Are you searching for Scholarships and Fellowships for African students in 2024? You came to the right place!
We have spoken in previous articles about the challenges facing African researchers doing their graduate studies on the continent.
We highlighted key challenges such as funding and mentorship gaps that can hinder career progress for the African researcher. But did you know that there are many organizations that support research on the continent through fellowships and scholarships?
There are numerous fellowships available for African students seeking to advance their education and research opportunities. Sign up for newsletters such as Opportunities for Africans for updated information on scholarships and fellowships for Africans.
22 Scholarships and Fellowships for African students
Some notable fellowships and scholarships include:
African Leadership Academy (ALA) Fellowship
- African Leadership Academy (ALA) Fellowship – The African Leadership Academy Fellowship is a two-year program for young professionals, aimed at developing leadership skills in governance and public service. Fellows work closely with talented students from across Africa, contributing to ALA’s mission of transforming the continent by nurturing future leaders
Link: https://www.africanleadershipacademy.org/
Mawazo Fellowship
- Mawazo Fellowship – The Mawazo Fellowship is a 15-month, non-residential program designed to support African women PhD students. It offers virtual training, mentorship, and financial support to help them influence policy and public discourse. The fellowship aims to build a network of women experts driving Africa’s development.
Link: https://mawazoinstitute.org/fellowship
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
- MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program – The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program empowers talented, service-oriented young people, primarily from Africa, to pursue undergraduate and Masters degrees. It provides comprehensive support, including financial, social, and academic assistance.
Link: https://mastercardfdn.org
Chevening Scholarships
- Chevening Scholarships – The Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious UK government program that funds one-year master’s degrees for outstanding emerging leaders worldwide. It covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs, fostering professional and academic growth, networking, and cultural exchange.
Link: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarships
- DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) Scholarships – The DAAD Scholarship, offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, supports African and other international students and researchers for study and research in Germany. It provides financial aid, including monthly stipends and travel allowances, fostering academic and cultural exchange.
Link: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/daad-scholarships/
Fulbright Program
- Fulbright Program – The Fulbright Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. government, supports international educational and cultural exchange. It offers students, scholars, and professionals from over 160 countries the opportunity to study, teach, or conduct research abroad.
Link: https://fulbrightscholars.org/
Commonwealth Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships – Provides funding for postgraduate students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including those in Africa, to study in the UK.
Link: Commonwealth Scholarships | Study UK (britishcouncil.org)
The African Development Bank (AfDB)
- The African Development Bank (AfDB) – African Development Fund (ADF) Scholarships – Supports African students pursuing postgraduate studies related to development in African countries.
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
- The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship – Provides financial support and a leadership programme for postgraduate studies in South Africa, focusing on leadership development and academic excellence.
Link: https://www.mandelarhodes.org/scholarship/apply/
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) – Offers various fellowships and scholarships for international students including Africans pursuing higher education.
Link: https://www.usaid.gov/innovation-technology-research/research/science-and-technology-fellowships
Link: https://www.usaid.gov/powerafrica/gender
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships – Funded by the European Union, these scholarships support students from Africa to study in Europe through various joint master’s and doctoral programs.
The Royal Society Africa Prize
- The Royal Society Africa Prize – Supports African scientists by providing funding for research and development in the field of science and technology.
Link: https://royalsociety.org/medals-and-prizes/africa-prize/
The Open Society Foundations Fellowships
- The Open Society Foundations Fellowships – Offers funding for research and academic projects that advance human rights, governance, and social justice in Africa.
Link: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/open-society-fellowship
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
- The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship – Provides scholarships and entrepreneurial training for young African students pursuing undergraduate studies in business and related fields.
Link: https://allangrayorbis.org/programmes/fellowship/
The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarships
- The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarships – Supports postgraduate study and research for African students, particularly in science and technology.
Link: https://www.omt.org.za/postgraduate-study
The African Union (AU) Pan African University Scholarships
- The African Union (AU) Pan African University Scholarships – Provides funding for African students pursuing higher education and research within Africa.
Link: https://pau-au.africa/admissions/scholarships
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Scholarships
- The Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) Scholarships – Supports postgraduate studies for students from Africa, focusing on politics, economics, and social sciences.
Link: https://www.kas.de/en/web/begabtenfoerderung-und-kultur/auslaenderfoerderung
The Carnegie Corporation of New York Fellowships
- The Carnegie Corporation of New York Fellowships – Offers funding for African students pursuing research and academic studies in various fields.
Link: https://www.carnegie.org/awards/award/andrew-carnegie-fellows/
The African Graduate Fellowships (AGF)
- The African Graduate Fellowships (AGF) – Provides financial support for African graduate students in fields that contribute to the continent’s development.
Link: https://www.aucegypt.edu/admissions/fellowships/listings/african-graduate
The Google Africa PhD Fellowship
- The Google Africa PhD Fellowship – Provides financial support and mentorship to African PhD students conducting research in computer science and related fields.
Link: https://research.google/programs-and-events/phd-fellowship/
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program – Provides scholarships for students from developing countries, including African nations, to study in Japan.
Link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships/jj-wbgsp
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program – Offers scholarships for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries, including Africa.
Link: https://the.akdn/en/what-we-do/developing-human-capacity/education/international-scholarships
These fellowships provide financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping African students to advance their education and careers.
Are you looking for fellowships in a specific field or country? Contact us today for support with your application.
