As Africa approaches the forefront of significant global economic growth, scholarships for Africans have increased dramatically to help young people across the continent obtain knowledge and skills at U.S. institutions that can be applied in their home countries for success. Since 62% of the African population is under the age of 25 years old and over 2.2 million young adults will be entering the workforce in the next five years, Africa is the globe’s youngest continent. Also, Africa has undergone an economic resurgence in the last decade in which the manufacturing, banking, agricultural, and telecommunications industries have flourished. Read on to learn about 25 great scholarships available to cut costs for African students studying at universities in the United States to carry on the continent’s drive towards development.
1. AAUW International Fellowships
Deadline: December 1st
Through the American Association of University Women (AAUW), International Fellowships are awarded annually for up to $30,000 each to African, Asian, or Latin American women who have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree, are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and are interested in pursuing full-time graduate studies in America. Recipients must agree to return to their home countries upon graduation to become leaders in business, academic, activism, government, the arts, and sciences to empower other women.
Contact
AAUW International Fellowships
1111 Sixteenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 785-7700
connect@aauw.org
2. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships
Deadline: March 31st
Annually, the Aga Khan Foundation awards a limited number of international scholarships for academically outstanding students under the age of 30 from developing countries who have significant need for financing their post-graduate studies in pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree program abroad in the United States. At this time, applications are being accepted from residents of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, India, Kenya, Egypt, Syria, Tanzania, Pakistan, Uganda, Madagascar, and Mozambique.
Contact
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships
1825 K Street, NW, #901
Washington, DC 20006
(202) 293-2537
scholarships.akfusa@akdn.org
3. AWS International Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
In the American Welding Society (AWS), scholarships are awarded each year for up to $3,000 to full-time international students from Africa, Asia, Europe, or South America who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in an accredited joining science program. Qualified applicants must be in the top 20% of their university’s grading system, be working toward at least a bachelor’s degree, have at least one year of welding experience, and submit proof of country citizenship outside the United States.
Contact
AWS International Scholarship
8669 NW 36 Street Suite 130
Miami, FL 33166
(305) 443-9353
4. Coca-Cola Africa Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: October 31st
In partnership with the Zawadi Africa Education Fund, the Coca-Cola Africa Foundation Scholarships are granted for up to $20,000 each to academically gifted girls of disadvantaged backgrounds in Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa who wish to earn higher education in the United States. Applicants must have completed the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma, be pursuing a two or four-year undergraduate degree, and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact
Coca-Cola Africa Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 1734
Atlanta, GA 30301
(800) 438-2653
tccafenquiries@afr.ko.com
5. Dag Hammarskj"old Fund for Journalists Fellowships
Deadline: March 31st
Each year, the Dag Hammarskj"old Fund for Journalists Fellowships are available for individuals from developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean between the ages of 25 and 35 years old who are interested in spending up to three months in New York City reporting for the United Nations. Eligible candidates must be currently enrolled full-time as professional journalists in media organizations, have a good command of the English language, and provide representative selections of their work.
Contact
Dag Hammarskj"old Fund for Journalists Fellowships
132 East 43rd Street Suite 457
New York, NY 10017
(917) 577-4568
contact@unjournalismfellowship.org
6. ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program
Deadline: October 31st
The ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program is designed to place citizens of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates in leading U.S. universities for graduate studies. For funding, candidates must be have a bachelor’s degree related to engineering or physics, have native fluency in Arabic with English proficiency, exhibit exceptional leadership skills, possess a valid passport, and pass the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
Contact
ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program
1800 West Loop South Suite 250
Houston, TX 77027
(832) 369-3472
exxonmobilscholars@iie.org
Scholarship Link
7. Gwendolen M. Carter/PAS-NU Fellowships
Deadline: January 15th
With the goal of welcoming a diverse learning community to continue growing its innovative research programs, Northwestern University has established the Gwendolen M. Carter/PAS-NU Fellowships to provide an annual award of $25,800 to extraordinary graduate students from Africa who wish to study their home continent in the Ethnic Studies doctoral program. Applicants must have completed a recognized post-secondary program comparable to a U.S. bachelor’s degree, show strong academic performance, and demonstrate English proficiency.
Contact
Gwendolen M. Carter/PAS-NU Fellowships
633 Clark Street
Evanston, IL 60208
(847) 491-3741
consultant@northwestern.edu
8. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Deadline: October 1st
Named in honor of a champion for human rights, the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is granted through the U.S. Department of State for graduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, North Africa, East Asia, and Central Asia who are interested in furthering leadership skills in public service at host U.S. institutions with a competitive stipend. Qualified candidates must have an undergraduate degree, have limited or no prior experience in the U.S., possess five years of full-time professional experience, and have English language ability.
Contact
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
809 United Nations Plaza
New York, NY 10017
(212) 883-8200
development@iie.org
9. International Association of Black Actuaries Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
Ranging in value from $3,000 to $5,000 annually, the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) Scholarship is available for citizens of any Caribbean or African nation who have been admitted to a college in the United States or Canada with a student visa to pursue a degree in actuarial science. Eligible applicants must be of African descent, be paid IABA members, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, possess an SAT math score of at least 600, and be genuinely committed to an actuarial career.
Contact
International Association of Black Actuaries Scholarship
P.O. Box 369
Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 906-1286
iaba@blackactuaries.org
10. Ishe Komborera Africa Scholarship Award
Deadline: April 1st
At Schiller International University, the Ishe Komborera Africa Scholarship Award is granted to cover one-quarter of total tuition costs for students residing within the Sub-Saharan region of the African continent to pursue post-secondary studies at one of their international campuses. In order to qualify for one of the 20 annual awards, candidates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, submit a letter of recommendation, and write a short essay in English explaining their qualifications for the funding.
Contact
Ishe Komborera Africa Scholarship Award
8560 Ulmerton Rd.
Largo, FL 33771
(800) 261-9751
admissions@schiller.edu
11. James Angelo Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
In memory of a refugee from South Sudan who was tragically killed in the line of duty as a security officer at Mercy Hospital, the James Angelo Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year for $5,000 by the Maine-African Partnership for Social Justice to African immigrants graduating from Portland High School. For consideration, qualified students of African descent must be enrolling full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution with a major in criminal justice to make positive social changes within Maine’s African community.
Contact
James Angelo Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 16
Peaks Island, ME 04108
(207) 741-5957
info@mapsj.org
12. John Haines African Student Scholarship
Deadline: January 15th
In honor of an accomplished Eugene ophthalmologist originally from Gabon, the Office of International Affairs at the University of Oregon offers the John Haines African Student Scholarship for up to $5,000 each year to full-time students from the continent of Africa who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program. Applicants must have an F-1 or J-1 visa with non-immigrant status, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and submit at least one recommendation from a UO faculty member.
Contact
John Haines African Student Scholarship
5209 University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97403
(541) 346-3206
intl@uoregon.edu
13. Josephine de Karman Fellowship
Deadline: January 31st
Created by the world-famous aeronautics expert Dr. Theodore Von Karman in memory of his sister, the Josephine de Karman Fellowship is designed to provide $14,000 for undergraduate students and $22,000 for graduate students to international students from around the world who are currently enrolled in a university located in the United States. Eligible candidates must be pursuing a degree in the humanities, be entering their senior or final year of studies, not have U.S. citizenship, and submit outstanding letters of recommendation.
Contact
Josephine de Karman Fellowship
P.O. Box 3389
San Dimas, CA 91773
(909) 592-0607
info@dekarman.org
14. Makiguchi Scholarship for Global Citizens
Deadline: Varies
At Soka University, the Makiguchi Scholarship for Global Citizens is presented each year to academically outstanding international students who have graduated from high school in an African nation and demonstrate critical financial need for assistance to enroll full-time in the liberal/general studies bachelor’s degree program. Over a period of four years, the award will cover the costs of tuition, academic fees, room & board, and incidental costs if recipients maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
Contact
Makiguchi Scholarship for Global Citizens
1 University Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
(949) 480-4000
cdadamo@soka.edu
15. Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund Grant
Deadline: January 15th
Sponsored by the World Bank Family Network (WBFN), the Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund Grant will provide up to $15,000 annually to women from developing countries in Africa, Latin America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East who are currently enrolled at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada. Applicants must be at least 25 years of age, demonstrate financial need, exhibit good academic performance, and express plans to return to her country to work towards improving the lives of women and/or children.
Contact
Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund Grant
1818 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20433
(202) 473-8751
usc-sc@mmmf-grants.org
16. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Deadline: February 1st
As a $500 million global education initiative, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program has been designed to provide opportunities for young adults from Africa to study at an accredited institution in the United States or Canada in the growing areas of agriculture, banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing. In order to participate, candidates must be national citizens in the Sub-Saharan region of Africa, have the academic qualifications for post-secondary studies, and have a commitment to giving back to their country of origin.
Contact
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
2 St. Clair Ave. East, Suite 301
Toronto, ON M4T 2T5
(647) 837-5787
info@mastercardfdn.org
17. Miriam J. Kelley African Scholarship
Deadline: July 15th
In exchange for making a contribution to the development of their home country, Michigan State University offers the Miriam J. Kelley African Scholarships for $1,000 each year for at least two African students with a temporary visa who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at MSU in good academic standing. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation as well as a three-page narrative describing their educational goals, expected costs, and long-term benefits to their African nation.
Contact
Miriam J. Kelley African Scholarship
427 North Shaw Lane
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 353-1720
oiss@msu.edu
Scholarship Link
18. Olaniyan Scholars Program
Deadline: January 30th
As a highly selective program that covers full in-state tuition with a $2,000 annual stipend for up to four years of undergraduate studies, the Olaniyan Scholars Program is available at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis for students of African descent. Participants in the program will enroll in the African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS) program, engage in research work with a faculty mentor to study African peoples around the globe, and receive the opportunity to join community internships.
Contact
Olaniyan Scholars Program
425 University Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 274-5516
ronhenry@iupui.edu
19. Pastors for Africa Scholarship
Deadline: December 5th
At the Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, the Pastors for Africa Scholarship is granted annually to provide full tuition and financial assistance to an outstanding African international student who is pursuing the Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree full-time at the seminary in South Hamilton, Boston, Charlotte, or Jacksonville. Qualified applicants must have been born in and currently reside in Africa, be studying on an F-1 visa, and agree to return to Africa after graduation to spread the Gospel for spiritual formation.
Contact
Pastors for Africa Scholarship
130 Essex Street
South Hamilton, MA 01982
(978) 468-7111
admrep@gcts.edu
20. PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund
Deadline: December 15th
First established in 1949, the PEO International Peace Scholarship (IPS) Fund is structured to grant up to $10,000 annually to qualified women from developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia who wish to pursue graduate studies in the United States or Canada. Candidates must be eligible for full-time admissions into an accredited graduate school, have at least one full year of courses remaining for a master’s or doctoral degree, and not hold citizenship or permanent residence in North America.
Contact
PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund
3700 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
(515) 255-3153
ips@peodsm.org
Scholarship Link
21. Ruby Newhall Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Through the Pilot International Foundation, the Ruby Newhall Memorial Scholarship is available for $1,500 annually for African students who are pursuing a degree in the U.S. or Canada with a major in agriculture, business administration, computer science, education, social services, livestock industry, political science, psychology, public health, religion, home economics, or journalism. Applicants must be enrolled full-time, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be at least second-semester freshmen, and plan to return to their country within six months of graduation.
Resource: Top 25 Most Affordable Online Business Graduate Degrees
Contact
Ruby Newhall Memorial Scholarship
102 Preston Court
Macon, GA 31210
(478) 477-1208
anchor@pilothq.org
22. Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program
Deadline: June 13th
Each year, the Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program welcomes up to eight African students from Sub-Saharan countries to pay all tuition costs and associated academic fees for approximately $145,000 apiece in achieving a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Stanford Graduate School. Eligible candidates must show financial need, maintain good academic standing, and agree to return to Africa to work for at least two years full-time in a professional role that contributes to their country’s economic growth.
Contact
Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship Program
655 Knight Way
Stanford, CA 94305
(650) 723-2146
mba@stanford.edu
23. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
Deadline: January 27th
Administered through the U.S. Department of State, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a competitive program available for the emerging generation of African public officials between the ages of 25 and 35 years old who have a strong commitment to building their communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Fellows will receive the valuable opportunity to engage in six weeks of intensive executive leadership training, networking, and skills building at participating U.S. universities.
Contact
The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders
1275 K Street NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 628-8188
washingtonfellowship@irex.org
24. The NextGen Scholarship Fund
Deadline: June 6th
Sponsored by P.E.R.K. Consulting, the NextGen Scholarship Fund is designed to provide $1,000 awards annually to deserving international students and non-citizens who come to the United States with the dream of obtaining higher education to create a better life. To qualify, candidates must be enrolled in a two or four-year college, exhibit financial need from lack of monetary resources in their home country, reside within the Washington DC tri-state area, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact
The NextGen Scholarship Fund
4800 Hampden Lane Suite 200
Bethesda, MD 20814
(202) 643-7791
info@perkconsulting.net
25. United States Scholarship to Africa
Deadline: November 30th
As an initiative established by the Union of African Africans, the United States Scholarship to Africa are granted annually for $4,000 to assist undergraduate and post-graduate students over the age of 18 from the African continent to acquire knowledge in higher learning institutions in the United States. In order to be eligible, candidates must demonstrate a strong willingness for intellectual pursuit, have a sound academic background, and exhibit potential for contributing to the development of the Motherland.
Contact
United States Scholarship to Africa
143 Varik Street
New York, NY
(360) 363-1468
helpdesk@ussafrica.org
With many developing nations struggling with insurmountable poverty and conflict, Sub-Saharan Africa currently has the lowest rates of enrollment in secondary and post-secondary education in the entire world. If you are a native of Africa and are facing significant barriers to academic opportunities, be sure to check out these scholarships for Africans that can help you nurture your individual talents and leadership potential for helping your home nation prosper.
