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african-scholarships2025

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFRICAN STUDENTS (2025)

As the world becomes more interconnected, studying abroad offers African students a unique opportunity to experience new cultures, gain world-class education, and expand their professional networks. For many however, the high costs of tuition, travel, and living expenses can be a significant barrier. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available for African students planning t pursue higher education abroad in 2025. These scholarships are offered by universities, governments, international organizations, and private foundations to help alleviate financial constraints and make international education accessible.

Here are some of the top scholarships for African students aiming to study abroad in 2025

  1. Fulbright scholarships USA

The Fulbright is unique in its merit-based selection process based on academic accomplishments and the potential to address complex global problems. Fullbrighters come from all backgrounds and are selected regardless of their race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic  location, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Fulbright Foreign students program which is administered by binational Fulbright commissions/Foundation or U.S Embassies it’s a program that enables graduate students, young professionals abroad to study and conduct research in the United states. The Fulbright Foreign students program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide. Approximately 4000 foreign students receive Fulbright scholarships each year. All Foreign Student program applications are processed by these offices.

Program eligibility and selection procedures vary widely by country. Please use this link https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/apply to find information about the Foreign Fulbright Program in your home country, including eligibility requirements and application guidelines.

Also make sure you discuss the U.S. university admission and placement approach with the Fulbright office in your home country.

There are two placement models: IIE-Placement and Self-Placement.

IIE-Placement

IIE’s Placement service works to secure degree and non-degree opportunities on behalf of Fulbright candidates. Candidates are required to submit their Fulbright application and provide all supporting documents to their respective Fulbright office per established country/award deadlines. The Placement Team will use the information shared in their Fulbright application to apply to institutions on behalf of each candidate.  The Placement Team will manage admission decisions and negotiate funding.  The Placement Team will accept and decline on behalf of candidates once a final placement decision is made. The Placement Team is the first point of contact to U.S. institutions during this process and candidates are only in touch directly with U.S. institutions on an as needed basis.

Self-Placement

Candidates apply to universities directly and manage their applications with universities directly. Candidates are responsible to submit materials and test scores per each university deadline and application requirements including any associated fees or deposits. IIE is not involved in the application process for self-placed candidates. Candidates secure their own admission, possible university funding and tuition awards independently.

  1. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

DAAD scholarships 2025-2026 it’s a fully funded scholarship for students from developed and newly industries countries round the world. If you are looking forward to study in Germany with a scholarship then this is a great opportunity for you. These scholarships offer students a chance to take postdoctoral, masters, and PhD at a state or state-recognized Germany university with a best guarantee for a better future with education, obtain a university qualification. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous scholarships to African students wishing to study in

Germany. These scholarships cover a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, social sciences, humanities and natural sciences.

To choose a scholarship program click this link https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/     and for more information about DAAD scholarship programmes for international students and researchers follow the link below as well as offers from other selected funding organizations .

To apply for a DAAD scholarship in Germany,  Information and answers to questions about application conditions, requirements and the selection procedure are available here https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/important-information-for-scholarship-applicants/

  1. COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS

In recent years, the Commonwealth Scholarship program has played a vital role in empowering African students by providing them with opportunities to pursue higher education in renowned institutions across the world. As we look ahead to 2025, the Commonwealth Scholarships for African students continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for those seeking to further their education and make a positive impact in their communities. The Commonwealth Scholarship program offers a wide range of opportunities for African students, including scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. These scholarships cover a variety of fields, from STEM subjects to social sciences, arts, and humanities, ensuring that students from diverse academic backgrounds have the chance to fulfill their potential and you must be unable to afford to study in the UK without a scholarship.

The eligibility criteria for each type of scholarship and fellowship vary. More information is available on the CSC website.

How to apply: Depending on which scholarship you are applying for, you will need to apply through a National Nominating Agency, a university, or a Non-Governmental Organization.

To find out how to apply for each of the scholarships, please visit the CSC apply page.

To begin your online application, you’ll need a scanned copy of your passport, your academic transcript, your existing university degree certificate, two references and, if you have one, your admission letter. Annual deadlines for applications are usually in December. Check the page of the scholarship you are interested in on the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website to see the dates when they are announced for the upcoming academic year.

Most scholarships are fully funded, which means that as well as covering your tuition fees, you will also receive your airfare to and from the UK and a living allowance to support you while you are here.

  1. HOLLAND SCHOLARSHIPS

The NL Scholarship (formerly known as Holland Scholarship) is meant for international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their bachelor’s or master’s in the Netherlands. Are you ready for the chance of a lifetime? Apply for the NL Scholarship! This scholarship is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science as well as several Dutch research universities and universities of applied sciences. The scholarship amounts to € 5,000. You will receive this in the first year of your studies. Please note that this is not a full-tuition scholarship.

Application criteria

  • Your nationality is non-EEA.
  • You are applying for a full-time bachelor’s or master’s program at one of the participating Dutch higher education institutions.
  • You meet the specific requirements of the institution of your choice. You can find these on the website of the institution.
  • You do not have a degree from an education institution in the Netherland

Check the institution’s website for the program you are applying for to find information on the application process. Note that some programs have a selection procedure and an application deadline of 15 January.

To find a studying program follow this link:  https://www.studyinnl.org/dutch-education/studies

Participating research universities and universities of applied sciences

The list of participating universities changes every year. Below you can find an overview of the Dutch research universities participating in the NL Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic years.

Participating research universities 2025-2026 Below is an overview of the Dutch research universities participating in the NL Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. You can find the specific closing dates and the fields of study for this academic year on the website of the institution you want to apply to.·  Leiden University (not available this year)

Participating universities of applied sciences 2025-2026 Below is an overview of the Dutch universities of applied sciences participating in the NL Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.

  1. CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIPS

Chevening Scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. Whilst there is no ‘typical’ Chevening Scholar, we are looking for the kind of people who have the passion, ideas, and influence to provide the solutions and leadership needed to create a better future. Because these scholarships are fully-funded (flights, accommodation, and course fees), you are free to focus on achieving your professional goals and maximizing the experience of a lifetime. You will live and study in the UK for a year, during which time you will develop professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK. On completing your studies, you will leave the UK equipped with the knowledge and networks necessary to bring your own ideas to life.

There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Chevening Scholar, but those who are successful tend to have ambition, leadership qualities, and a passion for influencing positive change in their home countries.

We encourage you to apply if you meet our eligibility criteria and other requirements. Your gender, age (there is no upper age limit), sexual orientation, religion, marriage or parenthood status, caste, class, or other attributes do not matter to us. What matters is your ability to submit a thoughtful application that demonstrates you are capable of excelling on an intense master’s course in the UK, and that you have a clear vision for your future.

Check Chevening’s eligibility and work experience requirements to assess your own eligibility, and find out more about what a Chevening Award covers. the UK, and that you have a clear vision for your future.

How to choose your courses

It’s up to you to research and choose the courses that align with your career goals. The guidelines below will support you to find the right fit:

  • Eligible courses: Use the Chevening course finder to ensure your choices qualify for a Chevening Scholarship.
  • Research tools: Explore Postgrad.com and individual UK university websites for detailed information about courses, entry requirements, and deadlines.
  • Backup options: Choose three similar courses at three different universities for more flexibility. Alternatively, select different courses at the same university. Ensure that course content is similar, even if the titles differ.

Course requirements

Courses must be:

  • Full-time.
  • Start in the autumn term (usually September/October).
  • Taught master’s courses (not research-focused programs).
  • Leading to a master’s degree qualification.
  • Based in the UK.

Courses cannot be:

  • Part-time or distance learning.
  • Less than nine months or more than 12 months in duration.
  • PhD or DPhil.
  • Taught with more than one month of study outside the UK.

Use this link as a course finder to browse eligible courses across the UK http://www.chevening.org/scholarships/find-a-course

  1. GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP

Each year Gates Cambridge offers approximately 80 full-cost scholarships to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. Approximately two-thirds of these awards will be offered to PhD students, with approximately 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round. There are approximately 250 Scholars from approximately 50 countries studying in Cambridge at any one time who pursue the full range of subjects available at the University and are spread across its departments and Colleges, as well as forming their own distinctive community. The Gates Cambridge mission is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. It aims to achieve this mission by selecting outstanding scholars, providing them with financial and non-financial support at one of the world’s leading universities and facilitating community building at and beyond Cambridge.

The University Composition Fee varies for different types of students; applicants should see the Graduate Studies prospectus for full details about precise amounts. Where a student has been successful in gaining a fee award from public authorities (such as the UKRI) they should accept this award and the Trust will not pay their fee or may share their fee and maintenance costs.

For application follow this link: https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/how-to-apply/

For eligibility visit this link https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/eligibility/

If you are currently studying at Cambridge and wish to apply for a new postgraduate course you can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. For example, if you are currently studying for an MPhil you can apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to pursue a PhD. Current Gates Cambridge Scholars may also apply for a second scholarship if they are applying for a new degree. All current Cambridge students will be considered the second, international round. However, if you have already started a course (e.g. you are currently part way through a PhD) you cannot apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship to fund the remainder of it.

General funding at Cambridge Whether or not you are eligible for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you may be eligible for other funding offered by the University of Cambridge. See www.student-funding.cam.ac.uk for more details. Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge. It also provides additional, discretionary funding.

  1. MASTERCARD FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a global initiative designed to develop the next generation of transformative leaders by enabling highly talented, service-oriented young people, primarily young Africans, to pursue higher education and cultivate their leadership potential. It works with education institutions, NGOs, and the MasterCard Foundation Scholars community to create the conditions that will enable young people to attain inclusive and relevant education, transition smoothly into dignified and fulfilling work, and lead transformative lives.

For a guide on how to apply the for the MasterCard foundation scholarships follow this link https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/becoming-a-scholar/apply-to-the-scholars-program/ A person is eligible for master card scholarship if they hold a citizenship and live in a nation in Sub-Saharan Africa. Possess a degree from an African Higher Education Health Collaborative partner institution earned within the last five years. – Throughout your undergraduate studies, exhibit leadership abilities in addition to academic distinction.

  1. UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

For African students aspiring to further their education at a top-tier institution, Oxford University offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support their academic pursuits.

Scholarships for African students at Oxford University aim to attract the brightest minds from the continent and provide them with the resources they need to excel in their chosen fields of study. These scholarships cover a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to, science, humanities, social sciences, business, and medicine, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds have access to world-class education. A number of Reach Oxford scholarships (formerly Oxford Student Scholarships) are offered to students from low-income countries that, for political or financial reasons, or because suitable educational facilities do not exist, cannot study for a degree in their own countries.

Important things to note for application

You must make an application to the University of Oxford for an undergraduate course through UCAS by 15 October 2024, and be successful in gaining a place.

If you are offered a place at the University of Oxford for an undergraduate course for 2025 entry, you should read the guidance notes, review the application questions and complete the Undergraduate scholarships application online form by 12 noon (UK time) on 12 February 2025. Applications for these scholarships will open on 15 January 2025.

For 2025 entry applicants who apply by the 12 February 2025 scholarship deadline, the selection process will be undertaken in March 2025.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application in April 2025.

Students should note they must apply for admission to the University before they can be considered for a Reach Oxford Scholarship. The University is unable to consider any scholarship applications from students who have not been offered a place at Oxford. The University is not responsible for the content of external sites advertising the scheme and would encourage applicants to read the following details to check their eligibility.

To find a course program you can study at oxford clink this link https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing

Funding: The University of Oxford Scholarships offer Course fees, a grant for living costs and one return air fare per year. For more information and expansion click https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/fees-funding-and-scholarship

  1. INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP (AAUW)

International Fellowships have been in existence since 1917. The program provides support for women pursuing full-time graduate or postdoctoral study in the United States to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who intend to return to their home country to pursue a professional career. A limited number of awards are available for study outside of the U.S. (excluding the applicant’s home country) to women who are members of Graduate Women International (see the list of GWI affiliates). Both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions are supported. Recipients return to their home countries to become leaders in business, government, academia, community activism, and the arts or scientific fields. 17.

Fellowships are awarded for master’s programs in:

  • Architecture
  • Computer/Information Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics/Statistics

Follow this link to Selected Professions Fellowship Program

Criteria for selection and application reviews  The panel meets once a year to review applications for funding. Awards are based on the criteria outlined here. Recommendations by the panel are subject to final approval by AAUW. Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis according to funds available in a given fiscal year. To ensure a fair review process, AAUW does not comment on the deliberations of its award panels. AAUW does not provide evaluations of applications. No provisions exist for the reconsideration of fellowship proposals. Applications and supporting documents become the sole property of AAUW and will neither be returned nor held for another year.

  • Applicants residing in their home country at the time of application, from developing/emerging countries, or from an underrepresented group in any region, will receive special consideration.
  • Position on return to home country.
  • Academic and/or professional qualifications.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the advancement of women and girls in home country.
  • Proposed time schedule.
  • Quality and feasibility of proposed plan of study or research.
  • Demonstrated evidence of prior community and/or civic service in home country.
  • Applicant’s country’s need for specialized knowledge or skill.
  • Financial need.
  • Motivation for graduate study or research

For more information on funding and legibility follow this link https://www.aauw.org/resources/programs/fellowships-grants/international/

 

In conclusion, the availability of scholarships for African students to study abroad in 2025 represents a remarkable opportunity for individuals on the continent to access world-class education and expand their horizons. These scholarship programs not only empower talented students to pursue their academic passions but also contribute to the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and cultures on a global scale. As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, it is important for African students to seize these opportunities, harness their potential, and embrace the possibilities that studying abroad can offer. By investing in the education of Africa’s brightest minds, scholarship programs are not only shaping the future leaders of tomorrow but also fostering a more interconnected and prosperous world for all. With determination, resilience, and the support of scholarship initiatives, African students can unlock their full potential and make a lasting impact on the world stage

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