Are you looking for scholarships in USA as an African student? If your answer is yes, then we have a piece of great news for you. A number of US universities and organizations offer undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships in USA for African students.
Some of these international scholarships are fully funded. Also, some are partially funded for bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, fellowships, etc. Most of these scholarships are majorly funded by universities in the United States, the government of the US, and private organizations worldwide.
Another good news is that some USA scholarships are offered specifically for international students from Africa. However, there are many scholarships in USA for African students. But we will cover some of the best scholarships in USA for African students. Let’s jump to the main topic.
List of best scholarships in USA for African students
There are several scholarships in the USA specifically designed for African students. Keep in mind that scholarship offerings and availability may change over time. So verifying the latest information from the respective scholarship providers is very important. Here are some well-known scholarships in USA for African students:
- MasterCard foundation scholars program
- Fulbright foreign student program
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
- Joint Japan/World Bank graduate scholarship
- Harambe Fletcher scholarships for African students USA
1. MasterCard foundation scholars program
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars program offers scholarships to academically talented African students who are committed to positively impacting socio-economic change in Africa. Since its inception in 2006, they have brought nearly 40,000 students under this scholarship. They even want to provide this scholarship to 100,000 by 2030.
Who can apply?
Basically, anyone can apply from Africa. If you are a bright, talented, and motivated student from Africa, this scholarship might be for you. Individuals with a proven track record of leadership, a dedication to service, and a genuine desire to contribute to Africa’s development are encouraged to apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.
Remember, when applying for this scholars program, You must be 29 years old or under for a bachelor’s degree. For a master’s degree, you must be 35 years old or under when you apply.
In addition, every university has its eligibility criteria. Please carefully review the application requirements at the institution you want to apply to.
Partnered Universities in the USA
- Stanford University
- American University of Beirut
- University of California, Berkeley
- Arizona State University
- Wellesley College
- Michigan State University
- Duke University
You can check their website for details of this scholar’s program. There you will get all the information about how to apply and what documents are needed to apply for this program.
2. Fulbright foreign student program
The Fulbright Program is one of the flagship international academic exchange programs sponsored by the US government. It has fostered mutual relations between the United States and other countries since 1946.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program brings international graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study and research in the United States. This program is available in more than 160 countries around the world.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program brings international graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study and research in the United States. This program is available in more than 160 countries around the world.
What does it cover?
- It covers tuition and fees at U.S. host universities or colleges
- Monthly living expenses
- Textbooks
- Health insurance
- Airfare
In Addition, Program eligibility and selection procedures vary widely by country. Please visit their website to learn more about the Fulbright Program in your country, including eligibility conditions and application procedures.
3. Aga Khan foundation international scholarship
Aga Khan established the Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (ISP). The ISP aims to support outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of funding their studies to pursue full-time postgraduate study at recognized higher education institutions of their choice.
Eligible country list
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Canada
- Egypt
- France
- India
- Kenya
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Madagascar
- Mozambique
- Pakistan
- Portugal
- Syria
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- United States of America
Please use the email or mailing address associated with the country you now locate. Remember that the program is not offered if your country’s email address is unavailable.
Level of study
- Architecture
- Civil Society
- Culture
- Education
- Economic Development
- Health
- Humanitarian Assistance
- Music
- Planning & Building
- Rural Development
The cycle 2023-2024 is already over. The process 2024-2025 will begin in January 2024. Students who are interested in applying, please get in touch with the local office for application forms, deadline dates, and application conditions, as these differ by country.
To know the application process and selection criteria or information about this program, please visit the official website to get updated.
4. Joint Japan/World Bank graduate scholarship
The World Bank and the Government of Japan offer master’s degree scholarships to postgraduate students from developing countries through the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program.
The scholarship supports students who are committed to returning to their home countries after completing their studies to contribute to the development and progress of their nations.
Eligibility criteria
Here are the eligibility criteria for this scholarship:
- Be a citizen of a developing country that is a World Bank member
- Be in good health
- Not hold dual citizenship of any developed country
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree earned at least 3 years before the application deadline date
- You must have at least 3 years of recent development-related professional experience
See all eligibility criteria on their website. All eligibility requirements are carefully followed. There are no exceptions.
Benefits of this Scholarship
Generally, the benefits of each scholarship are different. However, most fully funded scholarships cover all expenses, from your plane ticket to health insurance the scholarship.
This scholarship provides tuition fees and a monthly living stipend (accommodations, food, book etc). Also, it covers round-trip airfare (scholars will receive a US $500 travel allowance for each trip), health insurance, travel allowance, etc.
The JJ/WBGSP scholarship does not cover the following:
- VISA application fee
- Resident permit fee
- Extra-curricular courses or training
- Support a scholar’s family members
- Language training
- Extra travel during the period of the study program
- Educational equipment such as computers
The scholarship opportunities and application deadlines may vary yearly, so verifying the latest information is important. To get updated, keep your eye on their scholarship website.
5. Harambe Fletcher scholarships for African students in USA
The Harambe Fletcher Scholarship is a full-tuition award for young African entrepreneurial leaders who intend to begin a master’s program at Tufts University.
Every year, Fletcher awards about $7 million in scholarship aid. Fletcher scholarships are offered based on a thorough application review and assessment of financial need to both U.S. citizens/permanent residents and non-U.S. nationals.
To get all the detailed information about this scholarship, visit the scholarship page on their website. There you will get all this related information.
FAQs: Scholarships in USA for African Students
Which country is easiest to get a full scholarship?
Many fully funded Scholarships are available in China, Japan, Germany, Norway, and Finland. But, the Chinese government and institutions offer fully funded scholarships to international students. And it is one of the most easiest countries to get a full scholarship.
Which country offers the most scholarships?
To be honest, the USA offers the most scholarships when considered individually. But China, Japan, Korea, Norway, Finland, etc. countries also offer many scholarships.
How to get a scholarship in the USA as an international student?
As an international student, getting a scholarship in the USA requires effort, research, and effective planning. Not only that, you must have enough knowledge in your field, be good at English, and so on.
How to apply for a scholarship in the USA?
The scholarship application process varies from university to university. And it can be competitive, so apply to multiple scholarships to increase your chances of success.
Here are some general steps to begin the application process:
- Find a scholarships
- Check the eligibility criteria
- Prepare the documents that you need
- Write a motivation letter or SOP
- Manage letters of recommendation
- Apply before the deadline
- Follow up
Last Word
Finally, you reach out to the end of this article. In my research, these five scholarships are the best among the many scholarships in USA for African students. Also, there are many scholarships available in USA for African students.
Although not all scholarships allow you to study the subject of your choice. Most of the scholarships offer their scholarships for specific subjects. So it would be best to find out which scholarship is available in your desired subject.
I hope this post helps you get your scholarship in the USA as an African student. If you have any queries related to this, you can comment.
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