29 Top International fully funded scholarship for Africans to Apply

11. Edinburgh African Scholarships (University of Edinburgh)

This is specific to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK.

They have several schemes for Africans, often merit-based, like the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Edinburgh or general university funds.

Target is often Sub-Saharan African nationals, but check each scheme’s details.

Levels vary: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD, depending on the specific scholarship.

Coverage ranges widely from partial fee waivers to full scholarships (like Mastercard).

Application: Edinburgh actively seeks African talent. You generally need to apply for admission to the university first via the standard process. Then, you often need to submit a separate scholarship application through Edinburgh’s portal. Scholarship deadlines vary but are often in the first few months of the year (Jan-April) for study starting in September. Check their scholarship search tool!

12. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

This prestigious program places students at U.S. universities, managed by the U.S. Department of State via local U.S. Embassies or Fulbright Commissions.

Generally provides fully funded scholarships.

Available in many African countries. Check your local U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission website – eligibility and application details are country-specific.

Primary focus is Master’s and PhD degrees, with some non-degree options.

Coverage is comprehensive: tuition, airfare, stipend, health insurance, J-1 visa support.

Application: Highly competitive. You apply through your home country’s U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission. Application cycles and deadlines vary significantly by country but often start very early, sometimes opening as early as February/March and closing around May/June/July for study beginning over a year later. Check your local embassy site ASAP.

13. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

This scholarship is exclusively for study at the University of Cambridge, UK, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Offers fully funded scholarships, and open to citizens of any country outside the UK, so all African nationals are welcome.

Targets postgraduate degrees (PhD, MSc/MLitt, one-year courses), but not MBA, MFin, etc.

Coverage is top-notch: university fees, maintenance, travel, visa costs, potentially family allowances.

Application: Seeks future leaders committed to improving lives. You apply through the standard University of Cambridge postgraduate application portal. There’s a section within the main university application form to apply for funding, including Gates Cambridge. Deadlines align with Cambridge’s postgraduate course deadlines, typically around December or January depending on the course, for entry the following October.

14. Google Conference Scholarships For Africans

This is a Google initiative, not tied to university degrees, but focused on attending tech conferences.

Provides grants to attend specific leading conferences in Computer Science, AI, etc.

Targets students currently studying in Africa (Undergrad, Master’s, PhD in relevant fields), and sometimes early-career researchers.

Coverage usually includes conference registration, travel, and accommodation.

Application: Fantastic for networking and exposure. These aren’t on a fixed annual cycle. Google announces them periodically for specific conferences. You need to watch the Google Africa blog, student blogs, or relevant conference websites. Applications are made directly via Google’s specific announcement/portal for that conference scholarship when it’s live.

15. Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance

This is an alliance, partnering with universities (like Oxford, Yale Law) and corporations, focused on African entrepreneurs.

It offers Scholarships (negotiated tuition support at partner unis), Fellowships (mentorship/network), and Venture Capital access.

Targets young African innovators (‘Harambeans’) from all African countries.

Primarily supports Undergraduate and Graduate studies at partner unis for Harambeans, but the core is the Fellowship for those building ventures.

Coverage for scholarships varies. The Fellowship offers invaluable network access and mentorship.

Application: Focus is on backing high-impact entrepreneurs. You apply to become a Harambean directly through the Harambe Entrepreneur Alliance website. Admissions cycles are typically twice a year (e.g., deadlines around April and September). If accepted, you gain access to the network and potential scholarships.