10 scholarships for Africans abroad: 10 opportunities to seize before the end of 2026
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Are you an African student dreaming of pursuing your studies abroad without having to cover tuition and living costs on your own? Several international programmes are currently offering scholarships to African students wishing to study at universities in Europe, Asia, North America and other destinations.
Whether you are working towards a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a PhD or a research project, these opportunities could help you take the next step in your academic journey.
Some scholarships fully cover tuition fees, accommodation, transport and daily expenses. Others offer monthly allowances, mobility grants or partial funding.
Afri-Carrières has selected 10 scholarship opportunities open to African applicants, with deadlines between November and December 2026.
If you are considering studying abroad in 2027, here are the programmes to explore now.
Table of contents
Summary table of the 10 scholarships
| No. | Scholarship | Destination | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZEF Scholarships 2027 | Germany | 10 novembre 2026 |
| 2 | France Excellence Eiffel – Le Havre | France | 10 novembre 2026 |
| 3 | Mastercard Foundation – ALC | Mauritius | 14 novembre 2026 |
| 4 | COMSATS University Scholarships | Pakistan | 15 novembre 2026 |
| 5 | France Excellence Eiffel – Angers | France | 15 novembre 2026 |
| 6 | France Excellence Eiffel – ENS Lyon | France | 20 novembre 2026 |
| 7 | Mastercard Foundation – Arizona State University | Rwanda / United States | 22 novembre 2026 |
| 8 | Mastercard Foundation – ALU | Rwanda | 30 novembre 2026 |
| 9 | Centre Jacques Berque Scholarships | Maghreb | 15 décembre 2026 |
| 10 | Mitacs Globalink | Canada / international | 31 décembre 2026 |
Admission requirements and funding opportunities vary by programme. Some opportunities are restricted to applicants with very specific profiles.
1. ZEF Scholarships 2027 for an international workshop on natural resources in Germany
Deadline: 10 novembre 2026
The Zentrum für Entwicklungsforschung (ZEF), through the Right Livelihood College, offers scholarships enabling PhD students to take part in an international workshop on the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources.
Held in Bonn, Germany, this workshop will bring together researchers and specialists to discuss environmental issues, biodiversity, natural resource management and climate change.
Scholarship benefits
Selected participants receive full funding covering:
- Travel costs to Germany.
- Accommodation in Bonn.
- Meals during the workshop.
- Workshop materials.
- Social and cultural activities.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is intended for PhD students from Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Please note: applicants must currently be enrolled at a German university. This programme is therefore not a scholarship to travel directly from your home country to study in Germany.
Relevant disciplines include natural sciences, social sciences, economics, development studies and environmental sciences.
The workshop will take place on 1er et 2 décembre 2026 in Bonn. Proficiency in English is required.
How to apply?
The application includes an application letter, a Europass-format CV and a summary of the PhD project of no more than 300 words.
See the full details in our listing:
Read the details of the ZEF Scholarships 2027 in Germany on Afri-Carrières
2. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarships 2027 at Université Le Havre Normandie
Deadline: 10 novembre 2026
Université Le Havre Normandie is accepting applications from international students wishing to benefit from the France Excellence Eiffel programme for the 2027-2028 academic year.
This French government scholarship is aimed at foreign applicants with an excellent academic record who wish to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD in France.
Financial benefits
Recipients may receive:
- 1 200 € per month for master’s degree students.
- 2 000 € per month for PhD students.
- Coverage of certain travel expenses.
- Insurance.
- Assistance with finding accommodation.
Please note: the Eiffel scholarship does not directly cover tuition fees. Applicants should check the applicable fees with the university.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must, among other requirements:
- Be foreign nationals.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Meet the programme’s age limits.
- Choose a course in one of the scholarship’s priority fields.
The fields covered include science and technology, the ecological transition, mathematics, engineering, law, political science and economics.
How to apply?
Applicants must prepare their application and send it to the International Relations Office at Université Le Havre Normandie before 10 novembre 2026.
The scholarship application does not replace the admissions procedure for the chosen course.
View the requirements and application procedure on Afri-Carrières
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholarships at African Leadership College in Mauritius
Deadline: 14 novembre 2026 for international students
African Leadership College of Higher Education, located in Mauritius, offers a funding opportunity through programmes associated with the Mastercard Foundation.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to young Africans who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in an international environment.
The institution focuses on leadership development, innovation, entrepreneurship and addressing the challenges facing African societies.
Benefits
The Mastercard Foundation scholarships offered under the programme are described as fully funded scholarships for eligible applicants.
However, the exact coverage, eligible courses and applicable conditions must be checked with the institution.
Who can apply?
This opportunity is aimed particularly at young Africans who:
- Wish to undertake undergraduate studies.
- Have a good academic record.
- Demonstrate leadership potential.
- Wish to contribute to the development of their community.
The announced deadline for international students is 14 novembre 2026.
Explore the Mastercard Foundation scholarships in Mauritius on Afri-Carrières
4. International admissions and scholarships at COMSATS University Islamabad in Pakistan
Deadline: 15 novembre 2026
COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) is opening international admissions for the spring 2027 semester.
This Pakistani university offers a range of programmes in science, engineering, computing, health and management.
Scholarship opportunities are also available to international students enrolled in master’s degree (MS) and PhD programmes.
Financial benefits
The available scholarships may cover tuition fees partially or fully, depending on the programme and the funding awarded.
Fields of study
Applicants can explore programmes in fields including:
- Computer science and information technology.
- Engineering.
- Economics and finance.
- Applied sciences.
- Health and life sciences.
Eligible African countries
The published list includes Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and several other African countries.
How to apply?
Applicants must create an account on the international admissions portal, select their campus and programme, then submit the required documents.
Applications must be submitted no later than 15 novembre 2026. Classes will begin in février 2027.
Read the complete guide to COMSATS admissions and scholarships on Afri-Carrières
5. France Excellence Eiffel Scholarships 2027 at Université d’Angers
Deadline: 15 novembre 2026
Université d’Angers offers international students an opportunity to apply for the France Excellence Eiffel programme for the 2027-2028 academic year.
This initiative by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs aims to attract outstanding international students to French higher education institutions.
Eligible levels of study
- Master’s degree.
- PhD.
- Engineering degrees, depending on the eligible programmes.
Benefits
Recipients can benefit from the allowances provided under the Eiffel programme:
- 1 200 € per month for a master’s degree.
- 2 000 € per month for a PhD.
- Additional benefits covering transport, insurance and accommodation support.
Tuition fees are not directly funded by the Eiffel programme.
Application requirements
Applicants must be foreign nationals and have an excellent academic record.
Interested students must also identify an eligible programme and meet the programme’s age and study-level requirements.
How to apply?
Students cannot submit their applications directly to Campus France. The French institution must select and submit the application.
It is therefore necessary to contact the international relations office at Université d’Angers promptly.
View details of the Eiffel Scholarships at Angers on Afri-Carrières
6. Eiffel Scholarships 2027-2028 at École normale supérieure de Lyon
Deadline: 20 novembre 2026
École normale supérieure de Lyon offers France Excellence Eiffel scholarships for international students wishing to pursue a master’s degree or a PhD in France.
This programme is aimed at applicants with an excellent academic record and a coherent career plan.
Financial benefits
Recipients may receive:
- 1 200 € per month for master’s students.
- 2 000 € per month for PhD students.
- Additional benefits covering transport, insurance and living expenses.
The duration of funding depends on the level of study and the applicant’s circumstances.
Fields covered
Eligible courses cover, among others:
- Biology and health.
- Ecological transition.
- Mathematics and digital technology.
- Engineering sciences.
- Law and political science.
- Economics and management.
- French history, language and civilisation.
Eligibility criteria
The programme is open only to foreign nationals.
For master’s degrees, applicants must, among other requirements, meet the age limit of 29. For PhDs, the age limit is 35, according to the criteria for the 2027 application round.
Master’s applicants must also apply for admission to their chosen course at the same time.
How to apply?
Applications must be completed directly online following the ENS de Lyon procedure.
The announced deadline is 20 novembre 2026.
Explore the ENS de Lyon Eiffel Scholarships on Afri-Carrières
7. 50 Mastercard Foundation scholarships at Arizona State University: study online from Kigali
Deadline: 22 novembre 2026
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), offers 50 fully funded scholarships to young African professionals wishing to pursue an online master’s degree.
An important feature of this programme: recipients will take their courses online with Arizona State University, but must live in Kigali, Rwanda, throughout their studies.
This initiative aims to train a new generation of African professionals in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Scholarship benefits
Funding includes:
- Full tuition fees.
- Required books and student fees.
- Accommodation in Kigali.
- Health coverage.
- Return travel costs to Kigali.
- Visa processing fees.
- An English language test voucher if required.
- Academic and career support.
Master’s degrees offered
The courses listed include:
- MS in Business Analytics.
- Master of Computer Science.
- Master’s degree in sustainable engineering.
- MS Technology and Global Development.
- MS Information Technology.
- MS User Experience.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of an African country.
- Be between 18 and 33 years old.
- Demonstrate leadership skills and community engagement.
- Not have already obtained a master’s degree.
- Be willing to relocate to Kigali for the entire duration of the programme.
The deadline is 22 novembre 2026 at 23 h 59 GMT.
Read the guide to the 50 Mastercard Foundation – ASU scholarships on Afri-Carrières
8. Mastercard Foundation scholarships at African Leadership University in Rwanda
Announced deadline: 30 novembre 2026
African Leadership University (ALU), located in Rwanda, offers a funding opportunity associated with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program.
The institution emphasises leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship and solving real-world problems in Africa.
This opportunity may interest young Africans who have recently obtained their baccalaureate and wish to pursue undergraduate university studies.
Who is this scholarship for?
It is particularly aimed at:
- Students in their final year of secondary school.
- Young people wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
- Applicants interested in leadership and entrepreneurship.
- Young people involved in community initiatives.
Requirements and funding
Funding opportunities are associated with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The exact criteria, eligible courses and benefits must be checked with the university.
The announced deadline is 30 novembre 2026, subject to confirmation by the institution.
View the Mastercard Foundation scholarships at ALU on Afri-Carrières
9. Centre Jacques Berque mobility scholarships for research in the Maghreb in 2027
Deadline: 15 décembre 2026
The Centre Jacques Berque pour les études en sciences humaines et sociales offers mobility scholarships for students and researchers wishing to conduct research in Morocco, Mauritania and the wider Maghreb region.
This opportunity is particularly relevant to master’s students, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and researchers in the humanities and social sciences.
Benefits
Recipients may receive international mobility support for a research stay lasting between one and three months.
The funding covers travel related to fieldwork and research in the region.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must, among other requirements:
- Be enrolled in a master’s degree or PhD programme if applying as students.
- Be postdoctoral researchers or researchers in the humanities and social sciences if applying under the other eligible categories.
- Present a research project focusing on Morocco, Mauritania or the Maghreb.
- Plan to carry out their research fieldwork before 30 décembre 2027.
Documents to prepare
The application must include:
- A motivation letter.
- A description of the research site, no more than five pages long.
- A CV of no more than two pages.
- A letter of recommendation from the research supervisor for students.
- An identity document or passport.
- A copy of the most recent qualification obtained.
- The Centre Jacques Berque information form.
The documents must be combined into a single PDF file.
Deadline: 15 décembre 2026.
Read the conditions for the Centre Jacques Berque scholarships on Afri-Carrières
10. Mitacs Globalink Research Scholarships 2026: undertake a research project in Canada
Deadline: 31 décembre 2026
The Mitacs Globalink programme supports international scientific collaboration and enables students and researchers to carry out research projects at partner universities.
This scholarship offers an interesting opportunity for African students wishing to gain international research experience and develop collaborations with Canadian institutions.
Financial benefits
Selected recipients may receive a scholarship of 6 000 dollars canadiens to fund a research project lasting 12 to 24 weeks.
The programme covers several disciplines:
- Agriculture and agri-food.
- Computer science and engineering.
- Biology, chemistry and physics.
- Health and social sciences.
- Economics and management.
- Architecture and urban planning.
- Arts, culture and design.
Eligibility requirements
The programme is aimed particularly at students nearing the end of their undergraduate studies, postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers.
Applicants must, among other requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be enrolled full-time at an eligible institution.
- Meet the programme’s academic criteria.
- Have a research project supervised by partner professors.
Eligibility also depends on institutional partnerships and the applicable mobility rules. This scholarship is therefore not automatically open to all African students.
How to apply?
The application requires, among other documents, an online form, a CV, letters of support and a research proposal.
Approval from the Canadian partner institution is also required.
The deadline stated for this application round is 31 décembre 2026. Applicants are advised to submit their application at least 16 weeks before the project begins.
Read the complete guide to Mitacs Globalink scholarships on Afri-Carrières
How can you maximise your chances of obtaining a scholarship to study abroad?
Applying for an international scholarship requires preparation. Funding organisations are not only looking for applicants with good grades. They also want to identify candidates who can successfully complete their studies and use their skills to serve their community.
Here are some tips to strengthen your application.
1. Prepare a strong academic CV
Present your academic background, work experience, internships, personal projects and involvement in associations.
Highlight the responsibilities you have taken on and the results you have achieved.
2. Write a personalised motivation letter
Clearly explain why you have chosen this course, why you want to study in this country and how this experience will contribute to your career plans.
Avoid sending identical motivation letters to several universities.
3. Request your recommendation letters in advance
Contact your teachers, academic supervisors or former employers well in advance.
A recommendation letter should provide specific information about your skills, commitment and potential.
4. Check the language requirements
Some universities require an IELTS or TOEFL certificate, or other proof of proficiency in the language of instruction.
Others accept a language proficiency certificate issued by your previous institution.
Check the requirements before submitting your application.
5. Follow the application procedures
Some scholarships require you to apply directly to the university. Others require preselection by a partner establishment or institution.
Do not confuse the national deadline with the university’s internal deadline.
6. Do not limit yourself to just one scholarship
Identify several programmes that match your level of study, field of study and career plans.
You can apply for several scholarships at the same time, subject to each programme’s rules.
Where can you find other scholarships for Africans?
The opportunities presented in this article represent only some of the options available to African students.
New scholarships are published regularly for students wishing to continue their studies in Europe, America, Asia or other African countries.
To discover the latest opportunities, regularly check the dedicated section on Afri-Carrières.
Discover all the scholarships available on Afri-Carrières
You can also follow Afri-Carrières on social media and join its WhatsApp and Telegram communities to receive new opportunities directly on your phone.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about scholarships to study abroad
Quelles sont les bourses entièrement financées pour les Africains en 2027 ?
Parmi les opportunités de cette sélection, les programmes Mastercard Foundation à Arizona State University et à certains établissements partenaires, ainsi que les bourses ZEF, proposent des financements importants. Les bourses Eiffel offrent des allocations et des prestations complémentaires, mais ne couvrent pas directement les frais de formation.
Peut-on obtenir une bourse d’études à l’étranger avec un baccalauréat ?
Oui. Certaines opportunités sont accessibles aux étudiants souhaitant commencer une licence, notamment les programmes Mastercard Foundation à l’African Leadership College de Maurice et à l’African Leadership University au Rwanda.
Les étudiants togolais peuvent-ils postuler à ces bourses ?
Oui. Les étudiants togolais peuvent notamment examiner les opportunités ouvertes aux ressortissants africains ou aux candidats internationaux, comme les programmes Mastercard Foundation, les bourses Eiffel et les admissions internationales de COMSATS au Pakistan, sous réserve de respecter les critères de chaque programme.
Peut-on postuler sans IELTS ?
Certaines universités acceptent des preuves alternatives de maîtrise de l’anglais ou accordent des dispenses. D’autres exigent un test reconnu. Il faut vérifier les conditions de la formation choisie.
Quand faut-il commencer à préparer son dossier ?
Dès maintenant. Certaines opportunités ferment dès le 10 novembre 2026. D’autres acceptent les candidatures jusqu’à la fin du mois de décembre. u003cbru003eN’attendez pas les derniers jours pour réunir vos diplômes, relevés de notes, lettres de recommandation et autres documents.
Would you like to study abroad in 2027? Read the detailed scholarship listings, check your eligibility and start preparing your application now.
Find all the opportunities on Afri-Carrières – Scholarships.
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