On August 6, the British government opened the call for applications for the prestigious Chevening scholarships, which offer citizens of Commonwealth countries the opportunity to undertake fully funded studies at Universities in the United Kingdom in 2025/2026.
Aspiring Cheveners have up to 5 November 2024 to prepare and submit their applications for an opportunity that could offer the successful candidates a chance to “outpace your peers and return home with the skills, knowledge and network required to influence the change you want to see.”
Besides the Chevening scholarships, there are a series of other fully funded study opportunities currently available to anyone who seeks to further their education at masters level. MENTERPRISE AFRICA has compiled these opportunities for you. Take your pick below.
University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships [Deadline: August 31]
The University of Manchester Equity and Merit Scholarships are for academically excellent students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to sustainable development in their home countries. These scholarships are intended for those who cannot afford to study in Manchester without financial support.
Scholarship Types:
- Full-time, on-campus master’s (one-year duration)
- Part-time, distance learning master’s (three to five years duration)
NOTE: There are 40 scholarships available: 30 for full-time, on-campus study and 10 for part-time, distance learning.
Eligibility:
- Citizens of Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zimbabwe
- Have not previously studied outside of Africa (training of six months or less does not count)
- At least two years of professional experience related to the chosen field of study (excluding unpaid internships or voluntary work)
- Bachelor’s degree with an overall excellent grade (typically top 10% of your class)
- Commitment to returning home and making a positive impact on your home country
- Clear idea of how studying at Manchester will benefit your career and community
Scholarship Benefits:
- Full tuition fees
- Return international airfares (for students studying in Manchester)
- Living expenses (for students studying in Manchester)
- Visa costs (for students studying in Manchester)
For more details and to apply, visit: https://buff.ly/3M179gQ
MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria [September 30]
The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria in South Africa provides financial assistance and mentorship support to students who have demonstrated excellence in their field of study but may not be able to afford higher education costs.
Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Accommodation expenses
- Books and printed material allowance
- Monthly stipend for daily expenses
- Coverage for travel expenses
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to candidates from Africa
- For undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Experience in community service and leadership
- Maintain a high academic average
- Demonstrate financial need and come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds
How to Apply:
- Receive provisional admission to the University of Pretoria.
- Obtain a provisional admission letter.
- Apply online for any master’s degree program on the university’s website.
- Send your MCFSP application and supporting documents to mcfsp@up.ac.za.
For more details and to apply, visit the University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: https://buff.ly/3M3EAPO
The British Government’s Commonwealth Scholarships [Deadline: December]
The Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage. They are aimed at students from across the Commonwealth who would not otherwise be able to afford to study in the UK.
Scholarship Details:
- Award Coverage: The scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition fees, airfare to and from the UK, and a living allowance.
- Eligibility: Students from across the Commonwealth countries.
- Application Deadline: Applications usually close in December, but deadlines may vary by country.
For more information and to apply: https://buff.ly/2IW3LHg
The East African Community Student Mobility Scheme (EAC-SMS) – Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs 2024/25 [Deadline: August 25]
The Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) invites suitably qualified nationals of the East African Community (EAC) Partner States to apply for the East Africa Community Student’s Mobility Scheme (EAC-SMS) for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Number of Scholarships:
- 75 Undergraduate Scholarships
- 74 Master’s Scholarships
- 11 PhD Scholarships
Funding Coverage:
- IUCEA Member Universities: Provide scholarships covering tuition and examination fees
- IUCEA Secretariat: Covers travel expenses, health insurance, and research funding.
Application Process:
- Identify your desired program and university from the eligible programs and apply for university admission through the respective university’s online application system.
- Apply for the EAC-SMS scholarship through the IUCEA website.
For more detailed information and to apply, please visit: https://www.iucea.org/eac-sms-2024-25/
The Government of the Czech Republic Government Scholarships for Developing Countries [Deadline: September 30]
The Government of the Czech Republic is offering scholarships to support the study of foreign nationals from developing countries at public institutions of higher education in the Czech Republic. Applications for the academic year 2025/2026 are now open.
Eligible Countries in Africa:
- Ethiopia
- Zambia
Scholarship Details:
These Government Scholarships cover the standard length of study and are available in two categories:
- Czech-Medium Follow-up Master Study Programmes:
- Includes a one-year preparatory course in the Czech language combined with field-specific training.
- Designed for graduates of bachelors degree programmes.
- Scholarships are awarded to students enrolling in selected study programmes taught in Czech.
- Entrance examinations are typically required by the respective university, and passing these exams is a precondition for receiving the scholarship.
- English-Medium Follow-up Master Study Programmes or Doctoral Study Programmes:
- Available to graduates of bachelors or masters degree programmes.
- Scholarships are awarded to students enrolling in study programmes taught in English.
For more information on the application process and to apply, please visit: https://buff.ly/3WUR4jg.
2025 University Recommended Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship [Deadline: October 31]
The Graduate School of Science at The University of Tokyo invites applications from international students for the academic year starting in October 2025.
Eligibility:
- International students with outstanding academic records who wish to enter Japan in October 2025 as a new student to study in the Master’s or Doctoral Program at the Graduate School of Science.
- Additionally, applicants who have completed their admission application for entering the Master’s/Doctoral Program following the “Instructions for International Students applying to the Graduate School of Science (Special Selection for International Applicants)”.
- Applicants must have the nationality of a country with diplomatic relations with the Japanese government.
- In principle, applicants must be born on or after April 2, 1990.
- Applicants must have the necessary qualifications to be admitted to the Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo as a Master’s or Doctoral Program student.
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must meet one of the language requirements in either English or Japanese.
Application Process: For detailed information on the application process and to apply, please visit: https://buff.ly/3M5tE4d
