Education is the key to unlocking opportunities, and for many African students, scholarships provide the doorway to a brighter future. In 2025, a variety of scholarships are available to help African students pursue higher education, whether they’re aiming for undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate studies. These scholarships often cover full tuition, living expenses, and sometimes even travel costs, making them highly valuable for students seeking an international education.
If you’re an African student planning to study abroad or in Africa, here’s a list of some of the top scholarships you should consider applying for in 2025.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the most renowned scholarships for African students. It partners with several prestigious universities, including the University of Cape Town, the University of Toronto, and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, books, and even provides a living stipend. This program is aimed at academically talented yet economically disadvantaged students from sub-Saharan Africa.
The African Union Scholarships
The African Union (AU) offers scholarships to African students through its various programs. These scholarships are typically offered for postgraduate studies at African and international universities. The AU scholarships aim to support young people in their quest for education in fields that are critical for the development of Africa, such as agriculture, science, and engineering.
Chevening Scholarships
Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarships are available for exceptional students from African countries. This program covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, and a travel allowance. Chevening provides a unique opportunity for African students to study at top UK universities and gain leadership skills that can help drive change in their home countries. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership potential.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers various scholarships to African students wishing to study in Germany. The DAAD provides funding for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in a variety of disciplines. The scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. This is an excellent opportunity for African students looking to study in Europe while gaining valuable skills and exposure to a diverse academic environment.
The Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarships. Open to African students who want to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford in the UK, the Rhodes Scholarship covers all fees, including tuition, living expenses, and travel. It’s not just about academic excellence; the Rhodes Trust looks for students with strong leadership qualities and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity for African students who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge in the UK. The scholarship covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. In addition to academic excellence, the Gates Cambridge program seeks individuals who have the potential to become leaders and contribute to the well-being of society, particularly in developing regions like Africa.
The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships for students from Africa (among other regions) who are pursuing postgraduate studies in fields that are crucial for development. These scholarships are highly competitive and provide full funding, including tuition and living expenses. The Foundation supports individuals who show promise in leadership, have a clear vision for the development of their home countries, and are committed to working in sectors such as education, health, and social welfare.
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships offer full financial support for students from Commonwealth countries, including many African nations. These scholarships are available for postgraduate study in the UK, and they cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to making a difference in their home country.
The Orange Social Venture Prize Africa & Middle East (OSVP)
The OSVP is a unique scholarship program for African students with entrepreneurial ambitions. If you have an innovative project that has the potential to benefit your community, this scholarship can provide funding to bring your idea to life. The prize includes funding for your project, mentoring, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs.
The University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship
The University of Edinburgh offers several scholarships for African students who wish to pursue doctoral studies in any field. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in research-based programs, especially those working in areas related to global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and health.
The YALI Mandela Washington Fellowship
This fellowship is for young African leaders who want to improve their skills in leadership and public management. The fellowship provides funding for a six-week academic and leadership training program at a U.S. university. It’s aimed at individuals who are already involved in community development and who want to expand their skills and network to make a greater impact in their countries.
The Chinese Government Scholarship for African Students
China offers scholarships for African students who wish to study at Chinese universities. The scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. With China’s growing global influence and its focus on international education, this is an excellent opportunity for African students interested in studying in Asia. Students can pursue various undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Tips for Applying to Scholarships
- Start early: Most scholarships have deadlines months in advance. Starting early will give you time to gather all the necessary documents and submit your application well before the due date.
- Follow instructions carefully: Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements and follow the application guidelines closely.
- Craft a strong personal statement: Many scholarships require a personal statement or essay. This is your chance to tell your story, highlight your achievements, and explain why you’re a good fit for the scholarship.
- Seek guidance: Don’t hesitate to reach out to scholarship coordinators or mentors if you have questions about the application process.
- Apply for multiple scholarships: The more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances of securing funding.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships are a powerful tool to unlock educational opportunities, and African students in 2025 have access to a variety of fully-funded programs to help them achieve their academic dreams. Whether you’re looking to study in Europe, North America, or on the African continent, there are numerous opportunities available for you.