Higher education in the USA, Canada, and Europe can be expensive, but numerous scholarships are available specifically for African students. These fully funded and partially funded scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes health insurance.
In this guide, we will explore the best scholarships for African students to study in the USA, Canada, and Europe, along with eligibility requirements, benefits, and application procedures.
Scholarships to Study in the USA
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Host Country: USA
Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, living stipend, airfare, and health insurance
Eligibility:
✔️ Open to students from African countries
✔️ Strong academic background
✔️ English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
✔️ Commitment to return to home country after studies
How to Apply:
- Apply through the U.S. Embassy in your country
- Submit academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and an SOP
- Attend an interview if shortlisted
- Visit us.fulbrightonline.org for details
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Host Countries: USA, Canada, and Africa
Degree Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel, books, and mentorship
Eligibility:
✔️ African students with leadership potential
✔️ Demonstrated financial need
✔️ Strong academic records
Partner Universities Include:
- USA: Stanford University, Duke University, Arizona State University
- Canada: University of Toronto, McGill University
- Africa: University of Cape Town, Ashesi University
How to Apply:
- Apply directly through partner universities
- Visit mastercardfdn.org for details
3. Yale Young African Scholars Program (YYAS)
Host Country: USA
Degree Level: Undergraduate Preparation
Coverage: Fully funded, including travel
Eligibility:
✔️ High school students from African countries
✔️ Strong academic record
✔️ Leadership and community service involvement
How to Apply:
- Submit an online application
- Provide school transcripts and recommendation letters
- Visit africanscholars.yale.edu
Scholarships to Study in Canada
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Host Country: Canada
Degree Level: PhD
Coverage: $50,000 per year for three years
Eligibility:
✔️ Excellent academic performance
✔️ Research potential
✔️ Strong leadership skills
How to Apply:
- Apply through Canadian universities
- Submit a research proposal and reference letters
- Visit vanier.gc.ca
5. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Host Country: Canada
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, books, residence, and living expenses
Eligibility:
✔️ High academic performance
✔️ Leadership and creativity
✔️ Must be nominated by a high school
How to Apply:
- Get nominated by your high school
- Apply to the University of Toronto
- Visit future.utoronto.ca
6. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program
Host Country: Canada
Degree Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full or partial tuition and living costs
Eligibility:
✔️ High academic achievers from Africa
✔️ Demonstrated leadership and community service
How to Apply:
- Apply to UBC and submit scholarship application
- Visit you.ubc.ca
Scholarships to Study in Europe
7. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Host Country: United Kingdom
Degree Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, travel costs, living stipend
Eligibility:
✔️ Open to African students from eligible countries
✔️ At least two years of work experience
✔️ Leadership and networking skills
How to Apply:
- Apply via chevening.org
- Submit an SOP, references, and university admission letter
8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
Host Countries: Multiple European countries
Degree Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, travel, and monthly stipend
Eligibility:
✔️ Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
✔️ Strong academic background
✔️ English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)
How to Apply:
- Choose an Erasmus Mundus program
- Apply through the program website
- Visit eacea.ec.europa.eu
9. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Host Country: Germany
Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, travel, and monthly stipend
Eligibility:
✔️ Bachelor’s degree with excellent grades
✔️ English or German proficiency
✔️ Development-related field of study preferred
How to Apply:
- Apply via daad.de
10. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) (Sweden)
Host Country: Sweden
Degree Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, travel grant
Eligibility:
✔️ Work experience in leadership roles
✔️ Strong academic background
How to Apply:
- Apply to a Swedish university
- Submit a scholarship application via si.se
Tips for Applying to Scholarships
✔️ Start Early – Many scholarships close months before the academic year begins.
✔️ Prepare a Strong Personal Statement – Highlight your achievements and career goals.
✔️ Meet English Requirements – Take IELTS/TOEFL early if required.
✔️ Get Strong Recommendation Letters – Ask mentors or teachers who know you well.
✔️ Apply to Multiple Scholarships – Increase your chances of getting funding.
Final Thoughts
Studying in the USA, Canada, or Europe is possible with the right scholarship. Many opportunities exist for African students, whether fully funded or partially funded. Research thoroughly, apply early, and prepare a strong application.
