Table of Contents
1. Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarships
- Target: Young African professionals and students.
- Eligible Level: Innovation and technology programmes (level varies by programme).
- Host Institution: Arizona State University, United States.
- Deadline: September 27, 2026.
- Overview: This fully funded programme is for talented young Africans who want to study technology and innovation and return to the continent as leaders. It is the closest deadline on this list.
- Official Link: ASU Mastercard Foundation Application Portal
2. Chevening UK Government Scholarships
- Target: Emerging leaders and professionals with strong leadership potential.
- Eligible Level: One-year Master's degree.
- Host Institution: Universities across the United Kingdom.
- Deadline: October 6, 2026.
- Overview: Chevening is the UK government's flagship international award. It typically covers tuition, a monthly living allowance and travel, and it brings scholars into a global alumni network.
- Official Link: Chevening Application System
3. ARC Ltd–GSSP Scholarship Programme
- Target: Citizens of African Union member states.
- Eligible Level: Postgraduate study (up to two years) in actuarial science, insurance or agricultural statistics.
- Host Institution: ENSEA (Côte d'Ivoire), IFAGE (Senegal), University of Cape Town and University of Ghana.
- Deadline: October 7, 2026 (23:59 GMT).
- Overview: Twelve scholarships cover tuition, a living stipend and travel, with mentorship and an internship. Scholars commit to working in Africa for two years after graduation. Applicants must also apply separately for university admission.
- Official Link: ARC Ltd Scholarship Page
4. Nordic Africa Institute's Nordic Scholarship Programme
- Target: Early-career researchers.
- Eligible Level: Research stay at the institute.
- Host Institution: Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Deadline: October 11, 2026.
- Overview: The programme builds research capacity by giving African scholars time, library access and academic networks to advance their work on the continent's political, social and economic issues.
- Official Link: Nordic Africa Institute
5. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Target: Africans aged 35 or under (born on or after 1 January 1992) who have faced barriers to education and can show leadership and interest in tackling the climate crisis.
- Eligible Level: Master's degrees (on-campus and online) and selected online postgraduate diplomas.
- Host Institution: University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
- Deadline: Attendance at a mandatory virtual information session is required first (sessions run until September 24, 2026). Invited applicants must then submit a declaration form by October 19, 2026, and the main application by November 19, 2026.
- Overview: Eligible programmes focus on climate, food security, health, development and related fields. Applicants apply for the scholarship first and are asked to apply for the degree only after an award is made.
- Official Link: Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
6. Commonwealth Master's Scholarships (UK)
- Target: Citizens or refugees of eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford UK study.
- Eligible Level: Full-time taught Master's degree.
- Host Institution: Participating UK universities.
- Deadline: October 20, 2026 (16:00 BST).
- Overview: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the award covers tuition, airfare, a monthly stipend of £1,712 (£2,000 in London) and a study travel grant. Applicants need at least an upper second-class degree and must apply through CSC Central.
- Official Link: Commonwealth Master's Scholarships
7. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (UK)
- Target: Candidates from eligible Commonwealth countries who cannot otherwise afford UK study.
- Eligible Level: Full-time doctoral study.
- Host Institution: Universities across the United Kingdom.
- Deadline: October 20, 2026.
- Overview: This scheme supports researchers whose doctoral work can contribute to development in their home countries. Applicants should check the Commission's country list before starting.
- Official Link: Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
8. University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
- Target: Academically strong young Africans with leadership potential and a commitment to social impact.
- Eligible Level: Undergraduate and postgraduate study.
- Host Institution: University of Cape Town, South Africa.
- Deadline: October 31, 2026.
- Overview: The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, a laptop, medical aid, visa costs and annual travel, along with mentoring and leadership training. Applicants must apply separately for admission to UCT, because only admitted students can be considered.
- Official Link: UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
9. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Target: Outstanding applicants from any country outside the UK with leadership potential and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
- Eligible Level: PhD, MLitt or a full-time one-year postgraduate course.
- Host Institution: University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
- Deadline: December 8, 2026 or January 6, 2027, depending on the course. Check the Cambridge course directory.
- Overview: About 70 full-cost awards are made each year. They cover university fees, a maintenance allowance (£22,050 for 12 months at the 2025–26 rate), airfares and visa costs. Roughly two-thirds go to doctoral students.
- Official Link: Gates Cambridge Scholarship
10. Mastercard Foundation AfOx Graduate Scholarships (Oxford MBA)
- Target: African nationals ordinarily resident in Africa who have overcome hardship, have no previous Master's degree, and are committed to Africa's development.
- Eligible Level: MBA.
- Host Institution: Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
- Deadline: January 6, 2027.
- Overview: Up to three awards cover course fees and a living grant of at least £21,805, plus tailored training and networking support. No separate scholarship application is needed. Applicants simply submit their MBA application on time.
- Official Link: AfOx Graduate Scholarships
