Studying abroad opens doors to a plethora of opportunities including new ideas, cultures and even creates chances for a better life. However, the reality may mean differently for many African students because of the high cost. But with scholarships, they can learn without the heavy burden of tuition fees which can oftentimes feel overwhelming. The good news is that more programs are created each year to support bright, talented African students. These scholarships do not only promise funding, but hope, access, and the chance to grow while learning. Several top scholarships continue to stand out for their support and impact in 2025 and we will discuss each one of them.
Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships to Study Abroad
To study abroad through a scholarship, there are a few requirements you must satisfy to be considered eligible. They are as follows:
- You must showcase academic excellence. An impressive grade will make you easily win scholarships as opposed to an average grade.
- You must be proficient in the language of whatever country you are applying to study. If the scholarship is UK based, you must be fluent in English.
- You must be granted admission from a reputable and recognized institution. Being qualified is not enough however you must have at least an offer from a university abroad.
- Your choice of study must align with what the scholarship wants. Many scholarships focus on specific fields like science, arts, or business so your course must match to qualify.
- You must provide proof of financial need. Although not for all types of scholarships, some may require that you provide this proof, especially need based scholarships.
- You will be required to provide a personal statement or Essay. Many scholarships will ask you to write about yourself, your goals, achievements, and why you deserve the scholarship.
16 Top Scholarships to Apply for as an African Student
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a top scholarship that makes provisions for many African students. If you are from an Eligible country, you can achieve your dream of studying at top universities around the world. The scholarship seeks to provide talented youth the opportunity to learn and grow, building leaders of tomorrow who can improve their communities. If you are an African with little money for your education, you have got a chance. Apply directly through one of the universities or organizations partnering with them. You can also visit mastercardfdn.org to learn more. Mind you, applications begin in September and close in January.
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
If you consider the UK as the preferable location for your study, Chevening scholarships might just make it work. It is a fully funded scholarship for students who want to pursue a one year master’s degree in the UK. Think about it as a scholarship that covers your tuition costs, living expenses, and flights throughout your study. Chevening scholarships give you the opportunity to sharpen your skills and return back home with a change.
Applications start from August 6, 2025, and close November 5, 2025. It is a month long application, so seize this life changing opportunity by visiting chevening.org to learn more about the scholarship and apply.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD scholarships are African students’ open ticket to study abroad and also provide them access to world class learning experiences. It offers full funding to pursue a master’s degree, or PhD studies in Germany. Daad Scholarships is interested in sponsoring students with financial needs yet showcasing academic excellence, pure talent, and leadership that can bring change to the world. Applications however can vary depending on the program. It is expected that you check the DAAD website for the most up to date information on application dates and deadlines. Moreover, to be considered eligible you may need to have a CGPA of at least 3.0 to stand a chance.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees is a program that offers scholarships to African students to pursue their master’s degrees in not just one but countries across Europe. No application fee is required to apply for this scholarship. Students also do not have to provide GRE or IELTS. The scholarship provides a €1,400 monthly stipend to cater to tuition and health insurance. Applications usually open in October and run through to January of the following year. If you have plans to study in renowned institutions in Europe, here is an opportunity to try. Check out their website erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu to prepare all along and ensure to give it your best as this scholarship can be highly competitive.
Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers African students the opportunity to study their dream courses in the US. It assures quality education, multicultural advantage, and life transforming opportunities after graduation. The US fosters cultural exchange and academic excellence which can be a plus for African students. The scholarship is open for students with great talents, though no GPA requirements, other criteria may be needed. To apply, you may want to visit foreign.fulbrightonline.org to keep track of their openings which usually begin in February to October every year. Fulbright has got you covered, providing funding for the education you desire.
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
African students have a plethora of opportunities to study in the UK through prestigious scholarships like the Commonwealth Scholarships which is open to students from eligible Commonwealth nations. With these scholarships, you get a chance to study at any top ranking university in the UK at no cost. It is fully funded to cover your tuition costs, airfare, and a generous stipend to make you comfortable throughout your stay in the UK. Application for these scholarships may begin between September and October and close in December 2025. For the most recent information, you can check their website csuk.fcdo.gov.uk. To stay ahead, apply early as it is highly competitive.
Schwarzman Scholars (China)
Want to pursue your master’s degree abroad? Well, you can apply for the Schwarzman Scholars program. As an African student here is the opportunity to study in China without having to bear the burden of academic expenses. The age range required is between 18 and 28, and it is open to several fields even to those with little or no prior Chinese knowledge. Quality education mustn’t be expensive when there are many opportunities like this one to apply for. Application for the 2026/27 class opens in April 2025 and closes around September 2025. The earlier you apply the better for you to stand a chance. Visit their website schwarzmanscholar.org to learn more about the scholarship.
MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
African students who want to pursue their undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies in Japan can apply for the MEXT Scholarship program which offers a generous amount to cover tuition, flight tickets, and other overwhelming academic expenses. It’s a program with no application fee designed to empower young promising talents from Africa, providing them access to world class education at no cost. With this, they can give back to their communities and the world at large. As for the application, visit mext.go.jp or contact your local Japanese embassy for the latest details and deadlines. Studying in Japan through this scholarship program could be the gateway to make your dreams turn to reality.
Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)
This scholarship program developed by the Dutch government to strengthen developing countries, particularly Africa. A good opportunity awaits those who wish to improve their skills through short courses or pursue a master’s degree.This is a completely funded scholarship program aimed exclusively at professionals at the beginning or in the middle of their careers. It focuses on fields like agriculture, water, sexual and reproductive health, and security. However, you must be nominated by your employer and then submit application materials through your country’s Dutch embassy. Application rounds vary each year, but they typically fall between February and June.
Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
If you have ever considered studying in Sweden this is your chance. This scholarship creates opportunities for African students to study at the master’s level in Sweden, one of the world’s most progressive education systems. The SISGP is aimed at identifying students with strong leadership potential and passion for making a difference in their countries. It provides full funding to cover tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel costs. To apply, applicants must have at least 3,000 hours of work experience and be able to demonstrate leadership either through voluntary work or employment. Application begins in peak February and closes by the end of the month.
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
The University of Toronto through the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program offers the opportunity for students in Africa to study in Canada. This prestigious award provides full funding for their academic expenses. Students with exceptional leadership skills, talents and performance can apply for this life changing opportunity to support their dream of improving themselves and communities. To learn more about this scholarship, kindly visit future.utoronto.ca. Meanwhile application for this scholarship typically begins in September with deadlines around November or December. To be eligible, you will need to be nominated by your school and also fulfill other important criteria.
Australia Awards Scholarships
Many African students may find Australia as a good location to study unfortunately, some may not have the money to pursue their academics in the country and that’s where the Australia Awards Scholarships comes in. It offers students opportunities to further their undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. With the help of this scholarship, students from Africa can gain real life skills to contribute to Africa’s development. The Application period is usually between February and April or sometimes May, depending on your country. It is advised that you start preparing your application as early as possible to beat the rush and to show your seriousness.
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is designed for students from developing countries who wish to study at top universities of their choice with the intent of tackling world issues like poverty, and sustainability. The scholarship is usually open in February all through to April for students from Africa to apply. To be eligible, the student must not hold dual citizenship, must have gained a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and be in good health. Students applying for this scholarship must fulfill all that’s required to be considered eligible. If you don’t know how to apply, kindly use the GPSA’s online grant application and when you have filled out the form you can then submit.
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (South Africa)
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offers €19,800 per annum to cater to students who want to further their postgraduate studies. This program was established to honor Nelson Mandela’s Legacy, providing students with hope for the future. This scholarship nurtured young minds with passion for education, reconciliation and social justice. The eligible age range is between 19 and 29 years. Application for this program starts in March and closes somewhere in April. Meanwhile the minimum CGPA to attain to be eligible is 3.7 which means you will need to keep up with a good grade if you must win this scholarship. Send your application to secure a chance to study in Africa’s powerhouse.
Sciences Po Emile-Boutmy Scholarships (France)
Do you dream of studying in France but don’t have enough money to fund your academics? The Science Po Emile Boutmy Scholarships offers partial to full funding for students like you to pursue their undergraduate or master’s programs. It covers tuition costs and sometimes living expenses depending on the student’s eligibility. If you are faced with financial needs this is an ideal scholarship to apply for. With this program, you can experience French culture and education. Access to some of Europe’s best institutions also comes as a plus. To not miss out on this opportunity check out sciencespo.fr/students/en as application can vary depending on the program you are applying for.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
The Gates Scholarship is a life changing opportunity to study at Cambridge in the UK, one of the world’s most prestigious universities. African students who apply for this scholarship can pursue their postgraduate studies in the country. It is fully funded so there’s no need to worry about the cost. Everything from your tuition to travel costs will be covered thanks to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. However, you must fulfill the necessary requirements to stand a chance. Students with exceptional talents and impeccable grades have higher chances of getting selected. More so, applications open in September and close in December or January depending on your course so be at alert to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is applying for multiple scholarships at a time a good thing to do?
The answer would be yes, but then, while it is a wise decision to increase your success rate, it is however important that you fulfill all requirements for each scholarship you apply for.
What happens when deadlines are missed?
In cases where the time of application meets the deadline, your application will likely be turned down because most scholarships do not accept late submissions. That is why, it is recommended to always make early plans to keep track of important dates.
Do I have to submit an admission letter before applying?
Some scholarships require an admission letter to apply while others allow you to apply first and submit it later. Always read carefully the guidelines for all requirements.
What if I don’t have IELTS/TOEFL yet?
This is very common because many scholarships allow students to provide proof of English proficiency or to pass tests like Duolingo. A few also offer exemptions. In all you do, just keep it real with your status and check around on each particular language requirement.
Can undergraduates apply for these scholarships?
Yes, numerous scholarships are targeted toward undergraduate students each year. Many of these scholarships could either be based on merit, financial need, or special talents to mention only a few.
What things should my letters of recommendation include?
They must indicate clearly why you deserve this scholarship and also reflect your strengths, character, and achievements. You can ask a person who knows you well to write it clearly and honestly.
Wrap Up
For those students whose dream is to study abroad, this article is just for you. Here, we highlighted some of the top scholarships open to students from Africa, so you too have a chance at achieving your dream. It is worth noting is that these scholarships cover tuition fees, and living costs, and some even cover your travel expenses. They are offered by higher institutions, governments, and organizations as we can see in this blog post.
Are you a smart, talented African student? This could be your chance to keep your academics going in 2025 with no need to worry about handling tuition and all that. By winning any of these scholarships, you can create the future you have always imagined for yourself.
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