Pursuing a master’s degree is a significant step toward academic and professional advancement. For African students, however, the cost of postgraduate education—especially abroad—can be a major barrier. Fortunately, numerous fully funded master’s scholarships are available specifically for African students. These scholarships not only cover tuition, but often include living expenses, travel costs, and additional academic support, making higher education more accessible than ever.
This article explores some of the top fully funded master’s scholarships open to African students in 2025, offering detailed insights on eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.
Why Fully Funded Scholarships Matter
Higher education can transform lives, but for many African students, financial constraints can delay or entirely derail their dreams of graduate study. Fully funded scholarships help bridge that gap by providing:
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Comprehensive financial support
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Access to world-class universities
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Opportunities to develop leadership and research skills
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Global networking and career prospects
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Exposure to diverse cultures and academic practices
Most importantly, these scholarships invest in future leaders who can bring positive change to their home countries and the continent.
Top Fully Funded Master’s Scholarships for African Students
1. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Overview:
The Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), offer full financial support for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Eligibility:
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Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (includes all African nations)
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Minimum of two years’ work experience
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Demonstrated leadership and community engagement
Benefits:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend
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Travel costs to and from the UK
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Visa fees and other allowances
Deadline:
Usually around November each year
Website: chevening.org
2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)
Overview:
Erasmus Mundus offers a unique opportunity to study in multiple European countries through joint master’s programs. Many African students are selected annually for these prestigious, fully funded programs.
Eligibility:
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Open to students worldwide, including Africa
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Hold a bachelor’s degree relevant to the field of study
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Language proficiency (usually English)
Benefits:
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Tuition fees
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Travel and installation allowance
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Monthly living stipend
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Health insurance
Deadline:
December to March, depending on the program
Website: erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
3. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Overview:
The MasterCard Foundation partners with top universities in Africa, the U.S., Canada, and Europe to support academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students.
Partner Universities Include:
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University of Cape Town
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University of Edinburgh
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McGill University
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Sciences Po
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American University of Beirut
Eligibility:
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Citizen of an African country
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Proven financial need
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Strong academic record and leadership potential
Benefits:
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Full tuition and living expenses
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Academic mentoring and career counseling
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Return airfare (for international programs)
Website: mastercardfdn.org/scholars
4. DAAD EPOS Scholarships (Germany)
Overview:
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers the EPOS program for professionals from developing countries, including all African nations.
Eligibility:
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Bachelor's degree with at least two years of professional experience
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Working in a development-related field
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Commitment to return and contribute to home country development
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend (~€934)
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Travel and research allowances
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Health insurance
Fields Covered:
Development economics, public policy, engineering, environmental science, and more
Website: daad.de
5. African Union Scholarship Program (Pan-African University)
Overview:
The Pan-African University (PAU), established by the African Union, offers full scholarships for African students to study at PAU institutes across Africa.
Eligibility:
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African citizenship
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Undergraduate degree with at least a second-class upper division
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Under age 30 for males and 35 for females (varies)
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living allowance
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Accommodation
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Travel reimbursement
Website: pau-au.africa
6. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)
Overview:
The Swedish Institute offers the SI Scholarship to talented individuals from selected countries, including several in Africa, to pursue master’s degrees in Sweden.
Eligibility:
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Citizenship of eligible African country
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Work and leadership experience
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Admission to a Swedish university
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living allowance (~SEK 12,000)
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Travel grant
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Insurance
Website: si.se
7. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
Overview:
Funded by the U.S. government, the Fulbright Program offers scholarships to graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to study in the United States.
Eligibility:
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Open to all African countries
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Academic excellence and strong English skills
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Demonstrated leadership potential
Benefits:
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Tuition and fees
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Living stipend
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance
Website: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
Application Tips for African Students
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Start early: Many scholarships have lengthy application processes with deadlines 6–12 months before the program begins.
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Prepare key documents: You will typically need academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a CV, a statement of purpose, and sometimes language test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
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Tailor your application: Personalize your motivation letter for each program to reflect how it aligns with your goals.
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Highlight impact: Show how your education will benefit your community or country.
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Seek guidance: Use university career centers, scholarship search engines, or mentorship programs to refine your application.