2023-2024 Scholarships for Africans: List of Top 10 Scholarships for Africans

#1 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

This is a scholarship program for African students to study at selected universities in the UK, USA, Europe, Canada, and Africa. The main aim of providing these scholarships is to develop the next generation of leaders in Africa. The program provides not only financial support but also social and academic support to scholars.

Financial support is provided for tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other costs related to studies. Students have to apply for the program through the universities of their choice as the scholarships are administered by partner universities. You can go to the website Mastercard Foundation to find out more.

#2 Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

This Aga Khan foundation scholarship program is open to students from selected developing countries in Africa and Asia. It is provided for postgraduate studies only. Master’s students are preferred but Ph.D. students can also apply. The scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis.

The main criteria for selecting students for the scholarship are excellent academic records, financial need, admission to a highly reputable institution, and major in one of Aga Khan Development Network’s focus areas. Applications are accepted through the local Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Education Board, and Aga Khan Education Services office. You can visit Aga Khan Foundation’s website for more information.

#3 The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

This program is aimed at developing Young African Leaders. It provides them with the opportunity to complete their academic coursework and leadership training in the United States. Only African citizens are considered for this fellowship program.

Fellows are selected based on their record of leadership, commitment to community service, ability to work in diverse groups, social and communication skills, positive attitude, and commitment to return to Africa and benefit their community after the program is over. More information is available on the website of this program.

#4 African Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship Program

Being in line with Nelson Mandela’s vision of equity and social justice, this program allows people from Sub-Saharan Africa to study in Canada. Through this scholarship, students are supported for pursuing a Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, and public finances in Canada. Apart from the academic component, which is the completion of one or two years’ master’s degree in the mentioned areas in Canada, the program has a professional development component.

This includes the development of a case study, mentoring by an expert, participation in webinars, and the development of a professional development plan. For more information, please visit the website of the Canadian Bureau of International Education.

#5 Ibrahim Scholarships

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation provides scholarships for Africans so that they can study at different prestigious institutes abroad and become leaders in the future. The aim is to develop future African leaders in selected disciplines. These scholarships are meant for studies at London Business School, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Birmingham, and Chatham House.

Specific programs at these institutions are supported by scholarships. The scholarships are provided to African nationals only. To get more details, visit the website of The Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

#6 Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are provided for students to study in the UK. Only students from Chevening-eligible countries can apply for the scholarships. Among these are several African countries so African students are also eligible to apply. Students can apply for these scholarships to study for a one-year master’s degree at any university in the UK.

These Chevening fundings are fully-funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, travel costs, arrival, and departure allowance as well as the cost of visa application. Scholars are provided a monthly stipend as well. If you are interested, then go to the website of Chevening and check whether you are eligible. You may also contact the British High Commission or Embassy in your country for details.

#7 Australia Awards Scholarships

These Australia Awards Scholarships are awarded to students from eligible African countries to study in Australia. They are meant for postgraduate studies only. To be eligible, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience, English proficiency, and a clear vision of how the studies will be used to drive policy reform in their home country.

Successful applicants of the Australia Awards Scholarship will receive travel costs, visa expenses, tuition fees, contribution to living expenses, student health cover, and much more. To get further information, you may visit the Australian Government Website for International Students.

#8 Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program

Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship program is meant for African citizens who wish to pursue an MBA from Stanford University. It provides tuition and associated fees for MBA studies at Stanford University. Applicants are selected based on intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, and personal qualities and contributions. Financial need is also considered when selecting fellows.

Fellows are also required to return to their home country once their MBA is over as the goal of this program is to support development in African countries. For further information on the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship program and other forms of financial aid available for studies at Stanford University, visit the university’s website.

#9 Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program

This is a joint initiative of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japan. Through the program, high achieving African graduate students are provided with two-year scholarships to study for a master’s degree within Africa or Japan.

It is open to citizens of AfDB member countries, who have professional experience and a record of supporting development efforts in their country. Scholarship holders are provided with tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance. You can visit AfDB’s website to get further details.

#10 The Beit Trust Scholarships

These are postgraduate scholarships provided by The Beit Trust for studies in the UK or South Africa. Students from Zimbabwe, Malawi, or Zambia can apply for these scholarships to study for a master’s degree. The trust has a partnership with 7 prestigious universities in the UK and 4 well-known institutions in South Africa which allow it to share costs and fund more scholarships.

Applicants have to first be selected by partner universities and then apply for these Scholarships. More details about eligibility and application procedure are available on the website of The Beit Trust.