Are you an African student dreaming of studying in the USA? Then wake up because it is time to make your dream into a reality. Nowadays many American universities and organizations are offering different scholarships for African students. In this article, we will discuss the best available scholarships in the USA for African students.
Scholarships not only help African students financially to study in the USA, but they also help them to build their careers. As we all know the United States of America is a desired place for all African students.
Here they can complete their higher study in their preferred subjects with the help of scholarships. Afterward, they can try to lead a life with great job opportunities available there.
American universities provide an amazing academic environment for African students. They are surprisingly flexible and casual. Students are under no obligation to stay for an entire lecture or to be present in every single class.
Students have the freedom to not only the course content but also the structure. With such a relaxed academic environment, African students find the USA as a great place to study with a scholarship.
Scholarships available for African students in USA
The United States of America (USA) hosts the most number of international students in the world. There are extraordinary scholarship opportunities all over the U.S. They are also available to African students from various levels of study.
Every year more than 38,000 African students come to the USA for higher study and research. Universities and and organizations in the USA offer a number of scholarships for African students based on their merit, subject or financial need.
However, we have listed the 35 best fully funded scholarship programs for African students available in the United States of America.
- MasterCard Foundation Scholarship Program
- Fulbright Scholarships
- Edufrica Home and Overseas Scholarships
- Stanford University Scholarships
- Zawadi Africa Education Fund for Young African Women
- Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
- Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Programs for International Students
- AAUW International Fellowship for Women
- Harambe Fletcher Scholarships for African Students
- American Speech Language Hearing Foundation Scholarships
- American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS)
- American University Merit Scholarships
- International Merit Scholarships at Iowa State University
- Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Scholarships
- Clark Global Scholarship Program
- Boston University Presidential Scholarship
- University of Minnesota Fellowship Program
- Rotary Peace Fellowships
- Treasure Scholarship at Boise State University
- Michigan State University International Scholarships
- Berea College Scholarships
- Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
- University of Mississippi Scholarships
- Harvard University MBA Scholarship
- Helen Hay Whitney Fellowships
- Auburn University International Undergrad AUM Scholarship
- The University of Memphis Scholarship
- Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) Scholarships
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Scholarships
- Columbia University Undergraduate Scholarships
- Yale University Scholarship
- Princeton University Scholarships
- Duke University Scholarships for International Students
- The Curtis Institute of Music Scholarships
Top 5 Scholarships for African Students in USA
As there are a number of scholarships available in the USA for African students we have selected the best 5 of them. While making this list we have to keep in mind some factors like – popularity, number of scholarships, funding facility, covering other expenses, scholarship amount and course duration. The most important factor is, that all the scholarships in this list are fully funded.
1. Fulbright Scholarships
The Fulbright Scholarship Program provides international students as well as African students and researchers a great opportunity to study and conduct research in the USA. This scholarship is only offered for master’s and PhD studies. It covers a full tuition fee, full accommodation fee, a living stipend, airfare and health insurance. The U.S. Department of State is the sponsor of this scholarship program.
The grants are awarded irrespective of the student’s nationality, race, color, gender, age, religion, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or disability. However, most importantly the grants are only awarded based on the applicant’s merit.
Since 1946 students from 160 countries have been receiving this scholarship every year. In fact, almost 4000 foreign students get selected for The Fulbright Scholarship Program each year. Passionate African students who want to make an impact in their communities tend to go for this program. This program provides two to five years of funding for graduate and PhD level study or research at a U.S. university for African students.
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is administered by binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or U.S. Embassies.
Eligibility Criteria
- Language: English
- Eligible Countries: International students from 160 countries around the world.
- Citizenship: Must not have dual citizenship of any African country and USA.
- Study Level: A 4 years Bachelor’s degree with excellent academic background
- Minimum Score Required: TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5
By the way, we have a detailed post about this scholarship. To know more about this scholarship program visit this link.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Scholarships
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help students cover the costs of their education. It is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. MIT is ranked among the top 5 universities in the world. research and learning. Besides its scholarship program is one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. MIT admits the most talented undergraduate students in the world through need-blind admissions. Therefore it offers full financial support for the student for all four years of undergraduate study.
About 58% of undergraduates at MIT receive this scholarship every year. The scholarships are awarded based solely on financial need. The average MIT Scholarship for each student is $45,215. MIT reviews your family’s financial situation to assess your needs properly. If a student’s family income is less than $90,000 (yearly) then he does not need to pay tuition fees.
MIT usually considers the following points to determine the amount of grant a student will receive.
- Number of family members
- Number of family members currently studying at the undergraduate level
- Permanent residence
- Total income of parents
- Taxes paid
- Total tuition fees of school for the younger sibling
- Total assets
Eligibility Criteria
- Language: English
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities
- GPA required: 3.5 (90%)
- English Language Proficiency: TOEFL-IBT 90, IELTS 7.0
- Have received admission to an undergraduate program at MIT
- Yearly family income below $225,000 to get a minimum grant of 40% of the tuition fee
To know more about this scholarship program visit their official website.
3. Yale University Scholarship
Yale University is situated in New Haven, Connecticut. It also offers need-based fully funded scholarships for international students. Moreover, Yale is the third-oldest higher education school in the USA and one of the best in the world. It offers scholarships for undergraduate, master’s and PhD. The amount of grant can vary, but the average scholarship is more than $50,000 per student. Every year almost 5,000 students from all countries around the world receive this award.
The amount of the grant depends on various factors of a student’s family. Such as family income, assets, number of family members etc. If your parent’s total income is less than $65,000 then Yale University will cover your tuition, housing, and board expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
- Language: English
- English Language Proficiency: TOEFL Paper-based 600, Computer-based 250, Internet-based 100. IELTS 7.0
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities
- You are a ward of the state or an orphan.
- Your family receives public assistance.
- The yearly income of your family comes within the Income Eligibility Guidelines established by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
To know more about this scholarship program please read this article.
4. Stanford University Scholarships
Stanford University is a private research university based in California in the US. It was established by Senator Leland Stanford and his wife Jane in 1885. Stanford University offers fully funded scholarships for international students around the world. In fact, the scholarships cover full tuition fees, traveling costs, Living costs and academic expenses. These scholarships are offered for Masters and PhD studies.
Stanford University is one of the finest universities in the world for study and research. At present its annual research budget is almost $1.6 billion. What’s more, the university offers almost 100 different types of free scholarships. It is one of few universities that offer an Athletic scholarship. The average amount of Scholarship is $68,308.
Eligibility Criteria
- Language: English
- English Language Proficiency: TOEFL Paper-based 600, Internet-based 100.
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities
- Your family income has to be less than $19,980 annually.
To get detailed information about this scholarship visit their official website.
5. Clark Global Scholarship Programs
Clark University is situated in Massachusetts, USA. It is one of the best educational institutes in the U.S. The university offers merit-based fully funded scholarships for international undergraduate students. However, studying at Clark University can be very costly.
Typically an average undergraduate course in Clark costs almost $40,000 annually. But with the help of the scholarship, an African student can pursue his studies here without any financial hiccup. Each year 5 international students get this award around the world.
A student will receive a scholarship of $15,000 to $25,000 per year. They will receive this grant for 4 years, contingent upon meeting academic standards for renewal.
If a student’s financial need is greater than his scholarship award then he will receive an additional $5,000 as financial aid. Hence, it covers the total tuition fee and living expenses for four years.
Eligibility Criteria
- Language: English
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities
- English Language Proficiency: TOEFL 85, IELTS 6.5
- Must be a first-year applicant in Clark University’s undergraduate program
- Excellent academic record
To get detailed information about this scholarship visit their official website.
Why African students should choose USA for higher education
For African students, the United States is a popular choice for many reasons. It is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities and institutions known for their high-quality education and research. The educational programs are very flexible as they will let you decide your major. In addition, African students will have access to these world-class art, laboratories, libraries, and resources.
Also, the USA is known for its rich cultural diversity. So an African student will never feel out of home here. The universities here understand the struggle of international student, so they offer regular assistance and programs to remove their nervousness.
In fact, the international student office helps international students get used to a new kind of lifestyle. With quality higher education and research facilities in the USA, you can achieve your ultimate goal of life.
You will be able to work at one or more internships and connect with top employers. This thing will help you to build up your career more strongly. Also, it will increase your value in the international job market.
Scholarships in USA for African Students (FAQs)
What is need-based scholarships?
Need-based scholarships are financial awards that are granted to students based on their demonstrated financial need. The process of determining financial need usually involves assessing a student’s family income, assets and other relevant financial factors. This assessment helps determine whether a student or their family has the resources to pay for education without significant financial hardship.
How much GPA is required to study in USA with scholarship?
It varies from one program to another. On average, the Minimum GPA requirement range is 2.75 to 3.75 or higher.
Which university in USA gives the most scholarship?
There are lots of universities that provide scholarships in the USA. However, Harvard University, located in Massachusetts provides most scholarships in USA for African Students.
Is it hard to get a scholarship to USA?
According to a recent report by the National Post-secondary Student Aid Study, only one out of 10 undergraduate applicants is able to receive a scholarship for a bachelor’s degree. Even with a GPA of 3.5-4.0, only 19% of students are able to qualify for receiving scholarships given by the U.S. universities.
Final thoughts
As an African student in the US, you will live away from your family. Though it seems somewhat scary, this will give you exposure to another dimension of life. It will make you self-dependent and help you to grow as a self-reliant individual. Moreover, you will have the freedom to choose your path of life and how you want to live it. No matter your goals or ambition in life, pursuing your higher studies in the US allows you to work toward the career and life of your dreams.
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I have 4.75 GPA and 4.49 CGPA and I need full scholarship to study tutorial nursing in USA.
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I wish I could join one of the universities in the Massachusetts
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I got A CGPA of 4.01 in Diploma in civil engineering. I really beg for scholarship consideration
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