Scholarship Lists8 min read

Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students in 2025

From Chevening to the MasterCard Foundation, these are the most impactful fully funded scholarships available to African students right now, with eligibility breakdowns for each.

ScholaMatched Editorial

Scholarship Research Team · April 15, 2025

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

Open to citizens of most African countries. Covers full tuition, living allowance, return flights, and an arrival allowance. Requires a 2:1 Bachelor's degree, 2 years of work experience, and English proficiency. Approximately 1,800 awards globally per year. Deadline: November each year.

Pro tip

Nigerian, Kenyan, Ghanaian, Ethiopian, and South African applicants are among the highest funded African nationalities in recent cohorts.

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Multiple programmes for African students including the Development-Related Postgraduate Courses, which are fully funded and specifically target applicants from developing countries. Fields like engineering, agriculture, public health, and governance are prioritised. Proficiency in German or English required depending on programme.

3. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

Partnerships with 16 universities worldwide including University of Toronto, McGill, Cornell, Michigan, Sciences Po, and multiple African universities. Fully funded, covers tuition, housing, meals, travel, and a personal stipend. Targets academically gifted young Africans with demonstrated leadership and financial need. Undergraduate and Master's levels. Deadline varies by partner university.

4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Available in most African countries through US Embassy Public Affairs sections. Covers graduate study (Master's or PhD) in the United States. Fully funded including tuition, health insurance, living stipend, and travel. Requires English proficiency and a strong academic record. Deadline varies by country, typically February–June for the following year.

5. Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

For citizens of Commonwealth countries. Covers Master's and PhD study at UK universities. Fully funded by the UK government's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Prioritises candidates who demonstrate clear development impact for their home country. Candidates must apply through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in their home country.

6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Among the most prestigious scholarships globally. Open to citizens of any country outside the UK. Funds any postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Approximately 80 awards per year. Candidates must apply to a Cambridge graduate programme first, then separately for the Gates scholarship. Selection emphasises intellectual ability, leadership, and commitment to improving lives.

7. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship

For postgraduate study anywhere in the world. Open to citizens of developing countries with preference given to citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Syria. Loans and grants combined, 50% grant, 50% interest-free loan repayable after graduation.

8. African Development Bank (AfDB) Scholarships

The AfDB runs several scholarship programmes including the Japan-Africa Dream Scholarship and the AfDB Coding for Employment programme. Targets African citizens with strong academic records and commitment to Africa's development. Study destinations include Japan, Korea, and Africa itself.

9. OFID Scholarship (OPEC Fund)

Annual scholarship for citizens of developing countries to study at Master's level at any recognised university. Strong preference for fields related to development including energy, agriculture, environment, and economics. Application requires proof of admission, financial need documentation, and an essay on development contribution.

10. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

Fully funded Master's programmes delivered by consortia of European universities. African students are strongly encouraged to apply. Awards cover tuition, travel, accommodation, and a monthly stipend of approximately €1,000. Over 100 programmes available across all academic fields. Deadline: January–February each year.

Pro tip

Apply to multiple Erasmus Mundus programmes simultaneously, applications are separate for each programme, but your personal statement core can be adapted.

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