For many students from developing countries especially across Africa the dream of studying abroad often collides with the financial burden of tuition, living costs, and travel. Thankfully, there are countless fully funded scholarships designed specifically for students from Africa and other developing regions. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but often include stipends, housing, airfare, and research allowances, ensuring you can focus on your studies.
In this mega guide, we’ll explore the top scholarships available in 2025/2026 for African students and other applicants from developing countries. Whether you’re seeking undergraduate, master’s, or PhD funding, you’ll find opportunities that can transform your academic and professional future.
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, remains one of the most prestigious awards for African applicants. It fully funds a one-year master’s degree in any UK university.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living allowance
- Travel costs to and from the UK
- Access to exclusive networking events and workshops
Eligibility for Africans:
- Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (most African nations qualify)
- At least two years’ work experience
- Commitment to return home after studies to contribute to development.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program partners with top universities across the world, including in Canada, the USA, and Africa itself, to provide fully funded scholarships to African students.
Benefits:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Leadership development training
- Career mentorship.
Universities Involved:
- University of Cape Town (South Africa)
- University of Edinburgh (UK)
- McGill University (Canada)
- Sciences Po (France)
This program strongly emphasizes developing Africa’s next generation of leaders.
3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of fully funded postgraduate scholarships for students from developing countries, with many spots specifically targeting African students.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and academic expenses
- Monthly stipend (around €850 for graduates, €1,200 for doctoral students)
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
Focus Areas:
DAAD often funds fields crucial for development, such as engineering, public policy, health sciences, and agriculture.
4. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
The JJ/WBGSP is a global initiative supporting students from developing countries especially Africa and Asia who are committed to development-related careers.
Benefits:
- Tuition coverage
- Monthly living stipend
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
Focus Areas:
- Development economics
- Public health
- Infrastructure
- Education
This program emphasizes return-to-home-country service after graduation.
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
Funded by the Australian Government, these awards provide Africans and other developing country applicants the chance to study undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in Australia.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Return air travel
- Establishment allowance
- Contribution to living expenses (CLE)
- Introductory academic program (IAP)
Eligible African Countries:
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Ghana
- Ethiopia
- South Africa.
6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program is one of the most well-known fully funded scholarships globally, available to graduate students from Africa and other developing regions.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Airfare
- Living stipend
- Health insurance.
African Participation:
Many African countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana, have dedicated Fulbright offices supporting applicants.
7. AGA Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation provides limited but highly competitive scholarships to outstanding students from developing countries, including African nations.
Benefits:
- 50% grant and 50% loan basis
- Coverage for tuition and living expenses.
Priority Countries:
- Uganda
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Egypt
- Mozambique.
8. African Union (AU) Scholarships
The African Union, through partnerships with universities across Africa, Europe, and Asia, offers fully funded opportunities for African students to pursue advanced studies.
Benefits:
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Research and travel grants.
Focus Areas:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Agriculture
- Governance and Leadership.
9. Commonwealth Scholarships
Funded by the UK government, the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme provides Africans with fully funded opportunities for master’s and PhD programs.
Benefits:
- Tuition and exam fees
- Living stipend
- Airfare
- Thesis grant.
Eligible Countries:
- Most African Commonwealth nations (e.g., Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana)
10. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (EU)
The Erasmus Mundus program funds students worldwide, including many Africans, to pursue joint master’s degrees across multiple European universities.
Benefits:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance (€1,000–€1,200)
- Travel and installation costs.
Popular Courses for African Applicants:
- Global Health
- Renewable Energy
- International Law.
Tips for African Students Applying for Scholarships
- Start Early – Many scholarships open applications almost a year before classes begin.
- Prepare Strong References – Secure recommendations from lecturers or employers.
- Focus on Leadership – Many scholarships look for applicants committed to leadership and community development.
- Tailor Your Essays – Highlight how your studies will impact Africa positively.
- Meet Language Requirements – IELTS, TOEFL, or other English proficiency tests are often required.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is no longer an impossible dream for African students. With programs like Chevening, DAAD, Fulbright, Commonwealth, Mastercard Foundation, and Erasmus Mundus, thousands of Africans are now pursuing higher education globally every year. By carefully preparing applications and focusing on leadership, service, and academic excellence, you too can secure one of these fully funded scholarships in 2025/2026.