Access to quality higher education can be life-changing, yet financial constraints remain one of the biggest barriers preventing many talented African students from achieving their academic dreams. Tuition fees, living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, and travel costs often make studying at top universities seem impossible.
Fortunately, several fully funded undergraduate scholarships are specifically designed to support African students. These scholarships go beyond tuition, often covering living allowances, housing, books, mentorship, leadership training, and career development. This guide explores the most impactful opportunities available, their benefits, eligibility requirements, and direct application links.
🌍 1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Africa & Global)
Overview
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest and most prestigious scholarship initiatives for African students. Its mission is to educate and empower young people with talent but limited access to education, equipping them to drive social and economic transformation in Africa.
The program partners with universities across Africa, North America, and Europe, focusing on academic excellence, ethical leadership, and community impact.
Key Benefits
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100% tuition and mandatory university fees
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Monthly living allowance
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Accommodation and meals
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Health insurance
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Books and academic materials
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Leadership development, mentorship, and career guidance
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Internship and community engagement opportunities
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Travel support (at some institutions)
Where You Can Study
Partner institutions vary by year and region and include:
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Ashesi University – Ghana
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Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) – Ghana
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Makerere University – Uganda
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United States International University–Africa (USIU-Africa) – Kenya
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University of Cape Town – South Africa
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Selected universities in the USA and Canada
Eligibility Highlights
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Must be a citizen of an African country (priority often given to Sub-Saharan Africa)
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Demonstrated academic excellence
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Proven leadership potential and community involvement
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Financial need
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Applicants usually apply through a partner university, not directly to Mastercard Foundation
Application Link
🔗 https://mastercardfdn.org/scholars-program/
🔗 https://mastercardfdn.org/scholars-program/where-to-apply/
🎓 **2. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
(University of Toronto, Canada)**
Overview
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious undergraduate scholarships in the world. It recognizes exceptional international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, creativity, and strong community involvement.
Although open globally, African students are strongly represented among recipients.
Scholarship Benefits
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Full tuition for four years
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Full residence support (housing and meal plan)
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Books, incidental fees, and living expenses
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Comprehensive financial support for the entire degree duration
Eligibility & Application Process
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Must be an international student (non-Canadian)
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Must be in the final year of secondary school or have graduated recently
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Must be nominated by your high school (each school can nominate only one student per year)
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Must apply for undergraduate admission to the University of Toronto
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Demonstrated leadership, innovation, and positive community impact
Application Link
🔗 https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/
🇲🇺 3. Mauritius–Africa Scholarship Scheme
Overview
The Mauritius–Africa Scholarship Scheme is offered by the Government of Mauritius to students from African Union member states. It aims to strengthen educational cooperation and capacity building across Africa.
Students study at public universities in Mauritius, a country known for academic quality and cultural diversity.
Scholarship Benefits
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Full tuition at public universities
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Monthly living allowance
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Free or subsidized accommodation
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Return airfare (subject to conditions)
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Access to healthcare services
Eligibility Requirements
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Citizen of an African Union member state
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Excellent academic performance
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Meets age requirements (usually under a specified age at the start of the academic year)
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Must meet admission criteria of the chosen Mauritian institution
Application Link
🔗 https://ministry-education.govmu.org
🔗 https://studymauritius.info (check scholarship announcements)
🇬🇭 **4. KàdàràBrite Undergraduate Scholarship
(Ghana & Nigeria)**
Overview
The KàdàràBrite Scholarship is a targeted initiative focused on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) pursuing undergraduate studies in Ghana and Nigeria. The program aims to remove financial barriers and ensure academically gifted but disadvantaged students can complete university education.
Key Features
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Full or substantial tuition support
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Academic-related expenses covered
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Focus on student retention and success
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Support for students from low-income and vulnerable backgrounds
Eligibility
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Must be an orphan or classified as vulnerable
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Aged 27 years or below
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Enrolled or admitted to an accredited university in Ghana or Nigeria
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Demonstrated financial need and academic promise
Application Link
🔗 https://kadarabritefoundation.org
(Availability depends on yearly funding cycles)
🏆 5. Pan African University (PAU) Scholarships
Overview
The Pan African University, an initiative of the African Union, is best known for postgraduate programs, but integrated or undergraduate-related funding opportunities may occasionally be available through affiliated institutions or special calls.
PAU operates institutes across Africa, including Kenya, Algeria, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
Scholarship Benefits
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Accommodation support
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Health insurance
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Travel expenses (in some cases)
Important Tip
While undergraduate opportunities are limited, students should regularly monitor PAU announcements and African Union education initiatives for new openings.
Application Link
🎯 Tips for Applying & Maximizing Success
📌 1. Start Early
Fully funded scholarships are highly competitive. Begin preparing at least 6–12 months in advance.
📌 2. Build a Strong Profile
Most scholarships look for:
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Excellent academic records
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Leadership experience
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Community service or volunteering
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Clear career goals and commitment to Africa’s development
📌 3. Watch Deadlines Carefully
For example:
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Lester B. Pearson nominations begin around October
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Mastercard Foundation timelines vary by university
📌 4. Seek Guidance
Teachers, counselors, alumni, and scholarship mentors can help review applications and essays.
🧠 Conclusion
Fully funded undergraduate scholarships provide a powerful pathway for African students to access world-class education without financial hardship. Programs like the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship offer not only funding but also leadership training and lifelong networks. Regional initiatives such as the Mauritius–Africa Scholarship Scheme and targeted programs like KàdàràBrite further expand access for students across the continent.
With preparation, determination, and the right information, African students can transform these opportunities into life-changing academic journeys.