15 Scholarships for African Undergraduate Students

» Last updated on September 6th, 2023 at 03:18 am

Are you an African student and looking for a scholarship to complete your undergraduate studies at a foreign university? If the answer is yes, then this ‘Scholarships for African Undergraduate Students‘ article is for you!

This comprehensive blog post will shed light on the 15 scholarships available for African undergraduate students across the world. We will highlight the benefits, eligibility criteria and application processes of those scholarships.

In recent years, the opportunities for international scholarships for African undergraduate students have increased rapidly. World-class universities are offering higher education with fully or partly funded scholarships for African students.

These international scholarships also offer students to experience diverse lifestyles across the globe. Most of the scholarships are fully funded. So, these scholarships can fully support African undergraduate students financially.

Scholarships for African Undergraduate Students in Europe

As you know already, Europe is home to many world-renowned universities and institutions that offer high-quality education. They provide many advantages for African students. So, here we are going to discuss about four most popular scholarship programs for undergraduate students in Africa. These are:

• The Netherlands Orange Knowledge Program
• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program
• Belgium VLIR-UOS Awards Scholarships for African Students
• Germany DAAD Scholarships for African Students

In this section, we will let you know the details of these scholarships one by one. So, without further ado let’s get started…

The Netherlands Orange Knowledge Program

If you live in one of the eligible countries of Africa and are a resident of Africa, you can apply for the Orange Knowledge Program of The Netherlands. There is a wide range of scholarships available for all fields of higher education and vocational training. The Netherlands Government finances this scholarship program. For more detailed information visit their official website.

Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program

The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs established The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program. Because their aim was to enable French higher education institutions to attract top foreign students to enroll in their Postgraduate and Ph.D. programs. 

All the students selected for the scholarship are awarded financial aid of $1,323 per month. That is a total amount of $15,873 per year. The applicants have to be up to 25 years old from developing countries at the postgraduate level. Also, you can visit this link to learn more about this scholarship.

Belgium VLIR-UOS Awards Scholarships For African Students

Are you interested in studying in Belgium with a scholarship program that is connected to development? If you are nationals of any of the 19 eligible African countries, you can apply for this scholarship. These countries are:

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Morocco
• D.R. Congo
• Ethiopia
• Guinea
• Cameroon
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Mozambique
• Niger
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Uganda
• Zimbabwe
• South Africa

Also, you have to be a resident of one of these countries at the time of application. You must not be more than 35 years old. Fieldwork grants are also available through this program. This is a full free scholarship program. It covers all the related expenses under it. The mode of instruction is English. Visit the official website for more details.

DAAD Scholarships for African Undergraduate Students in Germany

The DAAD or Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst is the German Academic Exchange Service. This organization offers a variety of scholarships and funding opportunities for African students.

However, DAAD scholarships are highly competitive and cover a wide range of disciplines and academic levels like undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D. and postdoctoral.

DAAD scholarships typically cover living expenses, tuition fees, health insurance, travel expenses etc. And sometimes even they provide a monthly stipend for scholars. The exact benefits depend on the specific scholarship. For more details, you can visit the website of DAAD.

Scholarships for African Undergraduate Students in Canada

Canada’s welcoming atmosphere and world-class education system make it a prime destination for African students. Scholarships such as the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships, Trudeau Scholarships, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships and SFU Canada Graduate and Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships support African undergraduates financially and academically. These are fully funded scholarships.

As a result, candidates will get some more benefits like- accommodation facilities at Canadian University, Health and sickness insurance, traveling expenses, Monthly and annual stipends, and supplementary funds for food, study, and book purchasing. To get amazing tips about scholarships in Canada visit this link.

Here is the list of four important scholarships in Canada for African graduate students:

1. Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
2. Trudeau Scholarships
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
4. SFU Canada Graduate and Undergraduate Entrance Scholarships

For your ease, we are going add them to the table below:

Scholarships in the UK for African Undergraduate Students

The United Kingdom’s universities are renowned for their quality education and vibrant cultural environment. African undergraduate students can explore scholarships like the Commonwealth Scholarships and the Chevening Scholarships, which provide opportunities to study a wide range of subjects.

These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but also living expenses, thus enabling students to focus on their studies.

There are also some partially funded scholarships for African undergraduate students. Which are:

• University of Lincoln Africa Scholarships
• UEA Undergraduate Scholarship for International Students
• Edinburgh Napier University Africa Scholarship

Scholarships in Australia for African Undergraduate Students

Australian universities offer excellent academic programs and a high standard of living. Scholarships such as the Australia Awards for Africa and the Endeavour Leadership Program aim to strengthen ties between African countries and Australia by providing financial assistance for undergraduate studies. These scholarships emphasize academic excellence, leadership potential and community involvement.

Eligibility Criteria

While eligibility criteria vary between scholarships and institutions, common factors include academic merit, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to community development. Many scholarships also require applicants to demonstrate financial need, as these initiatives aim to remove financial barriers for deserving African students.

Application Processes

Applying for scholarships demands careful planning and attention to detail. Generally, applicants are required to submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and proof of English language proficiency. Deadlines can vary, so applicants should research thoroughly and ensure they adhere to the specified timelines.

How to get a scholarship as an African undergraduate student

To secure a scholarship as an African undergraduate student demands a strategic approach. That’s why need to start researching available scholarships, both from universities and external organizations.

Scholarships like the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and government-sponsored initiatives can be excellent options. So, pay close attention to eligibility criteria, ensuring you meet academic and other requirements.

Try to craft a compelling application, emphasizing your achievements, aspirations and commitment to your field.

Finally, submit applications well before deadlines and explore financial aid offices for additional resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say, that scholarships for African undergraduate students offer a great avenue for expanding access to higher education and nurturing future leaders.

By diligently researching available opportunities, aspiring scholars can unlock a world of educational possibilities. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also empower students to pursue their academic dreams.

I hope this comprehensive list of scholarships for African students will help you if you are an African student. If you find this blog post helpful then please share it with your friends.