Pursuing a master’s degree can be a transformative step for African students, opening doors to advanced education, leadership opportunities, and global networks. However, financial barriers often pose significant challenges.
Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to support talented African students in achieving their academic and professional goals. These scholarships, offered by governments, universities, and organizations worldwide, provide funding for tuition, living expenses, and sometimes travel costs. This guide highlights ten of the best master’s scholarships for African students in 2025–2026, designed to empower the next generation of African leaders and professionals.
Top 10 Master’s Scholarships for African Students
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports academically talented African students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Partnering with universities in Africa, North America, Europe, and the Middle East, it offers comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, books, and psychosocial services. The program emphasizes leadership development and community impact, with a focus on fields like STEM, business, and social sciences.
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Eligibility: African students under 35 with demonstrated financial need and academic excellence.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, travel expenses, and academic support.
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Deadline: Varies by partner institution (typically between January and June).
2. Chevening Scholarships
Funded by the UK government, Chevening Scholarships enable African students to pursue a one-year master’s degree at top UK universities. The program targets individuals with strong leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to their home countries’ development.
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Eligibility: African students with a bachelor’s degree, at least two years of work experience, and leadership qualities.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, and travel costs.
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Deadline: Usually November annually.
3. DAAD Scholarships
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for African students to study at German universities. These scholarships support a wide range of disciplines, fostering intercultural exchange and sustainable development in Africa.
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Eligibility: Sub-Saharan African students with a bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience.
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Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend (934 euros for graduates), and travel expenses.
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Deadline: Varies, typically April and October.
4. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
These scholarships are for students from Commonwealth countries, including many African nations, to study in the UK. They focus on fields that contribute to development goals, such as education, health, and technology.
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Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth African countries with a first-class or upper second-class degree.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and other allowances.
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Deadline: Usually October annually.
5. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program provides funding for African students to pursue master’s degrees in the United States. It aims to promote mutual understanding through academic and cultural exchange.
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Eligibility: African students with a bachelor’s degree, strong academic records, and English proficiency.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, accommodation, airfare, and health insurance.
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Deadline: Varies by country, typically February to June.
6. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
Offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Eiffel Scholarship supports African students pursuing master’s degrees in France in fields like science, engineering, humanities, and law.
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Eligibility: African students with outstanding academic records, typically under 25 for master’s programs.
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Coverage: Monthly allowance, travel expenses, and health insurance (tuition may not be fully covered).
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Deadline: January annually.
7. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
This program provides partial scholarships (half grant, half loan) to outstanding African students pursuing postgraduate studies worldwide. It prioritizes students who lack other means of funding.
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Eligibility: African students under 30 with financial need, excellent academic records, and leadership potential.
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Coverage: Partial tuition and living expenses (50% grant, 50% repayable loan).
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Deadline: March annually.
8. Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS)
QECS offers African students from Commonwealth countries the chance to pursue a two-year master’s degree in another Commonwealth country, often in Africa or Asia, fostering cross-cultural collaboration.
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Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth African countries with a bachelor’s degree.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
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Deadline: June annually.
9. Beit Trust Scholarships
The Beit Trust provides scholarships for students from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK or South Africa. The focus is on candidates with leadership potential to drive development in their home countries.
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Eligibility: Students from Malawi, Zambia, or Zimbabwe with a first-class or upper second-class degree.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel expenses.
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Deadline: April annually.
10. Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarship
This fully funded scholarship supports African students pursuing an MBA at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. It aims to develop business leaders who will contribute to Africa’s economic growth.
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Eligibility: African students with a bachelor’s degree and professional experience, admitted to Oxford’s MBA program.
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Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, and travel allowance.
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Deadline: Varies with Oxford MBA application deadlines (typically January).
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FAQs
Who is eligible for these scholarships?
Eligibility varies by scholarship but generally includes African students with a bachelor’s degree, strong academic performance, and often specific criteria like financial need, leadership potential, or professional experience. Some scholarships, like the Beit Trust, are limited to specific African countries, while others, like DAAD, are open to all Sub-Saharan African students.
Are these scholarships fully funded?
Most scholarships listed are fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. However, some, like the Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship, are partially funded, with a portion provided as a repayable loan.
What documents are typically required for applications?
Common requirements include academic transcripts, a bachelor’s degree certificate, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS), and sometimes a CV or evidence of professional experience. Check each scholarship’s website for specific requirements.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you can apply for multiple scholarships, but each has its own application process and deadlines. Be mindful of the effort required to tailor applications, as some may require essays or interviews.
Do these scholarships cover all fields of study?
Some scholarships, like DAAD and Fulbright, cover a wide range of disciplines, while others, like the Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarship, are specific to fields like business. Always verify the eligible programs for each scholarship.
What is the application process like?
The process typically involves submitting an online application through the scholarship’s official portal, including academic records, essays, and recommendation letters. Some scholarships require admission to a partner university first, while others manage applications directly.
Are there scholarships for specific African countries?
Yes, scholarships like the Beit Trust (Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe) and the FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship (South Africa) are country-specific. Others, like Chevening and Mastercard, are open to students from multiple African nations.
