For many African students, studying abroad feels like a dream that’s out of reach. Tuition fees, living costs, and visa expenses can make international education seem impossible. But here’s the truth: there are fully funded scholarships that not only cover tuition but also provide monthly stipends, travel costs, and health insurance. The problem is that many students simply don’t know these opportunities exist.
This post will reveal ten powerful scholarships that remain under the radar for most African students. If you’re serious about studying abroad without worrying about financial stress, this list could be your golden ticket.
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany remains one of the top destinations for African students, and the DAAD Scholarship is a hidden gem. It offers full funding for master’s and PhD programs at top German universities. The scholarship covers tuition, monthly living stipends, travel allowances, and health insurance.
What makes it special is that many DAAD programs are taught in English, so you don’t always need to know German before applying. Students from all African countries are eligible, and there are specific programs for development-related studies.
2. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, gives students from developing countries the chance to study for a one-year master’s degree in the UK. It covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Although it’s one of the more well-known scholarships, thousands of eligible African students still never apply. The key is leadership potential and a strong commitment to return home and create positive change.
3. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
Sweden offers a surprising number of scholarships for African students, but the Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship is one of the best. It targets global professionals and covers tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, insurance, and travel costs.
Many students overlook it because they assume Sweden is too expensive or difficult to get into. But if you have good grades and some professional or volunteer experience, your chances are strong.
4. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This is one of the most generous scholarship programs for African students. Funded by the Mastercard Foundation, it partners with universities around the world including the University of Toronto, University of Edinburgh, and Sciences Po in France.
It supports academically talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds and covers tuition, accommodation, books, and a monthly stipend. It also includes mentorship and leadership training, preparing you for community impact after graduation.
5. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
The Eiffel Scholarship is sponsored by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It targets outstanding international students who want to pursue master’s or PhD programs in France.
The scholarship provides a generous monthly allowance, international travel, health insurance, and cultural activities. Although it doesn’t cover tuition directly, most public universities in France charge very low fees, making it an excellent opportunity.
6. Australia Awards Scholarships
Australia may not be the first country African students think of, but it offers incredible funding opportunities. The Australia Awards Scholarship provides full financial support for master’s programs in fields related to development.
The scholarship covers tuition, travel costs, health insurance, and living expenses. It’s designed for individuals who want to return home and make an impact in their communities, making it perfect for those passionate about social change.
7. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)
This scholarship program supports students from specific African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Tanzania, who want to study in Belgium. It covers full tuition, travel, and living costs for selected master’s programs focused on development, technology, and policy.
What makes VLIR-UOS special is its focus on sustainable development and innovation. Graduates often go on to work with international organizations and NGOs after returning home.
8. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
This program is a collaboration between the World Bank and the Government of Japan. It funds master’s programs at selected universities in the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
It targets students from developing countries with a background in economics, health, or education who are committed to contributing to their home country’s development. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, and a monthly stipend.
9. Orange Knowledge Programme (Netherlands)
The Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) is funded by the Dutch government and is open to professionals from several African nations. It focuses on short courses and master’s programs related to agriculture, governance, education, and water management.
The OKP covers tuition fees, travel, insurance, and living allowances. It’s particularly suitable for mid-career professionals who want to advance their education without leaving work for too long.
10. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus remains one of the most powerful scholarship opportunities for African students who want to study across multiple countries in Europe. Recipients study in at least two different universities and earn a joint degree recognized across Europe.
The scholarship covers all tuition fees, travel costs, visa fees, insurance, and a generous monthly stipend. It’s highly competitive but worth every effort. A strong motivation letter and academic record can make all the difference.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
- Start early: Many scholarships open applications six to twelve months before the academic year begins.
- Write a compelling personal statement: Highlight how your education will contribute to your community.
- Gather strong recommendation letters: Choose referees who know your skills and achievements well.
- Apply to multiple programs: Don’t depend on just one scholarship. Apply to several that fit your profile.
- Research eligibility carefully: Each program has its own criteria, so read the details before applying.
Final Thoughts
Many African students miss out on life-changing opportunities simply because they don’t know these scholarships exist. With determination, proper planning, and a well-prepared application, you can study abroad for free and gain a world-class education.
Your dream university might be waiting for you — all you need is the right information and the courage to apply. Scholarships are not just for the privileged or the lucky. They are for anyone ready to put in the effort, tell their story well, and aim for a brighter future.
So, start researching, preparing your documents, and applying today. Your journey to a fully funded international education could be one click away.
