Studying abroad is a lifelong dream for many Africans seeking world-class education and international exposure. However, tuition and living expenses can be a major obstacle. Fortunately, several fully funded scholarships now make studying in the UK, US, or Canada possible for outstanding African students.
Below is a curated guide highlighting the top scholarships for Africans in each destination.
Scholarships for Africans to Study in the United Kingdom (UK)
1. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is one of the most prestigious fully funded awards for international students. It covers tuition, living allowance, visa, and flight expenses for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic results, leadership skills, and a clear plan to contribute to their home country after study. African alumni often work in diplomacy, health, and development sectors.
Please check the official Chevening scholarship page for more information.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) provides funding for students from eligible Commonwealth countries to pursue master’s or PhD degrees in the UK. Some of the eligible low and middle-income countries include Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, and India. Please check the official Commonwealth page for updated information.
The award covers tuition, travel, living stipends, and thesis grants. It targets students committed to solving local and global challenges through their research or professional work.
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports exceptional international students at the University of Cambridge.
Here’s how the scholarship allocation goes:
Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round. – Gates Cambridge
The Gates Cambridge scholarship offers full financial support for postgraduate study, plus funds for research, dependents, and academic development. Scholars are selected for their academic brilliance, leadership potential, and commitment to improving others’ lives.
4. Rhodes Scholarships for Africa
The Rhodes Scholarship, based at the University of Oxford, is one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished awards. It provides full financial support (tuition, stipend, visa, travel) for postgraduate study.
The Rhodes Trust has regional slots for different Africa countries. Eight slots from South Africa, one from KwaZulu-Natal, and one for an applicant from one of eSwatini, Lesotha, Botswana, Namibia, or Malawi.
5. Developing Solutions Scholarship (University of Nottingham)
This award targets students from Africa, South Asia, and Commonwealth countries who wish to make a difference in their home countries.
The scholarship covers 50% to 100% of tuition fees for master’s study in development-related fields such as environment, science, education, or technology.
Scholarships for Africans to Study in the United States (US)
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program, funded by the U.S. government, offers full scholarships to students from Africa and other regions to pursue master’s or PhD degrees in the U.S. For this scholarship, there are two types of placement models. There’s the IIE placement where the service system helps to secure degree and non-degree opportunities on behalf of Fulbright students. While for the self-placement model, candidates apply and manage their applications with the university directly.
Please read the official page of Fulbright Foreign Student Program for more information.
2. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program partners with several U.S. universities, including Arizona State University, Michigan State University, and Stanford to offer full scholarships to talented African students.
It covers tuition, accommodation, books, travel, and mentorship. Scholars also receive career guidance and leadership training designed to help them transform their communities.
3. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
Aimed at mid-career professionals, the Humphrey Fellowship is a non-degree program that provides professional enrichment and leadership development in the U.S.
It covers travel, tuition, a living stipend, and professional placements. It’s ideal for Africans working in these fields of study: Economic Policy and Finance, Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration, Technology Policy and Management.
Find out more information on the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship program.
4. Mandela Washington Fellowship
Part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), the Mandela Washington Fellowship brings outstanding young African leaders to the U.S. for six weeks of leadership training at top universities.
It’s fully funded by the U.S. government and focuses on business, civic engagement, and public management. After the fellowship, participants join an active alumni network across Africa. This might not be a long-term scholarship opportunity, but it will surely give you an edge and also boost your portfolio.
5. Zawadi Africa Education Fund
The Zawadi Africa Education Fund empowers young African women from underprivileged backgrounds to access higher education opportunities in the U.S.A, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa. It offers financial aid, mentorship, and career support for undergraduate studies. Please bear in mind that this program is only in STEM and leadership-related fields.
Scholarships for Africans to Study in Canada
1. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (Canada)
The Canadian branch of the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program partners with universities like McGill, the University of Toronto, and the University of British Columbia.
It provides full scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa, covering tuition, living costs, and travel. Scholars also receive leadership and entrepreneurship training.
2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (University of Toronto)
This prestigious award recognizes exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence, creativity, and leadership potential. This is a full 4-year scholarship that covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full resident support for undergraduate study. Only students nominated by their high school can apply. It is also important to note that high schools can only nominate one student per year.
Please find more information about the Lester B. Pearson International scholarship on the official web page.
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier Canada Graduate program provides $50,000 per year for three years to doctoral students who demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership. African students pursuing PhDs in Canada can apply through their university’s nomination process. It is important that candidates are nominated by a Canadian institution that is authorised to host Vanier scholars.
4. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award
University of British Columbia offers this award to outstanding international undergraduate students who show leadership and commitment to social service. It’s a needs-based scholarship that covers tuition and living costs proportionate to the student’s financial need.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must ensure “you are entering UBC from an accredited secondary school, or transferring from your first year at a post-secondary college or other university.”
5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program
Funded by the Government of Canada, this scholarship supports students from Commonwealth nations, including many African countries to study or conduct research at Canadian universities. It typically covers airfare, living allowance, tuition, and health insurance for master’s or doctoral programs.
How to Maximise Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
- Start Early – Most scholarships open 8 – 12 months before the academic year. Begin researching deadlines and eligibility requirements well ahead of time.
- Focus on Eligibility – Apply only for scholarships that specifically accept applicants from your country or region.
- Prepare Strong Documents – Keep your academic transcripts, certificates, CV, and reference letters ready and professionally formatted.
- Write a Compelling Personal Statement – Explain your achievements, leadership roles, and how studying abroad will help you contribute to Africa’s development.
- Get Strong Recommendations – Choose referees who can speak confidently about your academic ability and character.
- Highlight Leadership & Community Impact – Scholarships value applicants who create positive change, not just those with good grades.
- Apply to Multiple Programs – Increase your chances by submitting applications to several scholarships at once.
- Stay Organized – Track deadlines and submission requirements using a spreadsheet or calendar.
- Seek Mentorship – Reach out to past recipients or scholarship alumni for guidance.
- Never Give Up – Even if you’re rejected once, use the feedback to strengthen future applications.
FAQs
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Yes. You can apply for as many scholarships as you qualify for. However, if you’re awarded multiple full scholarships, you will need to accept only one.
Are these scholarships open to all African countries?
Most are open to Sub-Saharan African countries, though some (like Beit Trust or Rhodes) target specific nations. Always check the eligibility list.
Do I need an admission offer before applying?
Some scholarships (like university-specific awards) require admission first, while others (like Chevening or Fulbright) allow you to apply before securing a place.
Are there scholarships for undergraduate students?
Yes. The MasterCard Foundation, Lester B. Pearson, and UBC’s International Leader of Tomorrow Award all fund undergraduate studies.
What’s the difference between fully funded and partial scholarships?
Fully funded scholarships cover all major expenses, including tuition, accommodation, and travel, while partial scholarships might only cover tuition or living costs.
What if I don’t meet the English language requirements?
You can take recognized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL. Some universities offer English preparation courses before the program starts.
