Opportunities to apply for in December 2024

As the year draws to a close, December offers a wealth of opportunities for those eager to take the next step in their educational, innovational and professional journey. From scholarships to prestigious leadership programs, here are opportunities that you can apply in the coming month.

Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship 2024-2025 [Deadline: December 4]

The Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship is an 8-month program that provides African students and recent graduates with the tools, training, financial support, and mentorship needed to develop their entrepreneurial skills and start their own ventures.

Who Can Apply:

• Students and recent graduates from any academic discipline at African post-secondary institutions.
• Participants who are either working on an existing business or looking to start a new venture.
• Individuals committed to developing their entrepreneurial mindset and leveraging the provided resources.

Program Details:

• Program Duration: 8 months, delivered virtually with a flexible schedule.
• Language: The program content is in English, and mentorship is available in English and French. Assignments and pitches must be completed in English. Non-English speakers are encouraged to form teams or collaborate with their university for language support.

Key Benefits:

• Access to world-class training in entrepreneurship.
• Financial support to help launch and scale ventures.
• A network of mentors to provide guidance throughout the program.
• Development of a socially impactful and financially sustainable business.

Application Deadline: Applications for the 2025 cohort will close on December 4, 2024.

International Monetary Fund Economist Program [Deadline: December 5]

The International Monetary Fund Economist Program offers recent PhD graduates a chance to launch their careers by working directly on essential policy issues affecting 190 member countries.

This three-year program provides hands-on experience through rotations in different IMF departments, engaging in economic analysis and policy development related to fiscal, monetary, and debt issues.

Eligibility:

• PhD in macroeconomics, international economics, finance, or related fields (either completed or near completion by the time the program starts).
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and policy analysis.
• Strong interest in global economic issues.
• National of an IMF member country.
• Under age 34 at the time of joining.

Participants will be employed by the IMF on a two-year contract, with competitive salary and benefits.

Application Deadline: December 5, 2024.

For more details, visit the IMF Career Site.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships for 2025/26 [Deadline: December 12]

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is delighted to announce the opening of applications for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships.

This fully funded scholarship covers:

• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition at participating UK universities.
• Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare to and from the UK.
• Living Expenses: A generous stipend to support your accommodation, food, and other living costs during your study.

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen of or hold refugee status granted by an eligible Commonwealth country.

Award Duration: Normally 12 months

Start Date: September/October 2025

Application Deadline: Thursday, 12 December 2024.

Global Solvers Accelerator 2025 [December 15]

The Melton Foundation Global Solvers Accelerator is an eight-month, immersive learning journey that connects social impact leaders from around the world to develop skills, amplify their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impact, and foster collective leadership.

The program empowers emerging change agents with tools and knowledge to enhance their leadership capacity and drive sustainable development. Through a combination of blended learning, project assignments, and peer exchange, participants will build competencies for global citizenship, enabling them to scale their local impact projects and contribute to systemic societal change.

Eligibility

• Open to young community development practitioner aged between 20 – 35 years;
• Applicant should be curious, responsible, forward-thinking, with a proven track record of social impact, and actively engaged in or leading a local impact project currently;
• Be looking to connect with like-minded peers to make a better sense of the world together.

Application here by December 15.

Elevate Africa Fellowship 2025 [Deadline: December 15]

Are you a mid-career professional passionate about creating positive social change and driving community development in Africa? The Elevate Africa Fellowship offers a transformative leadership development experience for individuals who are ready to enhance their skills, expand their networks, and amplify their impact.

The fellowship is a 10-month leadership program that includes:

• Leadership Training: Gain cutting-edge skills to lead effectively in diverse sectors.
• Mentorship: Access guidance from industry experts to refine your projects and initiatives.
• Networking Events: Build connections with like-minded professionals across Africa.
• Support for Initiatives: Fellows may qualify for additional funding for projects aligned with the fellowship’s goals.
• Physical Convenings: Fellows will meet twice in 2025 (March and October) in two different African countries, providing unique opportunities to collaborate and learn in person.

They seek candidates who:

• Have 10-15 years of professional experience (flexible for candidates with exceptional impact and growth).
• Are 25-45 years old (flexible based on track record of growth and excellence).
• Demonstrate leadership potential, an innovative mindset, and a commitment to community development.
• Have made tangible contributions in sectors such as business, government, civil society, arts, media, academia, technology, or other critical areas.

Benefits

• Fully-funded participation in the fellowship program.
• Comprehensive training, mentorship, and access to resources to support personal and professional growth.
• Opportunities to lead projects that foster social change and development in your community.

Application Deadline: December 15, 2024

The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia University [Deadline: December 16]

Columbia University is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Obama Foundation Scholars Program. This prestigious program is designed to bring together leaders from around the world who have made meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

Scholars will spend the academic year, from August to May, participating in an immersive curriculum that integrates academic, skills-based, and experiential learning.

The program offers an extensive package that includes:

• Airfare: Round-trip tickets to and from New York City.
• Monthly Stipend: A generous stipend to cover living expenses.
• Furnished Studio Apartment: Housing in a furnished studio apartment.
• Tuition and Fees: Coverage for up to four courses at Columbia University.
• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, and life insurance for the duration of the program.

Application Deadline: December 16, 2024

Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2025 Programs [Deadline: December 20]

The Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) offers two distinguished year-round programs designed to empower change-makers addressing critical global challenges.

1. CGI University (CGIU):

CGI University is a fully virtual program that supports a community of student leaders and entrepreneurs from around the globe who are developing innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Eligibility:

• The program is for undergraduate and graduate students in the ideation phase of their social impact initiatives (Commitment to Action).
• Applicants must be enrolled at least part-time in an accredited institution of higher learning.

2. CGI Fellowship:

The Fellowship is for entrepreneurs and social impact leaders actively implementing their initiatives. The program is virtual except for fully funded in-person CGI Annual Meeting in New York City

Application Deadline for both opportunities: December 20, 2024.

For more details, visit the CGI website.

Africa CDC – Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme [Deadline: December 30]

The Africa CDC – Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Programme, launched by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the Kofi Annan Foundation, is designed to prepare senior public health professionals to lead the implementation of a new public health order for Africa.

The Fellowship will support one year of high-level professional development in public health leadership that includes skills in health diplomacy, change management and influencing policy, among others. Fellows will be supported by experienced experts in key fields from Africa and other parts of the world.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Citizenship in an African Union Member State.
• A postgraduate degree in public health or a relevant field.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in public health after obtaining a master’s degree.
• Full-time employment in public health within a public or private African institution.
• Proven or potential leadership ability to positively impact public health outcomes.

This program equips Fellows with the skills to address critical health challenges while mentoring the next generation of public health leaders in Africa.

TechWomen Emerging Leaders Program 2025 [January 7, 2025]

The TechWomen Emerging Leaders Program, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is now accepting applications for 2025. The program empowers women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) to advance their careers, foster mutual understanding, and inspire future generations of women and girls.

Applicants must:

• Have at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields at the time of application.
• Have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree/four-year university degree or equivalent. (note: Internships and other unpaid work experience do not count toward the two-year professional experience requirement)
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• African Countries Eligible: Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Zimbabwe.

Application Deadline: January 7, 2025.

beVisioneers – The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship 2025 [Deadline: January 12, 2025]

Are you a young eco-entrepreneur passionate about creating a sustainable future? The beVisioneers: Mercedes-Benz Fellowship is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort! This fully-funded, multi-year fellowship empowers 1,000 young innovators from around the world with the skills, resources, and networks to implement impactful environmental projects.

Fellowship Overview

The program begins with an intensive 12-month journey that includes:

• Award-winning Innovation Training: Online modules to help refine your eco-innovation idea.
• Community-Based Local Hubs: Engage with peers and experts in your area.
• Regional Summits: Gain global perspectives and networking opportunities.
• Venture Coaching & Mentorship: Regular guidance to help you achieve your project goals.
• Project Scholarships: Financial support to advance your project’s development.

In Years 2 and 3, fellows receive tailored support based on project progress, including access to the Pioneer Launchpad, leadership development opportunities, and further scholarships for eligible projects.

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must:

• Be between 16 and 28 years old (born between January 13, 1996, and October 14, 2008).
• Have identified a specific environmental problem and a concrete idea for action.
• Reside in one of the following African countries:
  • Kenya
  • Rwanda
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zimbabwe
• Possess a strong command of English, as all materials and interactions are conducted in English.

Benefits

• Fully-funded access to the fellowship program.
• Resources and mentorship to bring your eco-innovation to life.
• Opportunities for global networking with like-minded changemakers.

Application Deadline: January 12, 2025

Wageningen University & Research Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) [Deadline: February 1, 2025]

Wageningen University & Research Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) offers talented and motivated students from Africa the unique opportunity to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands.

The Scholarship Programme provides a comprehensive funding package that covers:

• Travel Costs: Round-trip airfare to and from The Netherlands.
• Living Allowance: A monthly stipend to cover living expenses for the full duration of the 24-month programme.
• Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for the 24-month programme.
• Visa and Health Insurance Costs: All necessary visa fees and health insurance coverage during your studies.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Scholarship Programme, applicants must:

1. Be a citizen of an African country.
2. Have applied for one of the Master’s programmes at Wageningen University & Research before the application deadline.

For detailed instructions on how to apply, please visit the Wageningen University Application Guidelines.