Top 10 International Scholarships for African Students

Explore top international scholarships available for African students seeking fully funded study opportunities abroad. These programs cover all essential costs, including tuition, accommodation, travel, and living expenses. Open to undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels, they are designed to support academic excellence and leadership potential, helping students achieve their goals at world-class universities and institutions.

International scholarships for African students focus on empowering future leaders through quality education and cultural exchange. These programs provide comprehensive support, including financial aid and career development resources. Students gain exposure to global learning environments, access advanced research facilities, and build strong professional networks, essential for making a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.

Fully funded international scholarships offer African students the chance to study abroad without financial stress. With benefits like monthly stipends, insurance, and support for travel and research, students can focus entirely on their studies. These opportunities promote diversity, academic excellence, and innovation while fostering global collaboration across disciplines and borders.

1. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

Host Institutions: Various partner universities (e.g., University of Cape Town, University of Edinburgh, McGill University)
Level: Undergraduate & Master’s
Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel
Target Group: Students from Sub-Saharan Africa with academic merit and leadership potential
👉 Visit the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program Details

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships

Host Countries: Multiple European countries
Level: Master’s
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and insurance
Eligibility: Open to students from all countries, including African nations
👉 Visit Erasmus Mundus Details

3. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Host Country: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s
Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, and visa support
Eligibility: High-achieving individuals with leadership potential
👉 Visit Chevening Details

4. DAAD Scholarships for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses

Host Country: Germany
Level: Master’s & Ph.D.
Benefits: Full funding, including tuition, monthly allowance, travel, and insurance
Eligibility: Graduates from developing countries, including Africa
👉 Visit DAAD Details

5. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University (USA)

Host Country: United States
Host Institution: Stanford University
Degree Levels: Master’s, Ph.D., JD, MBA, MD, MFA, MPP, MS, and joint degrees
Benefits: Full tuition, living expenses, Travel stipend, Leadership development & more…
Eligibility: Open to applicants from all countries
👉 Visit Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program Details

6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

Host Country: United States
Level: Master’s & Ph.D.
Benefits: Tuition, travel, living stipend, and health insurance
Eligibility: African students with strong academic records
👉 Visit Fulbright Details

7. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

Host Country: United Kingdom
Level: Master’s
Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, stipend, and thesis grant
Eligibility: Students from Commonwealth countries, including African nations
👉 Visit Commonwealth Scholarships Details

8. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)

Host Country: Belgium
Level: Master’s
Benefits: Tuition, travel, accommodation, and living allowance
Eligibility: Students from selected African countries
👉 Visit VLIR-UOS Details

9. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

Host Country: Switzerland
Level: Ph.D., Postdoctoral, and Research Fellowships
Benefits: Monthly stipend, tuition waiver, accommodation allowance, and insurance
Eligibility: International students, including Africans, with academic excellence
👉 Visit Swiss Government Scholarship Details