For African students and professionals seeking to advance their studies, scholarships offer a vital lifeline, alleviating financial burdens and opening doors to prestigious institutions worldwide. This comprehensive guide presents the 40 Best African Scholarships Ending by December 2024 and their Websites. Each entry includes essential details and direct links to the respective websites, ensuring that aspiring scholars have the information they need to embark on their educational journeys. Whether you’re pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral studies, these scholarships provide a myriad of opportunities to achieve academic and professional excellence.

Scroll to the bottom of the article for each website link

40 Best African Scholarships Ending by December 2024 and their Websites

1. Illinois Wesleyan University President Scholarships for International Students: These scholarships are offered to undergraduate students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and leadership potential. Illinois Wesleyan University in the United States covers full tuition for the awardees. The application deadline for this prestigious scholarship is November 15, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to community service.

1. Berea College Scholarships Program for Undergraduate Students: Berea College offers a comprehensive scholarship program for international students, which covers full tuition for the first year of enrollment. This is a unique opportunity as Berea College is one of the few institutions in the U.S. that provides substantial financial aid to international students. The application deadline is November 30, 2024. Interested students must submit their academic records, proof of English proficiency, and personal essays.

1. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships to African students pursuing postgraduate studies within Africa. These scholarships aim to promote the development of university staff in sub-Saharan Africa. The deadline for applications is November 21, 2024. Applicants must be enrolled in or applying to a master’s or doctoral program at a recognized institution in Africa.

1. Mawazo Institute Fellowship Program: This fellowship is designed for African women who are PhD students engaged in research related to African development. The Mawazo Institute Fellowship provides financial support, research training, and professional development opportunities. The deadline for applications is November 10, 2024. Candidates must be enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited institution and demonstrate a strong commitment to contributing to African development through their research.

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto: This fully funded scholarship is available to African students who are planning to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the University of Toronto. The program covers tuition, living expenses, and provides mentorship and leadership training. The application deadline is November 4, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities.

1. RIG Future Academy Scholarship: Offering up to $5,000, this scholarship supports students who are pursuing degrees in STEM fields. The RIG Future Academy Scholarship aims to encourage innovation and research among young scholars. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024. Applicants need to submit a research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

1. Chevening Scholarships: These prestigious scholarships are funded by the UK government and cover full tuition for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. The scholarships also include living expenses and travel costs. The application deadline is November 1, 2024. Candidates must have at least two years of work experience and demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to improving their home country.

1. Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa: The Rhodes Scholarships are among the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs. They provide full financial support for students to pursue a degree at the University of Oxford. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Eligible candidates must be citizens of South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, or Swaziland and demonstrate exceptional intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.

1. Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders: This fellowship is part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and is aimed at young leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting positive change in their communities. The program includes academic coursework, leadership training, and networking opportunities. The application deadline is December 6, 2024. Fellows will participate in a six-week academic and leadership institute in the United States.

1. African Union Commission Scholarships: The African Union offers scholarships for African students to pursue master’s and doctoral studies in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. The application deadline is November 30, 2024. Applicants must be enrolled in or applying to a master’s or doctoral program at an African university.

1. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: These scholarships are for students from developing Commonwealth countries who would not otherwise be able to study in the UK. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, living expenses, and airfare. The deadline for applications is December 13, 2024. Applicants must be applying to a master’s program in a subject related to sustainable development.

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: These fully funded scholarships are available for highly qualified students from around the world, including Africa, to study in Europe. The Erasmus Mundus program offers joint master’s degrees, with students studying at multiple European universities. The application deadline is December 15, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong motivation letter and letters of recommendation.

1. VLIR-UOS Scholarships for Training and Masters Programmes in Belgium: These scholarships are offered to students from developing countries, including African nations, to pursue training or master’s programs in Belgium. The scholarships cover tuition, travel, insurance, and living expenses. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Candidates must demonstrate a strong academic background and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home country.

1. Australian Awards Scholarships: These scholarships are funded by the Australian government and provide opportunities for African students to study at Australian universities. The scholarships cover full tuition fees, travel costs, living expenses, and health insurance. The application deadline is December 31, 2024. Applicants must be applying for a postgraduate degree and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to development in their home country.

1. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: This program offers fully funded scholarships to African students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the University of Edinburgh. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

1. Yale Young African Scholars Program: This program is designed for high-achieving African secondary school students who plan to pursue tertiary education. The program includes a fully funded residential session in the United States, where students receive training and mentorship. The application deadline is December 15, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto: These scholarships are awarded to international students, including Africans, who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity. The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. The application deadline is November 30, 2024. Applicants must be nominated by their school and apply to the University of Toronto.

1. Monash University International Merit Scholarships: These scholarships are offered to high-achieving international students, including those from Africa, who are applying to Monash University in Australia. The scholarships cover a percentage of the tuition fees for the duration of the course. The deadline for applications is November 15, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong personal statement.

1. University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships: These scholarships are for international students, including Africans, who are applying for a PhD at the University of Warwick. The scholarships cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a research proposal.

1. Rotary Foundation Global Grants: These grants support graduate-level coursework or research for students in areas of focus such as peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention, water and sanitation, and economic development. The grants cover tuition, travel, and living expenses. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2024. Applicants must be sponsored by a local Rotary club.

1. The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships: These scholarships are for students from Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to study at universities in the UK or South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition, travel, and living expenses. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home country.

1. Utrecht Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are for international students, including Africans, who are applying for a master’s degree at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. The scholarships cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong motivation letter.

1. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships: These scholarships are for international students, including Africans, who are applying for a master’s degree at the University of Sussex. The scholarships cover 50% of the tuition fees. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong personal statement.

1. Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP): This program offers scholarships for professionals from developing countries, including African nations, to pursue short courses, master’s programs, and PhD studies in the Netherlands. The scholarships cover tuition, travel, and living expenses. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the development of their home country.

1. Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship: This fellowship provides financial assistance to African students who are pursuing an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business. The fellowship covers tuition and associated fees. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to developing their home country and return to Africa within two years of graduation.

1. OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship Award: This scholarship is for students from developing countries, including African nations, pursuing a master’s degree in a development-related field. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to contributing to the development of their home country.

1. Stellenbosch University Scholarships: Stellenbosch University in South Africa offers various scholarships for international students, including those from Africa. These scholarships cover tuition fees and, in some cases, provide a stipend for living expenses. The deadline for applications is December 15, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong personal statement.

1. University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to African students who are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

1. University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship is for international students, including Africans, applying for a master’s degree at the University of Dundee in the UK. The scholarship offers a partial tuition fee waiver. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong personal statement.

1. Africa London Nagasaki (ALN) Fund: The ALN Fund supports African scientists pursuing a master’s degree in health-related fields at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a stipend for living expenses. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2024. Applicants must have a strong academic record and a commitment to working in Africa.

1. Gates Cambridge Scholarships: These scholarships are for international students, including Africans, pursuing a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, including tuition, living expenses, and airfare. The deadline for applications is December 3, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

1. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: These scholarships are for candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including African nations, who are pursuing a PhD at a UK university. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. The deadline for applications is December 15, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong research proposal.

1. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are for international students, including Africans, pursuing postgraduate studies or research in Switzerland. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong research proposal.

1. French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme: This program offers scholarships to international students, including Africans, to pursue a master’s or PhD degree in France. The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly allowance, and travel expenses. The deadline for applications is December 7, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong motivation letter.

1. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships: These scholarships are for international students, including Africans, pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or PhD studies in Japan. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and airfare. The deadline for applications is December 5, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a research proposal for postgraduate studies.

1. King’s College London Africa International PGR Scholarships: These scholarships are for African students pursuing a full-time PhD program at King’s College London. The scholarships cover tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses, and research costs. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong research proposal.

1. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS): This scholarship is for international students, including Africans, applying for a master’s degree at Leiden University in the Netherlands. The scholarship offers a partial tuition fee waiver. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong personal statement.

1. UWE Bristol Millennium Scholarship: This scholarship is for international students, including Africans, applying for a master’s degree at UWE Bristol in the UK. The scholarship covers 50% of the tuition fees. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong personal statement.

1. The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships: These scholarships are for international students, including Africans, pursuing a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne in Australia. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, relocation costs, and health insurance. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong research proposal.

1. University of Queensland Global Leaders Scholarship: This scholarship is for international students, including Africans, applying for a master’s degree at the University of Queensland in Australia. The scholarship offers a partial tuition fee waiver. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2024. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence and submit a strong personal statement.

Conclusion on 40 Best African Scholarships Ending by December

In conclusion, there are numerous scholarships available to African students with deadlines ending by December 2024, offering a variety of opportunities to pursue higher education across the globe. These scholarships cover a wide range of academic disciplines and provide substantial financial support, including tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and sometimes even health insurance.

From prestigious programs such as the Rhodes Scholarships and Chevening Scholarships to specialized fellowships like the Mawazo Institute Fellowship and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship, these opportunities are designed to support students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to contributing to their home countries’ development.

Programs like the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at various institutions, DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships, and the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships aim to foster the next generation of leaders by providing them with the education and resources necessary to drive positive change. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial burden but also offer mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities, helping students to build a solid foundation for their future careers.

For those interested in studying in specific regions, scholarships like the VLIR-UOS Scholarships for Training and Masters Programmes in Belgium, Monash University International Merit Scholarships, and the University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provide tailored support for African students. Additionally, specialized programs such as the Stellenbosch University Scholarships, King’s College London Africa International PGR Scholarships, and the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships ensure that there are ample opportunities for students across various fields and levels of study.

By exploring these scholarships and meeting their respective deadlines, African students can take significant steps toward achieving their educational and professional goals. These scholarships not only open doors to world-class education but also empower students to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

For more detailed information and application guidelines, be sure to visit the respective scholarship websites and reach out to the institutions offering these programs.

Here is a list of websites for 50 scholarships for African students with deadlines ending by December 2024:

1. Illinois Wesleyan University President Scholarships for International Students: IWU Scholarships
2. Berea College Scholarships Program for Undergraduate Students: Berea College International Admissions
3. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarships: DAAD Scholarships
4. Mawazo Institute Fellowship Program: Mawazo Institute
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Toronto: University of Toronto Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
6. RIG Future Academy Scholarship: RIG Future Academy
7. Chevening Scholarships: Chevening
8. Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa: Rhodes Trust
9. Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders: YALI
10. African Union Commission Scholarships: African Union Scholarships
11. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships: Commonwealth Scholarships
12. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees: Erasmus Mundus
13. VLIR-UOS Scholarships for Training and Masters Programmes in Belgium: VLIR-UOS Scholarships
14. Australian Awards Scholarships: Australian Awards
15. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program: University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars
16. Yale Young African Scholars Program: Yale Young African Scholars
17. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto: University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships
18. Monash University International Merit Scholarships: Monash University Scholarships
19. University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships: University of Warwick Scholarships
20. Rotary Foundation Global Grants: Rotary Global Grants
21. The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships: Beit Trust Scholarships
22. Utrecht Excellence Scholarships: Utrecht University Scholarships
23. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships: University of Sussex Scholarships
24. Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NFP): Nuffic Fellowships
25. Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship: Stanford Africa MBA Fellowship
26. OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) Scholarship Award: OFID Scholarships
27. Stellenbosch University Scholarships: Stellenbosch University Scholarships
28. University of Pretoria MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program: University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars
29. University of Dundee Global Excellence Scholarship: University of Dundee Scholarships
30. Africa London Nagasaki (ALN) Fund: ALN Fund
31. Gates Cambridge Scholarships: Gates Cambridge
32. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships: Commonwealth Scholarships
33. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships: Swiss Government Scholarships
34. French Government Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme: Eiffel Scholarships
35. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships: MEXT Scholarships
36. King’s College London Africa International PGR Scholarships: King’s College London Scholarships
37. Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS): Leiden University Scholarships
38. UWE Bristol Millennium Scholarship: UWE Bristol Scholarships
39. The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships: University of Melbourne Scholarships
40. University of Queensland Global Leaders Scholarship: University of Queensland Scholarships
41. African Leadership University (ALU) Scholarships: ALU Scholarships
42. African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards: AU Kwame Nkrumah Awards
43. Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship: Cecil Renaud Scholarship
44. Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program: Ford Foundation Fellowships
45. Google Africa PhD Fellowship Program: Google PhD Fellowship
46. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program: Humphrey Fellowship
47. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Graduate Research Fellowship: IITA Fellowships
48. Microsoft Research Africa PhD Fellowship Program: Microsoft PhD Fellowship
49. Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship Program: Mo Ibrahim Foundation
50. UNESCO-L’Oréal For Women in Science Awards: UNESCO-L’Oréal Awards

These links provide detailed information on the scholarships, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines. Interested students should visit the respective websites to gather all necessary information and prepare their applications accordingly.

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