Explore the top fully funded Master’s scholarships available for African students in 2025. This practical guide covers benefits, eligibility, deadlines, application tips, and how to maximize your chances plus smart monetization ideas if you’re a blogger.
Why you should target fully funded Master’s scholarships
Fully funded awards remove tuition and living-cost barriers giving you time and resources to focus on study, research and long-term impact. They also connect you with global networks and mentors that accelerate your career.
Top fully funded Master’s scholarships for Africans (at a glance)
| Scholarship | Country/Region | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening | United Kingdom | Master’s |
| Commonwealth Shared Scholarships | United Kingdom | Master’s |
| DAAD | Germany | Master’s/PhD |
| Erasmus Mundus (EMJMD) | Europe | Master’s |
| Mastercard Foundation | Various | Undergrad/Master’s |
| SISGP (Sweden) | Sweden | Master’s |
| Mandela Rhodes | South Africa | Postgrad |
| Wageningen ASP | Netherlands | Master’s |
| Schwarzman Scholars | China | Master’s |
Tip: Save this post and create a spreadsheet with deadlines, links and your application status.
Detailed scholarship breakdown
1. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
What it covers: Full tuition, monthly stipend, return flights, visa support and networking events.
Who should apply: Emerging leaders with 2+ years’ work experience and a clear leadership plan.
Application tip: Demonstrate leadership impact and a plan to return and contribute to your country.
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships (UK)
What it covers: Tuition, living allowance and travel grant for students from Commonwealth countries.
Who should apply: Academically strong students focused on development-related fields.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
What it covers: Monthly stipend (varies by programme), health insurance, travel allowance; many German Master’s programmes have low or no tuition.
Who should apply: Candidates with strong academic records and often a research focus; perfect if you prefer Germany’s study environment.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJMD)
What it covers: Tuition, generous monthly allowance and travel; study across multiple European universities.
Who should apply: Students open to mobility and international exposure; ideal for interdisciplinary studies.
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
What it covers: Full tuition, accommodation, mentoring, leadership training (varies by partner institution).
Who should apply: High-performing African students demonstrating financial need and commitment to community impact.
6. Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP)
What it covers: Tuition and monthly living allowance for mid-career professionals from eligible countries.
7. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
What it covers: Tuition, accommodation, leadership development and networking in South Africa.
8. Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP)
What it covers: Full or partial funding for agriculture and development-related Master’s at Wageningen (Netherlands).
9. Schwarzman Scholars (China)
What it covers: Full funding for a Master’s in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University, Beijing — highly selective and leadership-focused.
10. Other country-specific & regional programs
Check national scholarship boards, Pan-African University calls, and university-level scholarships (many European and Asian universities offer institution-specific funding for African students).
Typical benefits & what "fully funded" covers
- Tuition fees (full or partial)
- Monthly stipend for living costs
- Return air travel or travel allowance
- Health/medical insurance
- Research/fieldwork grants for thesis work
Common eligibility requirements
- Citizenship of an eligible country (often developing countries)
- Bachelor’s degree (usually first/upper-second for competitive awards)
- Proof of language proficiency when required (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Relevant professional or volunteer experience for leadership awards
How to plan your application (step-by-step)
- Create a tracker: Make a spreadsheet with scholarship names, portal links, deadlines and document checklists.
- Collect documents early: Official transcripts, passport, CV, and language test results can take time.
- Tailor your essays: Align your statement with the scholarship’s mission.
- Request referees early: Give references at least 4–6 weeks’ notice plus a summary of your achievements.
- Proofread & verify: Check each portal’s required file format and submit before the deadline.
FAQs
Q: Which scholarship is easiest to win?
A: “Easiest” is relative. Local corporate or government scholarships often have higher acceptance rates than global programs. Apply widely and focus on fit.
Q: Do I always need IELTS?
A: Not always. Some programmes accept university-provided letters or waive tests under certain conditions check the scholarship’s requirements.
Q: Can I apply to more than one scholarship?
A: Yes. Prioritise quality tailor your essays and prepare separate documents where necessary.
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