Updated: August 29, 2026. This page tracks current and upcoming scholarships, fellowships and funded study opportunities for African students and young professionals. Deadlines change, so always confirm eligibility and dates on the official programme website before applying.
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1. Chevening Scholarships 2027/28 — United Kingdom
Chevening is the UK Government’s fully funded international scholarship programme for emerging leaders. Applications for the 2027/28 cycle are currently open in eligible African countries.
- Level: One-year taught master’s degree
- Funding: Tuition, living allowance, travel and other approved costs
- Who can apply: Applicants from eligible Chevening countries who meet the programme’s academic and professional requirements
- Deadline: October 6, 2026 at 11:00 UTC
2. Rhodes Scholarship 2027 — University of Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award for outstanding young people with strong academic achievement, leadership potential and commitment to service.
- Level: Postgraduate study at Oxford
- Funding: Full Oxford fees, stipend and related support
- Who can apply: Applicants must apply through the relevant Rhodes constituency and meet its age, residency and academic criteria
- Status: Applications for 2027 entry are open
Check your Rhodes constituency and apply
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — Multiple Universities
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program supports academically talented young Africans who face financial and social barriers to higher education. Applications are handled by partner universities, and several institutions currently show open admissions.
Current partner institutions with open admissions include:
- African Leadership University (ALU)
- American University of Beirut
- Arizona State University
- University of Cambridge
- Carnegie Mellon University Africa
- EARTH University
- Makerere University
- University of Pretoria
Funding and eligibility vary by institution, but the programme is designed to cover major education costs and provide wraparound academic and leadership support.
See current Mastercard Foundation partner universities
Opening Soon
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters 2027 — Europe
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master’s programmes delivered by groups of universities across Europe and partner countries. Full scholarships are available to top-ranked students worldwide, including Africans.
- Level: Master’s
- Funding: Participation costs, travel, visa support and living allowance
- Typical application period: October to January
- 2027 intake: New programmes selected in 2026 are expected to open student applications in autumn 2026 for courses beginning in September 2027
Browse Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Sciences Po — France
Sciences Po’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is aimed at students from the African continent applying for a two-year master’s degree. The programme covers the full financial needs of selected scholars.
- Level: Master’s
- Application information: Detailed 2027-entry guidance is expected from September 2026
- Fee-waiver request window: Expected from October to mid-December 2026
Prepare for the Sciences Po Mastercard Foundation application
6. DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) — Germany
DAAD’s EPOS programme provides scholarships for professionals from developing countries to pursue selected development-related postgraduate courses in Germany.
- Level: Master’s and selected postgraduate programmes
- Who it suits: Graduates and professionals with relevant work experience who want to contribute to development in their home countries
- Deadlines: Vary by course and university
Check DAAD EPOS programmes and current calls
2027 Watchlist
7. Reach Oxford Scholarship — Undergraduate
Reach Oxford supports students from low-income countries who cannot study for a degree in their own country for financial, political or educational reasons.
- Level: Undergraduate
- Funding: Course fees, living-cost grant and one return airfare per year
- 2027 details: Oxford says application instructions for 2027 entry will be published in January 2027
8. Oxford Graduate Scholarships for African Students
Oxford offers several funding routes relevant to African applicants, including the Mastercard Foundation Scholarships, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships and other awards tied to specific countries, courses and backgrounds.
For many graduate scholarships, applicants are considered automatically if they apply to an eligible Oxford course by the relevant November, December or January course deadline.
Search Oxford graduate scholarships
Recent Opportunity to Watch for the Next Cycle
Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS
The 2026/27 Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship at SOAS University of London offered two awards worth £45,479 each for students pursuing a one-year taught master’s degree, with preference for candidates ordinarily resident in Africa and focused on governance and development. The June 17, 2026 deadline has passed, but the programme is worth monitoring for the next cycle.
Monitor Mo Ibrahim Foundation scholarship announcements
How to Improve Your Chances
- Start early: Competitive scholarships often require references, transcripts, essays and proof of leadership or community impact.
- Apply to the university first where required: Some scholarships only consider applicants who already hold or are pursuing an admission offer.
- Tailor every essay: Explain your goals, your track record, the problem you want to solve and how the programme connects to your plans for Africa.
- Check eligibility carefully: Age, nationality, residency, work experience and degree-class requirements differ widely.
- Use official sources: Avoid third-party agents who promise guaranteed admission or scholarships.
Scholarship Scam Warning
Never pay someone to “secure” a scholarship. The Mastercard Foundation specifically warns about fake social-media recruitment posts and organisations requesting application fees in its name. Use the official university or scholarship website and verify every application portal before uploading personal documents.
About This Page
This page is maintained as a practical resource for African students and young professionals looking for scholarships, fellowships and funded study opportunities. It will be updated as new 2027 application cycles open.
