Scholarships for African Students (2025 Complete Guide)

Finding quality education can be challenging for many African students due to financial constraints, limited opportunities, and high tuition fees—both locally and abroad. The good news is that several international organizations, governments, and universities now offer fully funded scholarships specifically for African students.

This guide highlights the best scholarships for Africans, their eligibility requirements, and how to apply—all in a simple, updated, and beginner-friendly format.

Why Scholarships Matter for African Students

Scholarships help students access world-class education without worrying about financial burdens. Many of these opportunities cover:

• Full tuition fees

• Monthly stipends

• Health insurance

• Travel costs

• Research funding

• Accommodation and living expenses

Some scholarships are open to undergraduates, postgraduates, PhD candidates, and even short-term training programs.

Top Scholarships for African Students (Fully Funded & Ongoing)

Below are some of the most trusted and popular international scholarships available for African students.

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded UK government program for exceptional students from around the world, including Africa.

Benefits:
✔ Full tuition, flight tickets, living stipend, visa fees, and accommodation.

Eligibility:

• Must have an undergraduate degree

• At least 2 years’ work experience

• Strong leadership qualities

How To Apply:
Apply via the official Chevening portal and submit required essays, references, and academic transcripts.

2. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships for African students.

You can visit the official website to apply https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/

Benefits:
✔ Tuition-free programs
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Health insurance
✔ Travel allowance

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree with good results

• Proof of English or German proficiency

• Relevant work or research experience

3. Mastercard Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship targets talented yet economically disadvantaged African students.

Benefits:
✔ Full tuition
✔ Accommodation
✔ Books and supplies
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Leadership training

Eligibility:

• African nationality

• Strong academic background

• Proven financial need

Participating universities include the University of Cape Town, University of Edinburgh, and McGill University.

4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Europe)

Erasmus offers fully funded master’s degrees in top European universities.

Benefits:
✔ Free tuition
✔ Monthly allowance
✔ Travel and visa cost coverage

Eligibility:

• Completed undergraduate degree

• Strong academic record

• English test (sometimes waived)

5. African Union (AU) Scholarship

The AU offers scholarships for African students pursuing STEM and development-related fields.

Benefits:
✔ Tuition fees
✔ Accommodation
✔ Stipend
✔ Research support

6. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

This scholarship is offered to students from Commonwealth member countries, including most African nations.

Benefits:
✔ Tuition fees
✔ Travel funding
✔ Monthly living allowance

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate degree with strong results

• Proven need for financial support

7. ADB–Japan Scholarship (Asia)

The Asian Development Bank scholarship welcomes African students pursuing development-related master’s programs in Asia.

Benefits:
✔ Tuition fees
✔ Monthly stipend
✔ Books and materials
✔ Travel allowance

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