Colleges and Universities in Africa & Scholarships for African Students
Universities in Africa that Offer Generous Financial Aid Packages
- Ashesi University (Ghana)
- United States International University-Africa (Kenya)
- African Leadership University (Rwanda and Mauritius)
Scholarships for Study at African Universities
University of Cape Town (South Africa): Klaus-Jurgen Bathe Leadership Program
The Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Programme is open to all undergraduate students enrolled in any of the six faculties of the University of Cape Town. Students can apply in their first year of study, or after completing first year. However, there must be at least two years of the degree programme remaining at the time of award. The scholarship cannot be held for a period less than two years. Postgraduate students are not eligible. While it is expected that the majority of scholars will be citizens of South Africa, candidates from other sub-Saharan African countries are also welcome to apply. However, a condition for non-South African candidates is that they must demonstrate a commitment to remain in South Africa and serve the country for at least 10 years after their studies. They must also commit to serving their own countries. The scholarship offers full financial support to the value of R120,000-00 per year, intended to cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals and an allowance for books, stationery and transport.
University of Ghana, Legon (Ghana): Fondazione Edu Scholarship
Focuses on the disciplines of technical-scientific and agronomic. The Foundation offers African students the opportunity to access higher education in their country of origin. The Scholarship will cover tuition, books, as well as room and board, and will be awarded for four years as long as excellent academic standards of at least a B average of 3.00 CGPA continue to be met and need is demonstrated.
(For any African citizen): The Working to Advance Science and Technology Education for African Women (WAAW) Foundation Scholarship
For female students of African origin who are living and studying in Africa. Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate Bachelor of Science (B.S) degree program and studying STEM-related courses in a university or college in Africa. Must have excellent academic records and demonstrate financial need.
(For Kenyan citizens only): ACCES Post-Secondary Scholarship Program
The flagship of ACCES is the Post-secondary Scholarship Program. ACCES provides partial scholarships to the brightest Kenyan students from the most vulnerable backgrounds, ensuring that they are able to complete their full course of studies.
(For South African citizens only): Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund - NYDA
(For Nigerian citizens only): Jim Ovia Foundation Leaders Scholarship
The scholarship is open to all potential students of Nigerian citizens in a Nigerian institution. One hundred (100) awardees are selected each year from a pool of eligible applicants. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of personal intellectual ability, leadership capability and a desire to contribute to society at large to improve the lives of others.
(For Zimbabwean citizens only): Joshua Nkomo Scholarship
The scholarship is available to Zimbabwean citizens under the age of 21 at the time of applying. 70% of the scholarships will be for Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) studies, whilst 30% is reserved for other disciplines. Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria: strong academic performance as determined by applicant performance in public examinations; leadership potential as demonstrated by levels of responsibility and office bearing in the school and surrounding; demonstrated ethos of community engagement.
(For any student applying to schools in Mauritius): Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme
Applicants should be above 18 years of age and should not have reached their 26th birthday by the closing date of application. Applicants must have applied for a full-time on-campus program at a public tertiary education institution in Mauritius for the academic year starting in 2018. The scholarship will be for a maximum of four (4) years or the minimum course duration.
Other Scholarships to Study either in Africa or Abroad
Established in 2014 with the aim of contributing to Sub-Saharan Africa’s long-term development by empowering a generation of future leaders. Students receive an international university education, comprehensive support throughout their studies, and the means to return home and be agents of positive change. Applicants Applicants must have lost one or both parents; have completed 12 years of education (primary and secondary school) within the last two years; have an outstanding academic performance at high school and were amongst the top students in their class; be willing to return home, or to Sub-Saharan Africa, and contribute to society in Sub-Saharan Africa after graduating from university.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/
This program is committed to developing Africa’s next generation of leaders. It allows students whose talent and promise exceed their financial resources to complete their education and focuses on developing leaders who are transformative, encouraging them to be active contributors in their communities. The Program provides financial, social, and academic support to Scholars. Financial support includes, but is not limited to, tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other scholastic materials. The scope of majors and degrees eligible for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program varies from institution to institution. For a full list of participating institutions click here.
Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarships: https://www.wellsmountaininitiative.org/prospective-scholars/
Need-based international scholarships for students from developing countr to gain funding for university at home and abroad. WMI provides education scholarships to highly motivated and ambitious youth pursuing undergraduate degrees in regions with little or no financial resources. WMI Scholars study for degrees ranging from medicine to engineering. A major component of the scholarship program is community service. All scholars are required to volunteer for a minimum of 100 hours per year in order to remain a WMI Scholar. WMI scholarships range from $300 USD to $3000 USD annually and are provided throughout the undergraduate education of the recipient. Average scholarship amount is $1500 USD.
The Women Techmakers Scholars Program (formerly the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship Program): https://www.womentechmakers.com/scholars
Scholars will each receive a 7,000 EUR award (or local equivalent) for the academic year. A group of female undergraduate and graduate students will be chosen from the applicant pool, and scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of each candidate’s academic background and demonstrated leadership. Applicants must identify as female and currently be enrolled at an accredited university, and intend to be enrolled in or accepted as a full-time or part-time student in a Bachelor’s program at a university in Europe, Middle East, or Africa.
Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship Program: https://www.amideast.org/yemen/find-a-scholarship/undergraduate-study/mepi-tomorrows-leaders-program
The U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and AMIDEAST are pleased to announce the Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship Program for capable and highly motivated high school seniors in the Middle East and North Africa who are from underserved backgrounds. The program will provide four-year university scholarships and internship opportunities at two select institutions of higher learning in the Middle East – the American University of Beirut and the Lebanese American University – to students who have the potential to become leaders. Participation in the program includes: travel, academic fees for four years of university at AUB or LAU, a study abroad experience in the U.S., accident and sickness insurance, housing, and a monthly allowance during the school year. Available to citizens from the following North African countries only: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia.
(For Kenyan, Ugandan, Mozambican, and Ghanaian citizens only): Zawadi Africa Education Fund
The Zawadi Africa Education Fund is a program designed to provide scholarships to academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds from Africa to pursue higher education in the U.S.A, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya. Students must meet the following eligibility criteria: Be a female student; have an A or an A- in your secondary school exams; have undertaken a leadership role(s) in your school and/or community; come from a financially needy background; should have completed high school no more than two years before applying to Zawadi Africa.
(For South African, Ivoirian, and eSwatini citizens only): International Higher Education Scholarship Program
The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF) provides each scholarship recipient with a full scholarship, including return airfare, housing, tuition and credit fees, insurance, textbook costs, and a monthly allowance.
(For Rwandan citizens only): CASNR Undergraduate Scholarship Program (CUSP)
Available to up to 50 qualified Rwandan students to enroll in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Students selected to participate in the CASNR Undergraduate Scholarship Program (CUSP) will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrated Science that is focused on conservation agriculture, entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovative thinking and is aligned with the areas of need as identified by the Rwandan Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. Upon completion of the program, participants will return to Rwanda and commit a minimum of 5 years of their career to advancing the Rwanda agricultural sector. Students selected to participate in the program will receive full scholarships, to include tuition, fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
(For Tunisian citizens only): The Tunisia Undergraduate Scholarship Program
The Tunisia Undergraduate Scholarship Program (Tunisia UGRAD), part of the Department of State’s Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program, offers full scholarships to outstanding students from underrepresented sectors and parts of Tunisia for one academic year (9-10 months) of non-degree undergraduate study in the United States at accredited four-year institutions. The program provides participants with a deeper understanding of American culture and new globally-applicable skills and expertise to help them contribute to the economic growth and development of Tunisia.