Top 10 Scholarships in Africa for International Students: Africa is home to a growing number of top universities and research institutions, attracting students from around the world to pursue quality education. Many governments, universities, and organisations provide scholarships to support international students studying in Africa. These scholarships cover a range of fields and academic levels, offering opportunities for both African and non-African students. Below are the top 10 scholarships in Africa for international students for the 2024-2025 academic year.
1. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a leadership development program aimed at exceptional African students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies at universities in South Africa. It is designed to combine academic excellence with leadership training.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition and registration fees.
- A living allowance, book allowance, and travel expenses.
- Leadership development programmes.
- Open to African students from any country pursuing honours or master’s degrees.
2. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme partners with universities in Africa to offer scholarships for talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme provides full financial support for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, with a focus on leadership and social change.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition, accommodation, books, and travel expenses.
- Leadership development and mentorship programs.
- Available at universities such as University of Cape Town, Ashesi University, and African Leadership University.
- Open to students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
3. DAAD In-Region/In-Country Scholarships for Sub-Saharan Africa
The DAAD In-Region/In-Country Scholarships offer support to postgraduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa to study at African universities in their home region. This program focusses on fields that are essential to development, such as engineering, health sciences, and agriculture.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition fees.
- Monthly living stipend.
- Research and travel grants.
- Open to students from Sub-Saharan African countries studying at participating universities in Africa.
4. African Union Scholarships
The African Union (AU) Scholarships are offered to African students pursuing higher education in African universities. The program aims to promote education and human capital development across the continent, especially in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition and accommodation.
- Living allowances and travel grants.
- Open to students from all African Union member states.
5. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
The Aga Khan Foundation offers scholarships to outstanding students from developing countries, including African nations, for postgraduate studies. The scholarship is awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, aimed at students with no other means of financing their education.
Key Benefits:
- Covers tuition fees and living expenses.
- Support for master’s and Ph.D. programs.
- Open to students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
6. The Beit Trust Scholarships
The Beit Trust Scholarships provide financial support for students from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi to pursue postgraduate studies in any field at universities in South Africa and abroad. The trust supports students who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition and fees.
- Accommodation and living expenses.
- Travel allowance for students studying abroad.
- Open to students from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
7. Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious international scholarships, and it is available to students from Southern African countries. This scholarship provides full financial support for students to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition at the University of Oxford.
- Living stipend, travel costs, and health insurance.
- Open to students from Southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and Swaziland.
8. ORID Rhodes Postgraduate Scholarship for West Africa
The ORID Rhodes Postgraduate Scholarship is awarded to students from West African countries to study at the University of Oxford. This scholarship is part of the broader Rhodes Scholarship initiative and is specifically designed to support academically excellent students from West Africa.
Key Benefits:
- Full funding for tuition fees and living expenses at Oxford.
- Leadership development and mentorship.
- Open to students from West African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Gambia.
9. The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) Scholarships
The RUFORUM provides scholarships for students from African countries to pursue master’s and Ph.D. programs in agriculture and related fields. This initiative focuses on developing capacity in agricultural research and leadership to address food security and rural development in Africa.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage.
- Research funding and living allowances.
- Open to students from any African country pursuing postgraduate studies in agriculture at RUFORUM network universities.
10. African Leadership Academy Scholarships
The African Leadership Academy (ALA) provides scholarships to young leaders from across Africa who have demonstrated strong academic performance and leadership potential. This scholarship is designed to develop future leaders who will address the continent’s key challenges.
Key Benefits:
- Full tuition for ALA’s two-year pre-university program.
- Leadership training and mentorship.
- Open to students from all African countries, typically aged 16-19.
Conclusion
Africa offers numerous scholarship opportunities for international students, providing financial support to pursue higher education and leadership development across a range of disciplines. These top 10 scholarships in Africa cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel, and more, making it easier for students to achieve their educational goals. Whether you’re from Africa or abroad, these scholarships can help you gain a world-class education and contribute to the continent’s development.
