Its not perfect, or by any means comprehensive, but I get asked so often about scholarship opportunities for African students and scholars, I decided to make a list. If you know of other schemes / opportunities, please get in touch with me and I’ll add them to the list. I’d particularly love to hear about more funding opportunities at the undergraduate and masters level, and those in lusophone and fracophone academia.
Other Scholarship Lists
I aim to continue to build this page as find out about more scholarship opportunities and as time permits. I’m particularly hoping to include more new educational opportunities that are emerging at universities in Asia, but this will take a bit more research. But there are other lists of scholarships out there that you can check out right now.
- http://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/scholarship-advice/international-scholarships-african-students
- http://www.scholars4dev.com/13737/top-international-scholarships-for-african-students/
And specifically for African Women
Scholarships for Refugees
This site already aggregates scholarships for refugees seeking higher education, a well as programs to support academics displaced by conflict. It has an EU focus, but includes programs in or supported by the US, Canada and Australia.
Individual Scholarships and Grants
Volkswagen Foundation (Germany)
Level: Postdoc
Deadline for pre-proposals: October 1, 2015
This opportunity is aimed at supporting postdoctoral research based in African institutions and universities, and forging collaborations with German universities and research institutes. The funding is for 36 months. What they say:
The funding initiative is open to all disciplines and aims at the development and sustainable reinforcement of research in Sub-Saharan Africa. Research projects, developed and carried out by African scholars and scientists in close cooperation with their German partners, shall provide junior researchers in Africa with an opportunity to enhance their skills and academic qualifications. Special emphasis is put on the development, reinforcement, and extension of academic networks inside Africa beyond existing language barriers.
Social Science Research Council (USA)
Next Generation Social Sciences in Africa
Level: Doctoral
Deadline: November 13, 2015
There are three distinct fellowships aimed to support doctoral students at each stage — from developing your research proposal, conducting research, and writing up free from the commitment to teaching. What they say:
The Social Science Research Council offers fellowships to support the completion of doctoral degrees and to promote next generation social science research in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The fellowships support dissertation research on peace, security, and development topics.
- Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Fellowship
- Doctoral Dissertation Research Fellowship
- Doctoral Dissertation Completion Fellowship
Level: Postdoc
Deadline: usually in mid December (not currently accepting applications)
Another initiative of the Social Science Research Council that supports research on conflict affected areas by African scholars and analysts. The initiative includes individual research grants, postdoctoral fellowships, and larger collaborative projects. What they say:
The APN promotes the visibility of African peacebuilding knowledge among global and regional centers of scholarly analysis and practical action and makes it accessible to key policymakers at the United Nations and other multilateral, regional, and national policymaking institutions. The APN accomplishes this by facilitating the transformation of the quality and scale of African research and consolidating the contributions of African researchers and analysts, thereby connecting them with other African scholars, policy analysts, practitioners, and networks focusing on issues of peacebuilding, as well as with other policymaking communities around the world.
Fulbright Scholarships (USA)
Level: Masters (for English teaching), Doctoral, Postdocs // mid-career scholars
The Fulbright is actually a set of several distinct scholarship opportunities supported by the Department of State (US Government). As these scholarships are also a form of ‘soft’ diplomacy, each country has its own particular requirements and process for application, whether you are an American seeking to go abroad, or a scholar from elsewhere looking to study, teach or do research in the US. Not all countries in Africa have Fulbright programs, and many only fund certain areas of research, so check carefully to be sure you meet the criteria before applying.
For scholars coming from outside of the US, there are three main programs. Deadlines vary.
- Foreign Student Program–supports graduate students & artists to study in the US.
- Visiting Scholar Program–supports teaching and research at a US university for established scholars
- Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program–for teachers of English that are also interested in teaching their own language at a US university.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (Canada)
Scholarships from the SSHRC (and the other research councils in Canada) are often two-step processes, which require nomination from the graduate program or university department that will host the student or postdoc. Many Canadian universities will advertise directly for these positions, but you can also inform the department of your intention to apply and request their support for your application. Because of this two-step process, you should be in touch with the host department well ahead of the listed deadlines. These grants and fellowships are very competitive.
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship
Level: Postdoc
Deadline: 23 September 2015
This postdoc is not specifically directed toward African scholars, but anyone can apply, regardless of citizenship. While I have listed this scholarship under the SSHRC umbrella, Banting Fellowships can also be awarded for those pursuing health related research as well as research in natural sciences and engineering. You will need to be nominated by your department.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship
Level: Doctoral
Deadline: 04 November 2015
Like the Banting, this scholarship for doctoral study (PhD) does not specifically seek to recruit African scholars, and can be awarded for any discipline of study (social science, humanities, health science, natural science, engineering). Still, it is aimed at recruiting top candidates regardless of citizenship, so Africans can apply. You will need to be nominated by the department in which you hope to study. What they say:
The Government of Canada launched the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program in 2008 to strengthen Canada’s ability to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and/or humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (various countries)
Level: Undergraduate
This appears to be a program that works with a number of universities worldwide to offer scholarships to disadvantaged African students.They also may fund secondary school fees. However the website is not easy to follow. Check out the ‘partners’ page, each participating institution may have its own process.
Australia Awards (Australia)
Level: Masters & Short Courses
Deadline: Applications open from 1 September to 18 December 2015.
There are two types of awards offered, one funding Masters level study and the other short-courses or other professional training opportunities. The opportunities available depend on your home country and state in Australia in which you wish to study. Check out the website for complete eligibility information. What they say:
Australia Awards, a cornerstone of the Australian Government’s development assistance program for Africa, provide access to postgraduate education, training and professional development opportunities for suitably qualified Africans from eligible countries. On their return to the workplace, Australia Awards Alumni are expected to contribute actively to development in their home countries.
- Australian Awards Scholarships, to undertake higher degree studies in Australia at Masters level.
- Australia Awards Short Courses, to undertake short-term, targeted professional training courses, in Australia and/or in Africa, in a range of development-focused sectors.
Aga Khan International Scholarship Programme (various countries)
Level: Masters
Deadline: closed for this year; next years round opens in January 2016
This is actually a not a ‘full’ scholarship, but a combined grant and loan aimed to support Masters level study in fields related to development, for those interested in working with the foundation in the future. Those are alot of conditionalities. But if you are still interested and are a national of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar and Mozambique you can apply.
- For more information go to their website: http://www.akdn.org/akf_scholarships.asp
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Level: Masters & Doctoral
Deadline: 19 November 2015
These are offered to outstanding students from commonwealth countries (including refugees) to study on 1 year masters courses, or for a PhD at participating UK universities. All subjects are considered, but preference given to those that have greatest potential to contribute to development. Funded by DIFD. You cannot directly apply for this scholarship, but have to be nominated.
- Eligible commonwealth countries
- General information for potential applicants
- In addition there are several other opportunities that are supported by the Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Program
Civil Society Leadership Award (worldwide, funded by Soros )
Level: Masters
Deadline: September 15, 2015
This scholarship funds Masters level studies in social science, law and the humanities that have the potential to strengthen civil society. Nationals from Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Sudan may apply. The scholarship includes an intensive academic writing pre-course the summer before enrollment.
- For further information about the scholarship, go to their website.
King Scholar Leadership Program @ Dartmouth (USA)
Level: Undergraduate
Deadline: Application deadline for Dartmouth is 1 January 2016
Dartmouth is one of the prestigious “Ivy League” universities in the United States, and prides it self on high quality teaching for undergraduates. Students from developing countries are eligible for the scholarship which also funds a research trip home in the third year of courses. There is no separate application form, all students from developing countries that apply to the University will be evaluated. The university uses the common application, and students will also need to take the ACT or the SAT, which are common standardized tests required for admission at the majority of US universities.
- For further information about the scholarship, go to their website.
WAAW Foundation (study in Africa)
Level: Undergraduate
Deadline: October 15, 2015
This scholarships help fund undergraduate level education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) for WOMEN. There are a number of additional criteria, so make sure to read the announcement carefully.
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (South Africa)
Level: Masters
Deadline: closed for this year, check back 1 May, 2016
This scholarship supports Masters level studies for nationals of any African country to study at a South African University. They aim to support ‘future leaders’ who demonstrate a commitment to leadership, reconciliation, education and entrepreneurship.
- For further information about the scholarship, go to their website.