If you are thinking about studying abroad, there is good news. Many fully funded scholarships are available for African students. This article explains some of the top scholarships at well-known universities, what they offer, and how you can apply.
More than 2,000 fully funded scholarships are open to African students at top universities worldwide. These scholarships usually include a monthly allowance of about $1,000, tuition fees, housing costs, health insurance, and travel support.
Some of the top universities offering these scholarships include Yale University (USA), Oxford and Cambridge Universities (UK), Harvard University (USA), Monash University (Australia), and several universities in China.
1. DAAD Scholarship Germany
The DAAD Scholarship is for master's and PhD students at top universities in Germany. It provides monthly payments of 850 euros for master’s students and 1,200 euros for doctoral students.
- Institution: German Universities
- Study in: Germany
- Level of Study: Masters / PhD
2. Yale University Scholarships USA
Yale University offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. Awards can range from a few hundred dollars to over $70,000 per year, with the average scholarship being over $50,000.
- Institution: Yale University
- Study in: USA
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD
3. Chinese Government Scholarships
This scholarship supports master’s and PhD studies at over 280 universities in China. It includes housing, basic health insurance, and a monthly allowance of up to 3,500 Yuan.
- Institution: Chinese Universities
- Study in: China
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD
4. Fulbright Scholarships USA
The Fulbright Program funds master’s and PhD studies. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, flights, and health insurance.
- Institution: USA Universities
- Study in: USA
- Level of Study: Masters / PhD
5. MEXT Scholarship Japan
The MEXT Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, monthly living costs, and airfare. It is available for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and training courses.
- Institution: Japanese Universities
- Study in: Japan
- Level of Study: Undergraduate / Masters / PhD
6. ETH Zurich Excellence Masters Scholarships Switzerland
This scholarship is for master's students and includes a living and study grant of CHF 11,000 per semester and a tuition fee waiver.
- Institution: ETH Zurich
- Study in: Switzerland
- Level of Study: Masters
7. Ton Duc Thang University Graduate Scholarship
These scholarships are for master’s and PhD students. They cover full tuition and accommodation costs.
- Institution: Ton Duc Thang University
- Study in: Vietnam
- Level of Study: Masters / PhD
8. Monash University Scholarship
This scholarship is for PhD research studies and includes a yearly living allowance of $35,600, a $550 relocation allowance, and a $1,500 research grant per year.
- Institution: Monash University
- Study in: Australia
- Level of Study: Masters / PhD
9. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
This scholarship supports master's and PhD studies. It provides an annual stipend of £17,500, health insurance, academic funding up to £2,000, and a family allowance of up to £10,120.
- Institution: University of Cambridge
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: Masters / PhD
10. Stanford University Scholarships
Stanford offers full scholarships for master’s and PhD students. It covers tuition, travel, living costs, and academic expenses.
- Institution: Stanford University
- Study in: USA
- Level of Study: Masters / PhD
11. KAIST Undergraduate Scholarship
This scholarship covers tuition, a monthly allowance of up to 800,000 KRW, a round-trip flight, Korean language training, and health insurance.
- Institution: KAIST University
- Study in: South Korea
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
12. Chevening Scholarship UK
Chevening funds one-year master’s degrees in the UK. It includes tuition, living allowance, return airfare, and other essential costs.
- Institution: UK Universities
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: Masters
13. Simmons University Kotzen Scholarships
This scholarship supports undergraduate studies and covers full tuition, required fees, and room and board.
- Institution: Simmons University
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
14. Muhammad Bin Zaid University Scholarships
This scholarship is for master’s and PhD programs. It provides full tuition, monthly stipends, and accommodation.
- Institution: Muhammad Bin Zaid University
- Study in: Dubai, UAE
- Level of Study: Masters / Doctoral
15. Imperial College London PhD Scholarship
Up to 10 scholarships are awarded each year. They cover full tuition and an annual tax-free stipend of £16,553.
- Institution: Imperial College London
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: PhD
16. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship Program, Canada
This undergraduate scholarship covers tuition, books, fees, and full residence costs for four years.
- Institution: University of Toronto
- Study in: Canada
- Level of Study: Undergraduate
17. Melbourne Research Scholarships, Australia
About 600 scholarships are available for master's and doctoral studies. They offer a living allowance of $31,200 per year, tuition fee waiver, student health cover, and relocation grant.
- Institution: University of Melbourne
- Study in: Australia
- Level of Study: Masters / PhD
18. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
These scholarships support PhD and postdoctoral studies. They include monthly payments, tuition exemption, health insurance, airfare, and a housing allowance.
- Institution: Swiss Government / Swiss Universities
- Study in: Switzerland
- Level of Study: PhD / Postdoctoral
19. Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarships
This scholarship is for African students pursuing an MBA. It covers full MBA tuition, a living stipend, and a return airfare.
- Institution: University of Oxford
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: MBA
20. Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships
These scholarships cover full course fees and living costs of £15,609. They are offered for master's and PhD programs.
- Institution: University of Oxford
- Study in: UK
- Level of Study: Masters / PhD
21. DAAD Leadership for Africa (LFA) Scholarships
This scholarship supports African students pursuing a master’s degree in Germany. It offers 934 euros per month and includes insurance and other benefits.
- Institution: German Universities
- Study in: Germany
- Level of Study: Masters