Scholarship opportunities for Africans in 2025 are abundant and diverse, offering a chance for students to pursue their academic dreams. With numerous programs available, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest opportunities and application deadlines.
This blog will highlight some of the top scholarship opportunities for African students for the year 2025, ensuring you have the information you need to apply and succeed.
Why Scholarships Matter
Scholarships play a crucial role in providing access to education for many students who might otherwise be unable to afford it. They not only cover tuition fees but often include living expenses, travel costs, and other necessary resources. 
For African students, these opportunities can be life-changing, opening doors to prestigious institutions and fostering global connections.
Top Scholarship Opportunities for Africans in 2025
1. Wageningen University & Research 2025 Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) for young African Students (Fully Funded to Wageningen, The Netherlands)
Wageningen University & Research is excited to announce the 2025 Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP), offering talented and motivated young African students the unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in The Netherlands.
This fully funded scholarship aims to support capacity building in Africa by providing comprehensive financial assistance to eligible candidates.
The scholarship is open to citizens of African countries
- Scholarship Amount: Covers travel to and from The Netherlands, living allowance for the duration of the programme (24 months), tuition fee coverage for the duration of the programme (24 months), visa costs, health insurance, and a budget for one seminar in Europe.
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2025.
- Application Link: https://www.wur.nl/en/Education-Programmes/master/practical-information-masters/Scholarships-for-international-masters-students/Africa-Scholarship-Programme.htm
2. GSK Scholarships 2025/2026 for Future Health Leaders
The GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders are an exceptional opportunity designed to nurture and support the next generation of health leaders in Africa. These prestigious scholarships are offered to individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to improving health systems and contributing to health-related research on the continent.
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition fees, including any mandatory field trip fees; a tax-free stipend (living allowance) of GBP 22,000.00.
- Application Deadline: 5 March 2025.
- Application Link: GSK Scholarships for Future Health Leaders
3. Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships Programme (GOI-IES) 2025 for Study in Ireland (Funded)
The Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) programme aims to attract outstanding international students to pursue their education at NFQ levels 9 or 10 (master’s, postgraduate diploma, or PhD) in Ireland.
This initiative is generously funded by the Government of Ireland in collaboration with Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) and is administered by the Higher Education Authority. Each year, 60 scholarships are granted to deserving students for one year of full-time study at the designated NFQ levels 9 or 10.
In order to be eligible for a Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship, applicants must have a domiciliary of origin outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
- Scholarship Amount: A Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship consists of a stipend amounting to €10,000 for one year of full-time study at NFQ levels 9 or 10.
- Application Deadline: 05 March 2025.
- Application Link: Potential applicants should read the call documentation carefully to ascertain whether they are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted via the online portal.
4. The DW Akademie French-speaking Master’s in International Journalism Programme (Scholarships and Internship Available)
DW Akademie and the Tours Public School of Journalism at the University of Tours (France) are excited to announce the opening of applications for the second cohort of the French-speaking Master’s program in International Journalism. This program is seeking talented students ready to embark on this prestigious journey.
The MFJI is aimed in particular at media professionals from French-speaking partner countries of German development cooperation in North and West Africa. These include Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire.
Applications from candidates who are permanently resident in one of these countries will therefore be given priority.
- Application Deadline: February 20, 2025 at 12 noon GTM+1
- Application Link: https://akademie.dw.com/fr/appel-a-candidatures-rentree-2025/a-67263094
5. Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) 2025/2026 for Master’s degree study in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country. (Fully Funded)
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are designed for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) offer a unique opportunity to study for a two-year Master’s degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country.
These scholarships cover tuition fees, airfare, and living expenses. They are available for a wide range of Master’s programs at UK universities.
- Scholarship Amount: Fully-funded tuition fees, Living allowance (stipend) for duration of award, Return economy flights to host country, One-off arrival allowance, Research Support Grant (on request only; subject to approval)
- Application Deadline: January 14, 2025.
- Application Link: https://www.acu.ac.uk/funding-opportunities/for-students/scholarships/queen-elizabeth-commonwealth-scholarships/
6. Western University National Scholarship Program
Western University in Canada has opened applications for its prestigious National Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 academic year. This program provides generous funding to exceptional students who excel in academics, leadership, and community service. International students, including those from Africa, are encouraged to apply.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $100,000, distributed over four years
- Application Deadline: February 14, 2025.
- Application Link: Western University National Scholarship Application Portal
7. The International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference Media Scholarship Programme 2025 (Fully Funded to Kigali, Rwanda)
The International AIDS Society (IAS) is pleased to announce that it will offer both in-person and virtual scholarships for the IAS 2025 conference. The 13th IAS Conference on HIV Science is scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 13 to 17, 2025, with pre-conferences on July 13.
IAS 2025 is recognized as the world’s premier gathering on HIV research and its applications. This biennial event showcases significant breakthroughs in basic, clinical, and operational HIV research, translating scientific advancements into policy and practice.
Through its inclusive and comprehensive program, the conference sets the gold standard for HIV science, highlighting a wide range of innovative and cutting-edge research.
- Scholarship Amount: The scholarship amounts will vary, covering costs associated with attending the conference, including registration fees, travel, and accommodation for in-person attendees, or providing full access to the virtual platform for remote participants.
- Application Deadline: 22 January 2025
- Application Link: https://www.iasociety.org/conferences/ias2025/take-part/scholarships
8. Artificial Intelligence for Development in Africa- AI4D Africa Scholarships 2025 for PhD students in AI and ML.
The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
This scholarship is aimed at supporting Persons with Disability (PWD) within sub-Saharan Africa for PhD studies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), as well as research work for Early Career Academics in these fields.
Eligible Countries: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
- Scholarship Amount: Each successful student will receive a partial scholarship of up to US$ 28,000 and up to US$ 41,500 for successful Early Career Academics (ECAs) applicants
- Application Deadline: 5th January 2025
- Application Link: https://ai4d.acts-net.org/ai4d-innovationspillar-lepsai-scholarship/
9. The Swedish Institute (SI) Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship 2025 for study in Sweden (Fully Funded)
The SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM is a competitive, fully-funded academic scholarship for full-time, one- or two-year master’s studies in selected programs in Sweden.
The Swedish Institute (SI) aims to foster a more diverse and equitable STEM field, while nurturing a network of future global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and advance the development of their home countries
Female citizens from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Philippines, Rwanda, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam are eligible to apply
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition fee coverage, a monthly stipend of SEK 12,000 for living expenses, and a one-time travel grant of SEK 15,000
- Application Deadline: 15th January 2025
- Application Link: https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/pioneeringwomeninstem/
10. The University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Masters Scholarships 2025/2026 for Study in the United Kingdom. (50% or 100% Tuition fee scholarships)
The Developing Solutions Scholarship, established in 2001 by the University of Nottingham, is a prestigious master’s scholarship for students from African, South Asian, and selected Commonwealth countries.
This scholarship is tailored for international students eager to drive impactful change in their home countries by addressing key economic, environmental, structural, social, or political challenges.
The University of Nottingham offers scholarships that cover 50% or 100% of full-time master’s tuition fees. These one-year scholarships are designed to support innovative and passionate students who can demonstrate their ingenuity in developing solutions that will make a significant difference in their home countries
Citizens from Africa (all nations) are eligible to apply.
- Scholarship Amount: The scholarship amount for the Developing Solutions Scholarship at the University of Nottingham covers 50% or 100% of the full-time master’s tuition fees
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, 16 April 2025
- Application Link: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/funding/developing-solutions-masters-scholarship
BONUS;
How to Apply for Scholarships
Applying for scholarships can be a daunting process, but with careful planning and attention to detail, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you navigate the application process for the scholarship opportunities for Africans in 2025:
- Start Early: Begin researching and preparing your applications well in advance of the deadlines.
- Meet Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement: Highlight your achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship.
- Seek Guidance: Consult with teachers, mentors, or advisors who can provide valuable feedback on your application.
Conclusion
Scholarship opportunities for Africans in 2025 are plentiful and varied, offering a pathway to academic and professional success. By staying informed and prepared, you can take advantage of these opportunities and achieve your educational goals. Remember to apply early, meet all requirements, and put your best foot forward in your applications.
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