Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students in 2025
Are you an African student dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the costs? Good news! There are several fully-funded scholarships available in 2025 that can make your dream a reality.
These scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more. Let’s explore some of the top opportunities you can apply for.
Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students in 2025
Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship (JJ/WBGSP)
Overview:
The JJ/WBGSP is designed for students from developing countries who want to pursue a master’s degree in development-related fields. It’s a collaboration between Japan and the World Bank, aiming to support future leaders in development.
Eligibility:
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Must be a citizen of a World Bank member developing country.
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Have at least 3 years of recent development-related work experience.
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Hold a bachelor’s degree obtained at least 3 years before the application deadline.
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Be employed in development-related work at the time of application.
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage.
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Monthly living stipend.
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Round-trip airfare.
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Health insurance.
Application Process:
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Applications open from July 15 to September 15, 2025.
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Apply through the official World Bank scholarship portal.
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Submit academic transcripts, proof of employment, and letters of recommendation.
McCall MacBain Scholarships – McGill University (Canada)
Overview:
The McCall MacBain Scholarship is a prestigious program at McGill University, offering full funding for master’s or professional studies. It’s aimed at students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community service.
Eligibility:
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Open to students under 30 years old.
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Must have a bachelor’s degree or be on track to graduate by August 2026.
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Demonstrate leadership, character, and a commitment to community service.
Benefits:
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Full tuition and fees.
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Living stipend.
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$5,000 summer project allowance.
Application Process:
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Applications open on June 1, 2025.
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Deadline for international applicants is August 20, 2025.
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Apply through the McCall MacBain Scholars website.
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Submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal essays.
Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
Overview:
SINGA is a collaboration between several Singaporean institutions, offering PhD scholarships in science and engineering. It’s an opportunity to study in a vibrant research environment.
Eligibility:
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Open to international students.
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Must have a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering.
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Strong academic record and research potential.
Benefits:
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Full tuition fees.
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Monthly stipend starting at SGD 2,700, increasing to SGD 3,200 after passing the qualifying exam.
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One-time airfare grant of up to SGD 1,500.
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One-time settling-in allowance of SGD 1,000.
Application Process:
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Applications open from July 1 to December 1, 2025.
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Apply through the SINGA website.
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Submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal.
Read more: How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study at Oxford University (2025)
Japanese Government (MEXT) Research Scholarship
Overview:
The MEXT Research Scholarship offers international students the chance to conduct research in Japan. It’s a fully-funded program for those interested in Japanese culture and advanced studies.
Eligibility:
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Must be a citizen of a country that has diplomatic relations with Japan.
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Hold a bachelor’s degree.
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Submit a research proposal.
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Apply through the Japanese Embassy in your country.
Benefits:
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Full tuition coverage.
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Monthly stipend of approximately ¥143,000.
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Round-trip airfare.
Application Process:
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Applications via the Japanese Embassy in Ethiopia are open from June 13 to July 15, 2025.
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Submit academic transcripts, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
University of Pavia Scholarship (Italy)
Overview:
The University of Pavia in Italy offers scholarships specifically for African students who want to engage in research stays.
This is a great opportunity for scholars who are already involved in academic or scientific research and want to build international connections.
Eligibility:
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Must be from an African country.
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Should be currently involved in teaching or research at a recognized university.
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Must propose a clear and feasible research plan that can be executed during their stay.
Benefits:
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Monthly stipend of €1,000.
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Travel expenses to and from Italy.
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Visa support services and assistance from the host university.
Application Process:
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Applications are open from August 1 to October 15, 2025.
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You must submit a detailed research proposal, proof of academic qualifications, and a letter of invitation from a professor at the University of Pavia.
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Apply online through the university’s official scholarship portal.
Check out: 10 Fully Funded MBA Scholarships You Can Apply for in 2025
University of Birmingham Africa High Fliers Scholarship (UK)
Overview:
The University of Birmingham is offering the Africa High Fliers Scholarship to reward academic excellence among African students.
It’s aimed at undergraduates who have just completed Grade 12 with top marks.
Eligibility:
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Must be a citizen of an African country.
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Completed secondary school with outstanding academic results.
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Must have received an offer to study at the University of Birmingham.
Benefits:
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A £3,000 reduction in tuition fees every year.
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Recognition as a high-performing international student.
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Access to special mentoring and academic support programs.
Application Process:
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Applications open July 1 and close October 15, 2025.
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Apply through the university’s official application system.
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You must upload your academic transcripts and a personal statement.
Reach Oxford Scholarships (UK)
Overview:
Reach Oxford Scholarships are for students from low-income countries who can’t study for a degree in their home country due to political or financial reasons. The scholarship is extremely competitive but life-changing for those who are selected.
Eligibility:
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Must be from a developing country.
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Academic excellence and financial need are key criteria.
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Must apply to Oxford University first and receive an admission offer.
Benefits:
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Full tuition fee coverage.
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Living expenses.
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Return airfare from your home country to the UK.
Application Process:
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Apply for admission to Oxford by October 15, 2025.
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Complete a separate scholarship application.
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Provide proof of income and personal statements.
WAAW Foundation Scholarships (For African Women)
Overview:
WAAW (Working to Advance STEM Education for African Women) is focused on supporting young African women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. It’s ideal for undergraduates in technology or science.
Eligibility:
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Must be a woman from Africa currently enrolled in a university.
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Must be studying a STEM-related course.
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Demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
Benefits:
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Up to $500 for tuition and academic books.
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Mentorship and networking opportunities with successful African women in STEM.
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Participation in leadership and skills development programs.
Application Process:
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Apply between July 1 and September 30, 2025.
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Submit transcripts, proof of enrollment, and two recommendation letters.
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Write essays explaining your goals and how you plan to contribute to STEM development in Africa.
Clark University Global Scholars Program (USA)
Overview:
Clark University in Massachusetts offers the Global Scholars Program for international students who demonstrate a strong academic record and leadership potential. It’s aimed at creating a diverse student community on campus.
Eligibility:
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Must be an international student applying for undergraduate study.
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Excellent academic performance in high school.
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Strong leadership and community service background.
Benefits:
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Up to $60,000 in scholarships over 4 years.
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Additional $2,500 for a research project or internship.
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Access to personalized academic advising and global learning opportunities.
Application Process:
See more: Fully funded scholarships in Europe for international students 2025 – 2026
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Apply by November 15, 2025.
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Submit academic records, personal essays, and letters of recommendation.
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Apply for the scholarship during the university application process.
Application Tips for Scholarships
Start Early:
One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting until the last minute to start their scholarship applications. Many scholarships open in June or July, and some close as early as September. If you wait too long, you might miss out on valuable opportunities.
To stay ahead, create a calendar with all the scholarship deadlines and requirements. This will help you manage your time effectively. Begin gathering your documents early, this includes transcripts, recommendation letters, and your passport if needed.
Understand the Requirements:
Every scholarship has different requirements. Some are for master’s students, some for undergraduates, and others specifically for PhD research. It’s important to read the eligibility criteria carefully before applying.
For example, the JJ/WBGSP is only for those with 3+ years of development experience, while the WAAW Scholarship is only for women in STEM. Knowing these details can save you time and effort.
Prepare Strong Documents:
Most scholarships ask for the following:
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Academic transcripts to show your educational background.
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Letters of recommendation from teachers or employers who know you well.
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A personal or motivation letter explaining why you want the scholarship and your career goals.
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Research proposal (for graduate students), which should be clear, well-structured, and related to your chosen field.
Make sure these documents are clear, free from grammar mistakes, and tailored to each scholarship. Don’t use the same essay for all applications, customize each one.
Polish Your English:
Most international scholarships are in English-speaking countries or require English documents. This means your writing should be professional, clear, and well-structured. Practice writing essays, and if you can, ask a teacher or mentor to review them.
Also, many scholarships require an English test score like TOEFL or IELTS. Plan to take this test early, so you have your score ready when applications open.
Read on: Fully Funded Scholarship in Canada: No Application Fee, No IELTS, Full Tuition, Monthly Stipend
Be Honest and Be Yourself:
Some students think they need to sound overly formal or exaggerate their achievements. In reality, selection committees appreciate honesty and passion. Talk about your real-life experiences, your challenges, and how you’ve overcome them.
Share why the scholarship is important to you, not just to study abroad, but to help your community or make a change in your country.
What Makes a Winning Application?
Clarity and Focus:
When reviewers read your application, they should instantly understand who you are, what you want to study, and why you deserve the scholarship. Keep your writing clear and avoid unnecessary big words or long sentences.
Use real stories and examples to make your application personal. For example, instead of saying, “I want to help my community,” share a story about how you organized a cleanup day in your town or helped a classmate with math.
Consistency Across Documents:
All parts of your application should tell the same story. If your transcript shows you’re good at science, your recommendation letter and personal essay should support that.
If your resume mentions leadership, show it in your essay with examples, maybe you led a school club or helped manage a family business.
Standout Letters of Recommendation:
Ask teachers, professors, or supervisors who really know you to write your recommendation letters. These letters should explain your strengths, character, and potential.
Give your recommenders enough time at least a month, and provide them with your resume and scholarship details to help them write a strong letter.
Why Apply for Scholarships Early?
More Time for Preparation:
Starting early means you can review your essays several times, fix mistakes, and get feedback. You also have more time to collect documents and take English tests if needed.
Less Stress:
Waiting until the last minute can lead to stress and rushed applications. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to make mistakes. Early applications show scholarship committees that you are responsible and well-prepared.
Better Chances of Winning:
Some scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, meaning they review applications as they come in. If you apply early, your application might be reviewed before the competition gets tough.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Ignoring deadlines: Always check the closing dates.
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Copy-pasting essays: Customize each essay for the scholarship.
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Forgetting documents: Double-check you’ve included everything needed.
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Not asking for help: Don’t be afraid to ask teachers or friends to review your application.
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Not explaining gaps: If you had a break in school or low grades one year, explain why.
Read more: How to Get a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study at Oxford University (2025)
Final Thoughts on Scholarship Success
Winning a scholarship takes time, effort, and determination. It’s not just about having the best grades, it’s about showing who you are, your goals, and how you plan to make a difference. Whether you’re applying for a master’s, PhD, or undergraduate scholarship, preparation is the key.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win the first time. Every application is a chance to learn and improve. With the right mindset, a well-prepared application, and a bit of luck, you could soon be studying abroad on a full scholarship.
Conclusion
Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but it doesn’t have to stay a dream. With these fully-funded scholarships, African students have the chance to pursue higher education without worrying about money.
Whether you’re into science, development, or community leadership, there’s something for you. Start preparing now, follow these tips, and give it your best shot!
FAQs on Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students
1. Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes! You should apply for as many as you’re eligible for. It increases your chances of success.
2. Do I need to speak English fluently?
Most scholarships require good English skills. Some may ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores. Start practicing early.
3. What if I don’t have work experience?
Some scholarships, like JJ/WBGSP, require work experience. Others, especially undergraduate scholarships, do not.
4. Are these scholarships only for top students?
Many look for leadership, passion, or unique stories, not just perfect grades. Be honest and show your strengths.
5. Do I need to pay any application fees?
Most scholarships are free to apply for. Be careful of scams asking for money upfront.
