Best 15 scholarships in the UK for African postgraduate students

Best 15 Scholarships in the UK for African Postgraduate Students: Your Gateway to Academic Excellence

The UK remains a coveted destination for African students seeking postgraduate education. Its renowned universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and diverse cultural landscape offer an unparalleled learning experience. However, funding can often be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, numerous scholarships specifically cater to African students pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees in the UK.

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This comprehensive guide unveils 15 of the best scholarships available, providing you with the essential information to navigate the application process and increase your chances of securing funding for your academic aspirations.

1. Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is perhaps the most widely known and respected scholarship provider for international students, including those from Africa. They offer a range of scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies across various disciplines. The CSC aims to support students who can contribute to the development of their home countries upon returning.

• Coverage: Full tuition fees, return airfare, living allowance, and other allowances.
• Eligibility: Citizens of Commonwealth countries, including many African nations, holding a first degree of at least upper second-class honours (2:1) or equivalent. Applicants typically need to be under 35 years of age.
• Application Process: Apply through your home country’s nominating agency. The deadline varies depending on the nominating agency. Check the CSC website for details.
• Website: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/

2. Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding emerging leaders from around the world to pursue one-year Master’s degrees in the UK.

• Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare, and other allowances.
• Eligibility: Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries (many African countries are included), holding a bachelor’s degree that will enable them to be accepted onto a postgraduate course in the UK university. Must have at least two years of work experience.
• Application Process: Apply directly through the Chevening website. The application period typically opens in August and closes in November.
• Website: https://www.chevening.org/

3. Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious and highly competitive scholarship awarded to exceptional individuals from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. It focuses on academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to service.

• Coverage: Full tuition fees, a living stipend, and a return airfare.
• Eligibility: Citizens of specific countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, and other designated regions. Candidates must be between 19 and 25 years old and have completed or be about to complete a bachelor’s degree with outstanding academic records.
• Application Process: Apply through the Rhodes Trust website. The deadline varies depending on the country of origin.
• Website: https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/

4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship program is a prestigious scholarship awarded to outstanding applicants from outside the UK to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. It emphasizes intellectual ability, leadership potential, a commitment to improving the lives of others, and a good fit between the applicant’s qualifications and aspirations and the postgraduate program at Cambridge.

• Coverage: Full tuition fees, a maintenance allowance, return airfare, and discretionary funding.
• Eligibility: Open to all nationalities, including African citizens, applying to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
• Application Process: Apply through the University of Cambridge’s Graduate Admissions Office. The deadline usually falls in December or January.
• Website: https://www.gatescambridge.org/

5. Clarendon Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Clarendon Scholarships are offered by the University of Oxford to outstanding graduate students from around the world. These scholarships cover a wide range of subjects and are awarded based on academic excellence and potential.

• Coverage: Full tuition fees and a generous grant for living expenses.
• Eligibility: Open to graduate applicants from all countries applying to a full-time graduate course at the University of Oxford.
• Application Process: Apply through the University of Oxford’s graduate application form. The deadline varies depending on the course.
• Website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/clarendon/

6. University of Edinburgh MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

This scholarship program, in partnership with the MasterCard Foundation, supports academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Edinburgh. The program aims to develop leaders who will contribute to positive social and economic change in their communities.

• Coverage: Full tuition fees, living expenses, and other support.
• Eligibility: Citizens of African countries with demonstrable financial need and a commitment to giving back to their communities.
• Application Process: Apply through the University of Edinburgh’s website. The deadline varies depending on the program.
• Website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/masters/international/mastercard-foundation

7. Sheffield Hallam University Transform Together Scholarships

These scholarships are offered to international students, including those from Africa, pursuing postgraduate studies at Sheffield Hallam University. The scholarships recognize academic achievement and potential.

• Coverage: A partial tuition fee waiver (usually 50%).
• Eligibility: Open to international students from eligible countries, including many African nations, with excellent academic records.
• Application Process: Apply through the Sheffield Hallam University website. The deadline varies depending on the program.
• Website: https://www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees-scholarships-and-funding/scholarships/transform-together-scholarships

8. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships

The University of Sussex offers Chancellor’s International Scholarships to outstanding international students pursuing postgraduate research degrees.

• Coverage: Full tuition fees and a maintenance stipend.
• Eligibility: Open to international students, including African citizens, applying for a full-time research degree at the University of Sussex.
• Application Process: Apply through the University of Sussex website. The deadline varies depending on the program.
• Website: https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/scholarships/chancellors-international-research-scholarships

9. Developing Solutions Scholarships at the University of Nottingham

These scholarships are designed for international students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America who want to make a difference in their home countries. The scholarships support students pursuing Master’s degrees in specific fields that address global challenges.

• Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee waivers.
• Eligibility: Citizens of Africa, Asia, and Latin America with a strong academic record and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home countries.
• Application Process: Apply through the University of Nottingham’s website. The deadline varies depending on the program.
• Website: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/international/scholarships-fees-funding/developing-solutions-scholarships.aspx

10. Queen Mary University of London Scholarships

Queen Mary University of London offers a range of scholarships for international postgraduate students, including those from Africa. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Explore the website for faculty and department specific funding opportunities.

• Coverage: Varies depending on the scholarship.
• Eligibility: Open to international students with strong academic backgrounds and financial need.
• Application Process: Apply through the Queen Mary University of London website. The deadline varies depending on the scholarship.
• Website: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding/

11. SOAS University of London Scholarships

SOAS University of London is known for its focus on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. They offer a variety of scholarships specifically for students from these regions, including African citizens.

• Coverage: Varies depending on the scholarship.
• Eligibility: Open to international students, particularly those from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with a strong academic record.
• Application Process: Apply through the SOAS University of London website. The deadline varies depending on the scholarship.
• Website: https://www.soas.ac.uk/scholarships/

12. University of Manchester Scholarships

The University of Manchester offers various scholarships for international postgraduate students, including specific funding opportunities for African students. Look into the Equity and Merit Scholarships.

• Coverage: Varies depending on the scholarship.
• Eligibility: Open to international students, including African citizens, with a strong academic record and financial need.
• Application Process: Apply through the University of Manchester website. The deadline varies depending on the scholarship.
• Website: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/funding/international-funding/

13. The Canon Collins Trust Scholarships

The Canon Collins Trust offers scholarships to Southern African students for postgraduate study in South Africa and the UK. The aim is to support individuals committed to social justice and making a positive impact in their communities.

• Coverage: Varies depending on the scholarship.
• Eligibility: Citizens of Southern African countries (Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) with a strong academic record and a commitment to social justice.
• Application Process: Apply through the Canon Collins Trust website. The deadline varies depending on the scholarship.
• Website: https://www.canoncollins.org.uk/

14. The Beit Trust Scholarships

The Beit Trust offers scholarships to individuals from Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK and South Africa.

• Coverage: Full tuition fees, accommodation, and a living allowance.
• Eligibility: Nationals of Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Must be under 30 (for Masters Degrees) or under 35 (for PhD Degrees) on 31 December of the year of application. A first or upper second class degree from a reputable university is expected.
• Application Process: Apply through the Beit Trust website.
• Website: https://www.beittrust.org.uk/

15. Reach Oxford Scholarship

Offered by the University of Oxford, this scholarship is for students from low-income countries who cannot study for a degree in their own countries due to political or financial reasons.

• Coverage: Covers university fees, a grant for living costs and one return air fare for the duration of the course.
• Eligibility: Students from low-income countries who have already applied to the University of Oxford.
• Application Process: Apply through the University of Oxford website after applying to the degree program.
• Website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/fees-funding

Key Tips for Scholarship Applications:

• Start Early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships well in advance of your intended study start date.
• Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship before applying.
• Craft a Strong Application: Highlight your academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to contributing to your community.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of grammatical errors and typos.
• Seek Recommendations: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors or mentors who can attest to your abilities and potential.
• Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to match the specific requirements and priorities of each scholarship.

Securing a scholarship to study in the UK can be a life-changing opportunity. By carefully researching the available options, preparing a strong application, and following these tips, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving your academic goals and making a positive impact on the world. Good luck!