For many Africans, studying in the UK is a dream, but the financial burden often feels like the biggest obstacle. Thankfully, there are several prestigious scholarships designed to support talented students across Africa who want to pursue higher education in the UK.
In
this post, I have put together a list of key scholarship boards and committees
that every African student should have on their radar. These scholarships don’t
just provide financial support; they also open doors to global networks,
leadership opportunities, and career growth.
Please Note:
Many
of these scholarships run on yearly cycles, which means some may already be
closed or nearing their deadlines. Don’t be discouraged; instead, take this as
an opportunity to prepare early for the next round. By keeping an eye on the
official boards, setting reminders, and getting your documents ready (CV,
transcripts, references, personal statement, etc.), you’ll be better positioned
to submit a strong application when the next cycle opens.
As
we dive into the top scholarships
African students should watch out for when planning to study in the UK, do well
to do your personal research on them:
1.
Commonwealth Scholarships
This
UK government scholarship is aimed at students from low and middle-income
Commonwealth countries, including many African nations. It supports full-time
Master’s and PhD studies in the UK.
It
covers full tuition, airfare, monthly living allowance, study travel grants,
and other key costs.
This
scholarship matters because it is aimed at future leaders and changemakers from
across the Commonwealth, making it highly relevant for Africans.
2.
University of Glasgow Scholarships
The
University of Glasgow offers multiple scholarships for international students,
including Africans, across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research
programmes.
It
covers partial tuition discounts to fully funded awards, depending on the
program.
This
scholarship has a wide range of scholarships targeting talented international
students, with opportunities across several fields.
3.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
This
scholarship is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the most
prestigious international scholarships. It supports outstanding applicants from
outside the UK to study a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of
Cambridge.
It
covers full tuition, living stipend, travel, visa, health surcharge, and
additional discretionary funding.
This
scholarship program recognizes exceptional intellectual ability, leadership,
and commitment to improving the lives of others. These are qualities many
African scholars demonstrate.
4.
GREAT Scholarships
The
GREAT Scholarships program, funded by the UK government and the British
Council, partners with UK universities to offer scholarships to international
students, including Africans.
It
covers £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course.
This
scholarship program provides targeted financial support across multiple
universities, offering flexibility for African students in choosing their
institution.
5.
Ruth First Scholarship (Durham University)
This
scholarship supports postgraduate students from southern Africa (Angola,
Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia,
Zimbabwe) to pursue a Master’s degree at Durham University.
It
covers full tuition, living stipend, accommodation, meals, return airfare,
visa, and health surcharge.
This
scholarship is designed specifically for students from disadvantaged
backgrounds in southern Africa, with a focus on leadership and community
impact.
6.
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening
is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarship program. It offers
fully funded one-year Master’s degrees at leading UK universities.
It
covers full tuition, living stipend, travel costs, visa, and related expenses.
This
scholarship program is a prestigious global network that develops future
leaders. Many Africans have benefited from Chevening, making it one of the most
competitive yet rewarding scholarships available.
Final Note:
Securing
a scholarship to study in the UK takes dedication, strategy, and early
preparation. While some of these opportunities may already be closed for this
year, they reopen annually. The key is to start preparing ahead, gather your
documents, build your leadership profile, and keep track of deadlines.
Whether
it’s the globally renowned Chevening or the more region-focused Ruth First
Scholarship, these opportunities prove that financial barriers should not stop
talented Africans from achieving their academic dreams in the UK.
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