Top Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students in 2026

BySA Portal Posted on

Education remains the key to unlocking opportunities for young people across Africa. However, the rising cost of tuition, travel, and living expenses often makes studying abroad seem impossible. Thankfully, fully funded scholarships remove this financial barrier and open doors for talented students from all backgrounds.

In this guide, we highlight the top fully funded scholarships for African students in 2026, covering programs in Europe, North America, Asia, and other regions. Each scholarship listed here pays tuition in full and also includes benefits such as living stipends, airfare, medical insurance, and research allowances.

We’ll provide:

  • A detailed overview of each scholarship

  • Eligibility criteria

  • Application process

  • Deadlines for 2026

  • Official links to apply

Whether you’re seeking undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral opportunities, these scholarships will help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Why Fully Funded Scholarships Matter

  • Financial freedom: They cover tuition, accommodation, and daily living expenses.

  • Equal opportunity: Students from low-income backgrounds can compete on merit.

  • Networking: Many programs include global alumni networks for career development.

  • Career advantage: Studying at top-ranked universities boosts employability.

1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s global scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO). It targets future leaders and change-makers.

Eligibility:

  • Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (all African countries qualify).

  • Must return to your home country for at least 2 years after studies.

  • Bachelor’s degree (2:1 equivalent).

  • 2+ years of work experience.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees

  • Monthly stipend

  • Travel costs to/from the UK

  • Arrival allowance & visa fees

Application Process:

  1. Apply online via the Chevening website.

  2. Submit transcripts, references, and a personal statement.

  3. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview.

See also  Accenture Scholarship Application Form 2022-2023

Deadline 2026: Expected August – November 2025.

Official Link: https://www.chevening.org

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers one of the most generous fully funded scholarship programs for Africans.

Eligibility:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

  • Strong academic record.

  • Work experience (for postgraduate applicants).

  • Proficiency in English or German.

Benefits:

  • Monthly stipend (€934 for graduates, €1,200 for doctoral students).

  • Full tuition and health insurance.

  • Travel allowance.

  • Research grants and family benefits.

Official Link: https://www.daad.de/en/study-and-research-in-germany/scholarships/

3. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Program, funded by the U.S. government, provides opportunities for graduate students, young professionals, and artists worldwide to study in the U.S.

Eligibility:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

  • Strong academic record.

  • Leadership qualities and community involvement.

Benefits:

  • Tuition fees fully covered.

  • Living stipend.

  • Health insurance.

  • Airfare to/from the U.S.

Official Link: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org

4. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Multiple Countries)

The Mastercard Foundation partners with leading universities in Africa, Canada, and the USA to support bright but economically disadvantaged students.

Partner Institutions include:

  • University of Toronto (Canada)

  • University of Cape Town (South Africa)

  • University of Edinburgh (UK)

Benefits:

  • Full tuition

  • Accommodation

  • Books and supplies

  • Monthly stipend

  • Leadership training

Official Link: https://mastercardfdn.org/scholars/

5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (Europe)

This EU-funded program offers fully funded master’s degrees across multiple European universities. Students study in at least two countries during the program.

Eligibility:

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.

  • Academic excellence.

  • Proficiency in English or other European languages.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition

  • Travel allowance

  • Living stipend (€1,000/month)

  • Health insurance

Official Link: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus_en

6. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

Funded by the UK government, this program targets students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.

See also  University of West London UK International Ambassador Degree Scholarships, 2024/2025

Eligibility:

  • Citizen of a Commonwealth country.

  • Strong academic performance.

  • Commitment to returning home and contributing to development.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition

  • Airfare to and from the UK

  • Living allowance

  • Warm clothing allowance

Official Link: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/

7. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)

Designed for students from developing countries pursuing development-related master’s degrees.

Eligibility:

  • Bachelor’s degree.

  • 3+ years of development-related work experience.

  • Citizen of a World Bank member country.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition

  • Monthly stipend

  • Airfare

  • Health insurance

Official Link: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/scholarships

8. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

China offers thousands of fully funded scholarships to African students each year.

Benefits:

  • Tuition fees

  • Accommodation

  • Monthly stipend

  • Medical insurance

Official Link: https://www.campuschina.org

9. African Union Scholarships (Pan-African University)

The Pan-African University (PAU), initiated by the African Union, provides fully funded scholarships for graduate students across Africa.

Fields of Study: Engineering, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Governance, and more.

Benefits:

  • Tuition fees

  • Monthly stipend

  • Accommodation

  • Airfare

Official Link: https://pau-au.africa

10. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford, UK)

One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world.

Eligibility:

  • Exceptional academic achievement.

  • Leadership and service.

  • Ages 18–24.

Benefits:

  • Full tuition at Oxford

  • Annual stipend (£18,000+)

  • Travel costs

Official Link: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/

Application Tips for 2026

  • Start Early: Many applications open 12 months in advance.

  • Prepare Essays in Advance: Tailor each application to the scholarship’s mission.

  • Strong Recommendations: Choose referees who know your leadership and academics.

  • Proofread Carefully: Grammar errors can weaken strong applications.

  • Use Official Links Only: Avoid scams—always check program websites.

FAQs

Q: Can I apply for more than one fully funded scholarship?
Yes, you can. Many students apply to multiple programs to increase chances.

See also  German Government DAAD Scholarships 2024/2025 | How to Apply

Q: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL for all scholarships?
Not always. Some programs waive language requirements if your previous education was in English.

Q: What if I don’t get selected?
Consider partial scholarships or reapply the following year with improved documents.

Studying abroad doesn’t have to remain a dream. With opportunities like Chevening, Fulbright, DAAD, Mastercard Foundation, and many others, African students have the chance to access world-class education without financial strain.

Action step: Visit the official scholarship links listed above, mark deadlines in your calendar, and begin preparing documents now.

Final Tip: Consistency, preparation, and authenticity in your application will make you stand out.

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