Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about funding? You’re not alone—and the good news is that many governments around the world offer fully funded government scholarships for African students. These prestigious awards often cover **tuition, travel, living costs, health insurance, and more,** with no repayment required.
Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s in China, a master’s in the UK, or a PhD in Canada, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the best fully funded government scholarships, who’s eligible, and how to apply successfully.
Why Governments Fund Scholarships for African Students
Governments around the world fund scholarships for African students to:
- Attract top global talent
- Strengthen international partnerships
- Promote cultural exchange and soft diplomacy
- Support leadership development in Africa
These scholarships go beyond funding—they represent long-term investments in future changemakers.
Top Fully Funded Government Scholarships for African Students (Comparison Table)
| Scholarship | Country | Degree | Coverage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Program | USA | Master’s, PhD | Tuition, stipend, travel, insurance | Apply |
| Chevening Scholarship | UK | Master’s | Tuition, stipend, airfare | Apply |
| DAAD EPOS/In-Country | Germany | Master’s, PhD | Tuition, €934+ stipend, insurance | Apply |
| Australia Awards | Australia | UG, PG | Tuition, living costs, and airfare | Apply |
| Vanier CGS | Canada | PhD | CAD 50,000/year (3 years) | Apply |
| MEXT Scholarship | Japan | UG, PG, Research | Tuition, stipend, travel | Apply |
| Global Korea Scholarship | South Korea | UG, PG | Tuition, stipend, airfare | Apply |
| Türkiye Burslari | Turkey | UG, PG, PhD | Tuition, housing, stipend | Apply |
| Chinese Govt. Scholarship | China | UG, PG, PhD | Tuition, dorm, stipend | Apply |
| ICCR Scholarships | India | UG, PG, PhD | Tuition, housing, stipend | Apply |
Best Government Scholarships by Country
USA: Fulbright
For African students seeking graduate study or research in the U.S.
- Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance
- Notable: Offered in 160+ countries; Nigeria and Ghana have strong representation.
UK: Chevening
One-year master’s scholarships in any subject at any UK university.
- Coverage: Full tuition, travel, living stipend, visa
- Notable: Applicants must return home for at least 2 years after completing their studies.
Germany: DAAD
- EPOS Program: Development-focused postgraduate degrees
- In-Country Program: For Africans studying within Africa
- Coverage: Tuition, stipend, insurance, research grants
Australia: Australia Awards
Primarily for students from sub-Saharan Africa and developing regions.
- Covers: Tuition, return travel, establishment allowance, living expenses
- Notable: Strong East and Southern African representation.
Canada: Vanier CGS
For world-class doctoral students in health, natural sciences, and social sciences.
- Covers CAD 50,000 annually for 3 years
- Requires nomination by a Canadian institution.
Japan: MEXT
Available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Covers: Full tuition, stipend, airfare, and language prep year
South Korea: GKS
Fully funded for all degree levels.
- Includes: Tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly stipend, Korean language training
Turkey: Türkiye Burslari
Covers all levels of study and offers Turkish language courses.
- Benefits: Tuition, monthly stipend, dorm, airfare, health insurance
China: CSC Scholarship
China’s flagship scholarship program.
- Benefits: Tuition, housing, stipend, insurance
- Offered at top Chinese universities in English or Chinese
India: ICCR
Offered through Indian missions in Africa.
- Includes: Tuition, accommodation, monthly living allowance, medical aid
Eligibility Criteria for Government Scholarships for African Students
To qualify for most scholarships, you must:
- Be a citizen of an eligible African country
- Demonstrate academic excellence (e.g., GPA 3.0+ or equivalent)
- Meet language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or others)
- Display leadership or service commitment
- Apply before the deadline with a complete application
Some programs require applicants to return home after completing their studies.
Documents Checklist
- Passport/national ID
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Letters of recommendation (2–3)
- Statement of Purpose or Personal Essay
- Research proposal (for graduate programs)
- Language proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL/alternatives)
- Resume or CV
- Financial documents (if needed)
How to Win a Scholarship
- Start Early: Prepare 8–12 months before deadlines.
- Craft Your Story: Connect your goals with community impact.
- Customize Each Application: Tailor essays to each country/program.
- Get strong references from teachers, employers, or NGO leaders.
- Apply broadly: Submit multiple applications across countries.
Regional Focus
West Africa
- Nigeria: Fulbright, Chevening, and DAAD heavily recruit here.
- Ghana, Senegal: ICCR and Australia Awards are actively available.
East Africa
- Kenya, Uganda: MEXT and GKS have strong demand.
- Rwanda, Tanzania: Chevening and Commonwealth options.
Southern Africa
- South Africa, Zambia: Strong DAAD and Vanier access
- Zimbabwe: Türkiye and ICCR scholarships are common
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need IELTS or TOEFL?
A: Not always. Some programs accept Duolingo waivers or offer language training.
Q: Are there scholarships for undergraduate African students?
A: Yes—programs like GKS, CSC, ICCR, and Türkiye Burslari offer undergrad options.
Q: Can I apply to multiple scholarships?
A: Yes—and it’s recommended to improve your chances.
Q: Are these scholarships valid for all African countries?
A: Most accept applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa. Check each site for country eligibility.
Q: Is work experience needed?
A: Not always. For master’s and PhD, it can strengthen your case, but it is not required.
Related Guides
- Fully Funded Government Scholarships for International Students
- Fully Funded Government Scholarships for Latin American Students
- Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
- Scholarships for Developing Country Students
- Women in STEM Scholarships (Fully Funded)
- Scholarships Without IELTS or TOEFL
Final Thoughts
Government scholarships are more than financial support—they’re global bridges. If you’re an African student with passion, leadership, and academic ambition, these programs can fund your journey and amplify your impact.
Apply boldly. Let your story shine. The world is waiting for your brilliance.
