If you’re an African student thinking about studying abroad, this guide to scholarships you can apply for could be really useful.
Scholarships for African Students to Study Abroad
Looking for scholarships is one of the biggest challenges you’ll face as an international student before heading off to study abroad.
With so many different scholarships—and partial funding options—available, it can be tough to know where to begin.
Below, we’ve listed some scholarships specifically for African students. Keep in mind, this isn’t an exhaustive list—many universities offer their own scholarships for international students from various countries. Use this as a starting point to find the right one for you.
Global Scholarships
- Aga Khan Foundation – Offers scholarships for postgraduate students with no other way to fund their studies. Open to students from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique, and other African countries.
- Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships – For students from Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi to study at one of 19 universities in South Africa or the UK.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme – High-achieving students can apply for this scholarship at universities in France, the US, the UK, and Canada. Available for both undergrad and postgraduate studies.
- Zawadi Africa Foundation Fund – Supports female African students who want to study in the US, Canada, or Africa.
Studying in the US
- Fulbright Foreign Student Programme – Opportunities for grad students and young professionals to study or work in the US for six months to a year.
- 7UP Harvard Business School Scholarship – For Nigerian students pursuing an MBA at Harvard. Covers tuition, housing, and travel costs.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship – Brings professionals from sub-Saharan Africa to the US for a year of non-degree study, leadership training, and professional collaboration.
Studying in the UK
- Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries – For master’s and PhD students from Commonwealth nations. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme supports those whose studies will benefit their home country’s development.
- LSE Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme – For students from developing Commonwealth countries to study at the London School of Economics.
- Reach Oxford Scholarships – For African students already admitted to the University of Oxford.
- Chevening Scholarships – The UK government’s international awards programme, offering various scholarships for African students.
Studying in Australia
- Australia Awards Africa – For master’s students who can prove their studies will help improve policy or development back home.
- Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship – African Women in STEM – A partial scholarship covering 50% of tuition for African women in science, tech, engineering, or math.
- University of Western Australia Global Excellence Scholarship – For undergrad and postgraduate students.
- University of Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship – A 50% tuition reduction for top international students (excluding Australia and New Zealand).
Studying in Canada
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – For world-class doctoral students, offering C$50,000 (£31,000) per year for three years.
- Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships – For international students in natural/social sciences or health sciences.