Top Scholarships for African Students 2026

One of the biggest barriers African students face when considering studying abroad is cost. The good news is that there are more scholarships available for Nigerian and Ghanaian students than most people realise — many of which go unclaimed simply because students don't know they exist or miss the deadlines. This guide covers the most valuable scholarships available in 2026, what they cover, and how to apply.

Fully Funded Scholarships (Tuition + Living Costs)

1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government's flagship international scholarship, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is one of the most prestigious awards available to African students.

• What it covers: Full tuition, monthly living allowance, return flights, and an arrival allowance
• Who can apply: Nigerian and Ghanaian citizens with at least two years of work experience, a bachelor's degree, and demonstrated leadership potential
• Degree level: One-year master's degrees at any UK university
• Application window: August – November each year (for the following September intake)
• Key requirement: You must return to your home country for at least two years after your scholarship

2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (UK)

The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is funded by UK universities and the UK government. Unlike Chevening, it is specifically targeted at students from lower-income Commonwealth countries including Nigeria and Ghana.

• What it covers: Full tuition, living allowance, return airfare, and thesis allowance
• Who can apply: Citizens of eligible Commonwealth developing countries, under 35 for most courses
• Degree level: One-year UK master's degrees at participating universities
• Application window: December – January each year
• Key requirement: You must not have previously studied or lived in a developed country for more than one year

3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest scholarship programmes in the world specifically designed for African students. It operates across multiple partner universities globally.

• What it covers: Full tuition, accommodation, flights, living stipend, and mentorship
• Who can apply: African students with demonstrated academic excellence and financial need
• Degree level: Undergraduate and postgraduate
• Partner universities include: University of Toronto, McGill University, Arizona State University, and several African universities
• Application window: Varies by partner university — check each institution directly

4. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships for African students wishing to study in Germany. Germany's public universities already charge minimal or no tuition, making DAAD one of the most cost-effective scholarship options.

• What it covers: Monthly stipend, health insurance, travel subsidy — tuition is usually already free
• Who can apply: Nigerian and Ghanaian graduates with at least two years of professional experience (for development-related master's)
• Degree level: Master's and PhD programmes in Germany
• Application window: August – October for the following year

Partial Scholarships and Bursaries

5. University-Specific Merit Scholarships

Most UK universities offer their own international student scholarships ranging from £2,000 to full funding. These are often awarded automatically based on your academic record, so it is worth applying to universities known for generous international scholarships.

• University of Birmingham — Global Masters Scholarship (£2,000–£5,000)
• University of Bristol — Think Big Scholarship (up to £20,000)
• University of Edinburgh — Global Scholarships (£5,000–full funding)
• University of Leeds — International Excellence Scholarship (£3,000–£10,000)
• Nottingham Trent University — International Scholarship (20–50% tuition discount)

6. PTDF Overseas Scholarship (Nigeria)

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) awards scholarships to Nigerian students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields at UK universities. Check ptdf.gov.ng for the current application cycle.

7. Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship

For students who cannot leave Nigeria, the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarship funds part-time distance learning master's degrees at UK universities. This allows you to study while continuing to work in Nigeria.

Scholarships Specific to Ghana

8. MasterCard Foundation at University of Ghana

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Ghana provides fully funded undergraduate scholarships for academically talented Ghanaian students with demonstrated financial need and a commitment to giving back to their communities.

9. Australian Awards (for Ghana and Nigeria)

Australian Awards are long-term development awards funded by the Australian government. They cover full tuition, airfare, living costs and health insurance for master's and PhD study in Australia. Applications open in February each year.

How to Write a Winning Scholarship Application

Tell a specific story

Generic applications fail. The strongest applications tell a specific personal story — a challenge you faced, something you built, a community you served. Be precise about what you did and what changed as a result.

Connect your past to your future

Scholarship panels want to see a clear line between your previous experience, what you will study, and what you plan to do when you return. Vague answers like "I want to give back to my country" are unconvincing. Name specific organisations, sectors, or problems you intend to work on.

Apply early and apply to several

Most scholarship deadlines fall between October and February for September intake. Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously — there is no penalty for applying to several at once, and your chances improve significantly.

Get your references right

References from line managers, professors, or community leaders who can speak specifically to your work carry far more weight than generic character references. Brief your referees on the scholarship's focus areas so they can tailor their letter.

Scholarship Application Deadlines (2026)