to Apply

1. Visit the CIFOR-ICRAF website to check for open calls (usually annual)
2. Prepare a research proposal aligned with CIFOR-ICRAF’s research priorities
3. Gather required documents, including academic transcripts and letters of recommendation
4. Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline
5. If shortlisted, prepare for an interview with CIFOR-ICRAF scientists

20. Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is aimed at developing exceptional leadership capacity in Africa, combining financial support for postgraduate study with a leadership development program.

Overview

• Eligibility: Citizens of African countries.
• Level of Study: Honours or Master’s.
• Fields of Study: All fields of study.
• Scholarship Amount: Fully funded.
• Institutions: South African universities.

What’s Covered?

• Tuition and registration fees.
• Study materials and accommodation.
• Meals, personal allowance, and medical aid.
• Leadership development workshops.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Mandela Rhodes Foundation website.
2. Apply online with academic transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
3. Participate in a rigorous selection process, including interviews.

 

Few steps to guide you when applying for scholarships:

1. Identify 3-5 scholarships that align with your academic and career goals.
2. Mark the application deadlines in your calendar to stay organized.
3. Start gathering required documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
4. Seek support from professors, mentors, or even previous scholarship recipients to strengthen your application.

Remember that applying for scholarships requires time and persistence, but the rewards are worth the effort. If you face setbacks, don’t be discouraged—each challenge brings you closer to success.

Last updated:  15 November 2024.