Discover 12+ fully funded scholarships for African students to study abroad in 2025. Includes eligibility, deadlines, official links, and application tips.
Why Scholarships for African Students Matter in 2025
For many African students, the dream of studying abroad offers life-changing academic, professional, and cultural opportunities. However, the cost of international education remains a significant barrier. The good news? Hundreds of fully and partially funded scholarships are available each year, specifically aimed at African students.
In this post, we’ve compiled 12+ of the most popular, recurring international scholarships available for African nationals. Each listing includes eligibility criteria, deadlines (where applicable), and links to official websites so you can begin your application journey today.
Top Scholarships for African Students to Study Abroad in 2025
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Host Countries: USA, Canada, and Africa-based universities
- Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
- Deadline: Varies by institution
- Eligibility:
- Must be from Sub-Saharan Africa
- Academically strong and economically disadvantaged
- Admitted to a partner institution
- Website: https://mastercardfdn.org/en/what-we-do/our-programs/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program/
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Level: Master’s (1 year)
- Deadline: November annually
- Eligibility:
- Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (all African countries included)
- At least two years of work experience
- Undergraduate degree
- Website: https://www.chevening.org
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
- Host Country: Germany
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Deadline: Varies by course (usually August–October)
- Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- At least two years of professional experience
- Focus on development-related fields
- Website: https://www.daad.de/en
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
- Host Countries: Multiple EU countries
- Level: Master’s
- Deadline: January annually
- Eligibility:
- Open to all nationalities
- Bachelor’s degree
- Strong academic record
- Website: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/emjmd-catalogue_en
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
- Host Country: United States
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Deadline: Varies by country (Feb–May)
- Eligibility:
- Citizen of a Fulbright-eligible country
- Strong academic and leadership potential
- Must apply through the U.S. Embassy/Fulbright Commission
- Website: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org
6. ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
- Host Countries: Japan, New Zealand, etc.
- Level: Master’s
- Deadline: April annually
- Eligibility:
- Citizen of an ADB borrowing country (includes African nations like Egypt and Ethiopia)
- Bachelor’s degree + 2 years’ work experience
- Website: https://www.adb.org/work-with-us/careers/japan-scholarship-program
7. Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)
- Host Country: Netherlands
- Level: Short courses and Master’s
- Deadline: Three times/year (March, June, October)
- Eligibility:
- Mid-career professionals from eligible countries
- Government or employer support
- Website: https://www.nuffic.nl/en
8. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Deadline: October annually
- Eligibility:
- Citizen of a Commonwealth country
- Financial need
- First-class or upper second-class degree
- Website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
9. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (South Africa)
- Host Country: South Africa
- Level: Master’s
- Deadline: April annually
- Eligibility:
- African citizenship
- Under 30 years old
- Strong academic performance and leadership
- Website: https://www.mandelarhodes.org
10. African Union Scholarships (Pan-African University)
- Host Regions: Africa
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- Deadline: June annually
- Eligibility:
- African Union member state nationality
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
- Fluent in English or French
- Website: https://pau-au.africa
11. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP)
- Host Countries: USA, Japan, Europe
- Level: Master’s
- Deadline: May annually
- Eligibility:
- Citizen of a World Bank developing member country
- Bachelor’s degree + 3 years’ development experience
- Website: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships
12. Rhodes Scholarships (Oxford University)
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Level: Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD)
- Deadline: August–October
- Eligibility:
- Citizens of select African countries (e.g. South Africa, Kenya, Zambia)
- Under 27 (varies)
- Excellent academic achievement and leadership
- Website: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk
Tips for Winning Scholarships for African Students
- Start early – Scholarship deadlines often close 6–12 months before the study start date.
- Tailor your application – Personal statements and essays should align with the mission of the scholarship.
- Request strong references – Choose referees who know your academic and leadership strengths.
- Be authentic – Many programs value leadership and community impact as much as grades.
Start Your Scholarship Application Journey Today
Ready to take the next step? Bookmark this page, subscribe to scholarship newsletters, and begin preparing your application materials now. These scholarships are competitive, but African students win them every year — and you could be next.
If you found this helpful, share this post with a friend or colleague who’s also dreaming of studying abroad in 2025!