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Top 20 Fully Funded Scholarships in Africa 2026 for International & African Students
Africa is becoming one of the fastest-growing destinations for higher education, research, innovation, and international academic collaboration. Universities, governments, foundations, and international organizations across Africa now offer a wide range of fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, research, and leadership programs.
These scholarships often cover:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Monthly living stipend
- Research support
- Travel costs
- Health insurance
Below are the top 20 fully funded scholarships in Africa for 2026 with official application links.
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of Africa’s largest scholarship initiatives supporting academically talented but economically disadvantaged students.
Benefits
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Leadership training
- Career development support
Available At
- University of Cape Town
- University of Pretoria
- African Leadership University
- Makerere University
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and more.
Official Website
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
2. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship – South Africa
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship combines financial support with a leadership development program for African students.
Benefits
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Living allowance
- Leadership training
Degree Level
- Master’s
- Honors Programs
Official Website
3. Pan African University Scholarships
The Pan African University (PAU), an initiative of the African Union, offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships across multiple African institutes.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Travel support
Degree Level
- Master’s
- PhD
Official Website
Pan African University Scholarships
4. African Leadership University (ALU) Scholarships
ALU provides scholarship opportunities for outstanding young African leaders.
Benefits
- Tuition support
- Leadership training
- Entrepreneurship development
- Mentorship opportunities
Campuses
- Rwanda
- Mauritius
Official Website
African Leadership University Scholarships
5. AIMS Scholarships – African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
AIMS offers fully funded postgraduate training in mathematical sciences and AI-related fields.
Benefits
- Full scholarship
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Travel costs
Campuses
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- South Africa
Official Website
6. University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship
The University of Pretoria offers fully funded scholarships through the Mastercard Foundation.
Benefits
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Books
- Living expenses
- Travel support
Official Website
University of Pretoria Mastercard Scholarship
7. DAAD In-Region Scholarships in Africa
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds postgraduate study at selected African universities.
Benefits
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend
- Research allowance
- Travel support
Degree Level
- Master’s
- PhD
Official Website
DAAD In-Region Scholarships Africa
8. Mwalimu Nyerere African Union Scholarship Scheme
An African Union initiative supporting students in science, engineering, and education.
Benefits
- Tuition
- Living allowance
- Travel costs
Official Website
Mwalimu Nyerere Scholarship Scheme
9. Ashinaga Africa Initiative
The Ashinaga Africa Initiative supports orphaned students from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Benefits
- Full scholarship
- University preparation
- Leadership development
- International study opportunities
Official Website
10. RUFORUM Scholarships
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture supports agricultural research and innovation.
Benefits
- Tuition fees
- Research funding
- Living expenses
Official Website
11. Makerere University Scholarship Opportunities
Uganda’s Makerere University offers several fully funded graduate scholarships through international partnerships.
Benefits
- Tuition support
- Research funding
- Monthly stipend
Official Website
Makerere University Scholarships
12. Cheikh Anta Diop University Scholarships – Senegal
One of West Africa’s leading universities offering postgraduate funding opportunities.
Benefits
- Tuition support
- Research grants
- Accommodation assistance
Official Website
13. University of Cape Town Scholarships – South Africa
UCT offers multiple fully funded scholarships for African and international students.
Benefits
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Research funding
- Living allowance
Official Website
University of Cape Town Scholarships
14. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation provides scholarships for outstanding students from developing countries including African nations.
Benefits
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
Degree Level
- Postgraduate
Official Website
Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
15. Chulabhorn Graduate Institute Scholarship for Africans
Though based in Thailand, the CGI Scholarship strongly supports African students in science and health-related programs.
Benefits
- Full tuition
- Airfare
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
Official Website
Chulabhorn Graduate Institute Scholarship
16. African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards
Supports scientific excellence and research innovation across Africa.
Benefits
- Financial grants
- International recognition
- Research support
Official Website
AU Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards
17. WASCAL Scholarships – West Africa
The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use offers climate-focused scholarships.
Benefits
- Tuition fees
- Research funding
- Monthly stipend
Official Website
18. OWSD PhD Fellowships for Women Scientists
The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World supports women researchers in Africa.
Benefits
- Full PhD funding
- Travel support
- Research allowance
Official Website
19. University of Rwanda Scholarships
The University of Rwanda offers several funded graduate and research programs through international partnerships.
Benefits
- Tuition support
- Research grants
- Living stipend
Official Website
University of Rwanda Scholarships
20. African Development Bank (AfDB) Scholarship Programs
The African Development Bank supports multiple scholarship and capacity-building initiatives across Africa.
Benefits
- Tuition support
- Research and professional training
- Development leadership opportunities
Official Website
African Development Bank Scholarships
Why Study in Africa?
Africa’s higher education sector is rapidly expanding with increasing investment in:
- Research and innovation
- Technology and AI
- Entrepreneurship
- Climate and sustainability
- Public health
- Leadership development
African universities are also building stronger partnerships with international institutions, creating more opportunities for students and researchers.
Tips for Winning Scholarships in Africa
To improve your chances of success:
- Maintain strong academic performance
- Build leadership and volunteer experience
- Prepare a strong motivation letter
- Highlight community impact and social contribution
- Apply early before deadlines
Many scholarship programs in Africa particularly value leadership potential and commitment to community development.
Final Thoughts
Fully funded scholarships in Africa provide incredible opportunities for students, researchers, innovators, and future leaders. Programs such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, AIMS, and Pan African University Scholarships are helping shape the next generation of African changemakers and global leaders.
Specifications
| Type of Opportunity | Scholarships and Fellowships |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Ongoing |
| Open to | All Nationalities |