Okay, you’re an African scholar with dreams to return to school abroad, but having a little bit of financial problems? Or you have a specific country abroad on your mind to further your studies, but don’t have the means? Well, not to worry! More and more countries are realizing how wonderful African scholars are and are sharing the wealth in the way of scholarships with you. Below is your step-by-step guide to finding the best countries with scholarship programs just for you.
Why All the Scholarship Love for African scholars?
Think of education as something more than getting a piece of paper. Education can really change your life. To you, an African scholar, studying overseas can give the skill and fresh thinking that can really make a huge difference in your community and country. And scholarships? They leave the door wide so you can focus on making those top marks without the pressure of having to squeeze in rent and food expenditures. Double win!
Good news: the world powers are throwing open the red carpet with scholarships to welcome great minds like yours from Africa. Bachelor, master, or Ph.D. – there is something for you for sure. Seriously, the gates are open! Also, note that some of these scholarships are time structured, which means they have deadlines. But hey, it’s worth trying. Keeping yourself informed via this site is the key to getting a scholarship to become an abroad scholar.
Alright, let’s get right to it!
Some of the best nations that provide scholarships to African scholars (for 2025 and beyond) are as follows:
1. Germany
Germany is literally, actually really well-liked among scholars, just because college practically doesn’t cost anything! And they have loads and loads of scholarship opportunities, including:
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): DAAD is extensive. It’s one of the biggest scholarship schemes out there, and it offers cover to African scholars at all levels.
- Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships: Saving the world and being in the right place at the right time your thing? This is yours. Heinrich Böll Foundation is looking for scholars with an interest in social justice and the environment.
- Erasmus+ Program: It’s an EU program, although many German universities participate, so this is yours.
Germany’s a wonderful place to get some learning under your belt, chill with some good people, and get used to your thing.
2. United States of America
America has been the catch-all for scholars from all over, including Africans. Have a look at these scholarships:
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: This is the big time. A graduate school scholarship that covers everything from tuition to an airplane ticket. All paid for.
- Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders: Want to be a better leader? This is the place. It’s a wonderful thing to network and get some experience.
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: Stanford, Harvard, and Michigan State, among so many of the world’s best universities, are coming together to give great scholarships to top Africans.
With being at top universities and having plenty of resources, America is an easy bet for African scholars looking for scholarships.
3. United Kingdom (UK)
The UK is also an appropriate choice, and there are bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. scholarships. Take a look:
- Chevening Scholarships: Funded by the UK government, this provides fully-funded scholarships to African brilliant scholars for studying at postgraduate level.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Is your country part of the Commonwealth? Then this is for you. This covers everything – from fees to living costs. (Click here to check if your African country is a member of the Commonwealth)
- Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford): Very competitive, but if you’re an A+ student, then Oxford is where you go.
The UK gives you access to the best schools, decent academics, and research at your doorstop. And to top it all, it is the UK!
4. Canada
Canada is renowned for the warm nature of the people, and so are the universities. Canada is very friendly to stay in if you want to pursue scholarships as well. Check these out:
- Canada Graduate Scholarships: For Ph.D. scholars, who are academically deserving and possessing leadership skills.
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: Like in the United States, here too this program is associated with Canadian universities to give scholarships to scholars in Africa.
- IDRC Research Awards: Want to study for the world? This award may come in handy.
Canada is a melting pot, has good universities, and an extremely high standard of living.
5. France
France is strongly inclined towards granting scholarships to African scholars, particularly the French-speaking nations. The French government and universities are keen on convincing scholars to come their way.
- Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program: Sponsored by the French government, the Eiffel Excellence scholarship program covers top African scholars for master’s and Ph.D. scholarships.
- Campus France Scholarships: Campus France is your go-to place to look for all types of scholarships for African scholars.
- French-African Foundation Programs: These are for funding future African leaders and innovators.
France has excellent schools, plenty of research conducted, and plenty of culture.
6. China
China is now the most coveted ticket for African scholars looking for quality education that comes with scholarships. They are dead serious about hiring African talent.
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Fully funded for bachelor, master, and Ph.D. scholars.
- Belt and Road Scholarships: Afican scholars from the Belt and Road countries (all African countries are eligible).
- University-specific Scholarships: Certain universities like Tsinghua and Peking University offer scholarships to African scholars.
China offers high-quality education at low costs, modern campuses, and an opportunity to work on global projects.
7. The Netherlands
African scholars prefer Netherlands because it has the world’s best universities and also offers scholarships.
- Orange Knowledge Program (OKP): It is for African professional scholars who wish to advance their study and qualification.
- Holland Scholarship: Now known as NL scholarship , for non-Europeans, the scholarship offers bachelor and master courses.
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: This, under the EU’s Erasmus program, offers master’s courses scholarship for African scholars.
Netherlands also highly innovative study culture and top-level research.
So, How Do You Actually Get One of These Scholarships?
So you know where to look now. So now what? Here are a couple of tips:
• Research: Listen to deadlines and what you need to be eligible. Don’t put it off!
• Write a winning personal statement: Your moment to shine! Be authentic and let them know why you’re the one. Read how to write scholarship-winning personal statement here
• Be on guard on this website from time to time: Stay up-to-date with what’s new regularly. Scholarships crop up all the time.
If you’re willing and able, studying abroad is within your reach. Begin looking into these scholarships and making a plan to turn your educational dreams into reality!
Good luck
