Get ready, scholars! A wave of fully-funded international scholarships for the class of 2026-2027 is about to launch for African students across the globe—and this could be your ticket to a world-class education. Whether you’re aiming for a master’s in the UK, a PhD in China, or an MBA at Harvard, the 2026–2027 scholarship season is heating up fast.
From August onward, prestigious programs like Chevening, CSC, DAAD, Schwarzman, and Australia Awards are set to open their next rounds—and you don’t want to miss out. This is your moment to mark those calendars, double-check deadlines, and gather your transcripts, reference letters, research proposals, and personal statements. Preparation is key, and timing is everything.
To help you stay ahead of the game, we’ve compiled a powerhouse list of 30 fully-funded scholarships opening soon in 2025 for study beginning in 2026. These scholarships are not just about covering costs—they’re life-changing opportunities for African origin students to learn, grow, and lead globally.
List of 30 Fully-funded Scholarships for African Students in 2026-27
For African students dreaming of advancing their education globally, 2026 offers a golden opportunity. Many governments, universities, and organizations around the world are offering fully-funded scholarships that cover tuition, travel, living expenses, and more.
These scholarships are not only about academic excellence but also about empowering future leaders, innovators, and change-makers from Africa. Here’s a full list of 30 prestigious and fully-funded scholarships African students should look out for in 2026:
1# Chinese Government Scholarships for Africa Students
This prestigious scholarship considers applicants from all African nations and offers a golden opportunity to study at over 275 Chinese universities. The next batch for the High level postgrad China scholarships for September 2026 intake are expected to open in November 2025 and will run through March 2026, depending on your country’s nominating agency.
These China scholarships provides full coverage including tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly living stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance, making it a truly all-expenses-paid route to education in China.
2# Turkiye Burslari Scholarship
The Turkiye Burslari program is a well-known fully-funded opportunity that warmly welcomes applications from African students across all academic levels—bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD. The 2026 batch of Turkey Government scholarship is expected to open in January 2026 and close by the end of February 2026.
This scholarship covers full tuition fees, round-trip international flights, monthly stipends, health insurance, and accommodation. Additionally, recipients who do not already speak Turkish will receive a year-long language course as part of the package—setting them up for both academic and cultural success in Turkey.
3# Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
African students are warmly welcomed to apply for the Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), a fully-funded academic journey into one of Asia’s most technologically advanced countries. The Korean scholarships such as KGSP, GKS, UST Scholarships and many more for 2026 cycle are expected to open in August 2025 for undergraduate programs and around September 2025 for graduate-level applicants.
This generous Korea Scholarship package for 2026 intake will includes full tuition, a monthly stipend, a one-year intensive Korean language course, round-trip airfare, settlement and research allowances, and health insurance. Whether you dream of studying engineering, arts, or social sciences in Korea, this scholarship has you covered from A to Z.
4# Australia Awards Scholarships
African students have a strong track record of success with the Australia Awards Scholarships, which are among the most generous government-funded opportunities available. The 2027 application cycle of Australia Awards fully funded scholarship is expected to open in February 2026 and close by the end of April 2027.
These Australian government funded scholarships fully fund tuition fees, return airfare, establishment allowance, and a generous monthly stipend. They also provide health coverage and academic support, and scholars are encouraged to return home to contribute to development in their communities
5# Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships
Designed for students from developing countries, including many across Africa, the Manaaki fully-funded Scholarships offer fully-funded postgraduate (MS/PhD) education in New Zealand. The upcoming application window for the 2027 intake of Manaaki scholarship is expected to open in February 2026 (Ref). This NZ government scholarship offers full tuition, return travel, living expenses, insurance, and even research and thesis costs. It’s an outstanding opportunity for future African changemakers to study in a country known for its innovation, safety, and natural beauty.
6# Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2026-27
African researchers and postgraduate students are highly encouraged to apply for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Ref), which foster international exchange and academic collaboration. The next application cycle for the 2026–2027 academic year is expected to launch in August 4, 2025 and close by December 2025, with individual deadlines depending on your country of origin.
The funding package of Swiss government fully-funded scholarship for 2026 includes a monthly stipend, tuition waiver (where applicable), health insurance, and housing allowance. It’s an ideal gateway into Switzerland’s world-class research ecosystem
7# Russian Open Doors Scholarship
This unique Olympiad-based scholarship, open to international applicants including African students, allows winners to enroll in top Russian universities for fully-funded master’s or PhD programs. The next batch of Russian open doors scholarship 2026 is expected to open in September 2025 (Ref).
It offers full tuition waivers and, in many cases, provides stipends and accommodation support. African scholars who excel in academic competitions and are passionate about research and innovation should keep this opportunity firmly on their radar.
8# Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)
Open to bright minds from Africa and beyond, the HKPFS funds outstanding PhD candidates at leading Hong Kong universities. The application portal for the 2026–2027 academic year is expected to open in early September-October 2025. Each awardee receives a competitive annual stipend, full tuition fee coverage, and a generous travel allowance for attending international conferences. With world-class facilities and a global research environment, Hong Kong is an emerging academic hub for doctoral studies.
9# Chevening Scholarship (UK)
Chevening is one of the most prestigious and competitive UK government scholarships, and African students are strongly encouraged to apply. The next round for the 2026–2027 academic year will open in August 2025 and close in early November 2025 (Ref). It funds a one-year master’s degree at any UK university, covering tuition, flights, visa fees, and a generous monthly living stipend. More than just financial aid, Chevening offers networking events, cultural exchange, and leadership development—making it a holistic opportunity for Africa’s emerging leaders
10# ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarships
This tri-agency scholarship welcomes applications from African students passionate about STEM research and development. The ANSO-CAS-TWAS/UNESCO PhD Scholarships support doctoral studies at top Chinese research institutions.
The 2026–2027 cycle is expected to open in November 2025 and close in February 2026 (Ref). Selected candidates receive full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, health insurance, and international airfare. It’s an exceptional pathway for African students to join China’s rapidly advancing science and innovation ecosystem. Its the best time for new applicants to start emailing professors of ANSO affiliated institutes of China to obtain acceptance letters which is a mandatory requirement for ANSO scholarship application for 2026 intake.
11# Schwarzman Scholars Program (China)
Exclusively designed for future global leaders, the Schwarzman Scholars Program invites African students to pursue a fully-funded master’s in Global Affairs at China’s top-ranked Tsinghua University. The 2026–2027 intake for international applicants is now open for applications for African students till September 10, 2025 (Ref).
This Chinese fully funded scholarship 2026 batch covers tuition, room and board, travel to and from Beijing, in-country study tour, health insurance, and a generous personal stipend. It’s more than a scholarship—it’s a launching pad for a career on the world stage.
12# Rhodes Scholarships (Oxford University, UK)
One of the most competitive and renowned scholarships in the world, the Rhodes Scholarship is open to outstanding African students from select countries and if you are an African origin student then apply here https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/the-rhodes-scholarship/.
The scholarship covers all university and college fees at Oxford, a living stipend, health insurance, and two economy-class flights to and from the UK. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a global network of changemakers.
13# Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
Exclusively for African citizens, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship supports young leaders in completing their postgraduate degrees in South Africa. The 2027 cycle is expected to open in March 2026 and close by late April 2026 (Ref). This life-changing opportunity combines full tuition funding, registration fees, study materials, accommodation, and a personal allowance with intensive leadership development retreats. It is the ultimate scholarship for students who are as passionate about social change as they are about academic excellence
14# Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship (Oxford University)
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarship is open to African students with strong leadership potential who are committed to tackling global challenges through public service, entrepreneurship, or sustainable development. Applications for the 2026–2027 session will likely open in September 2025 and close by January 2026, in line with Oxford’s graduate admissions schedule here.
The scholarship fully covers tuition fees and living costs, and also includes access to a bespoke leadership development program. It’s a transformative opportunity for students who not only want to study at Oxford but also make a real impact in their communities.
15# Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust Scholarships
African students with exceptional academic records are eligible to apply for the Cambridge Trust scholarships for postgraduate study. Applications for the 2026–2027 academic session must align with the relevant course funding deadlines, typically falling in December 2025 or early January 2026 (Ref). These Cambridge trust scholarships provide full or partial funding, including tuition and maintenance costs, and are awarded based on academic merit and potential. It’s a prestigious gateway to join one of the world’s most renowned institutions for advanced study and research.
16# Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus offers African students a golden opportunity to pursue a fully-funded joint master’s degree across two (02) or more European universities. Applications for the 2026–2027 intake open between October 2025 and January 2026, depending on the specific program.
These European scholarships actually cover full tuition, travel expenses, installation costs, and a generous monthly stipend for the entire duration of the program for winning African students (Ref). With hundreds of interdisciplinary courses in science, engineering, humanities, and more, this program is ideal for those seeking academic excellence and multicultural experiences.
17# Harvard University MBA Fellowships 2028
Harvard Business School offers exceptional MBA fellowships to African students demonstrating outstanding leadership and financial need. The application for the MBA program, which is the first step toward securing funding, close in September 2025 for the 2028 academic year (Ref).
Once admitted, students are automatically considered for fellowships, which can cover up to 100% of demonstrated financial need, including tuition, fees, and living costs. For aspiring business leaders from Africa, this is a golden opportunity to gain access to one of the world’s most prestigious business education experiences.
18# Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026 Intake
Open to African high school students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and leadership, the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is one of the most competitive undergraduate scholarships in Canada.
The 2026–2027 application process of Lester B Pearson scholarship is currently accepting online applications till its deadline of November 6, 2025 (Ref). Applicants of African origin must first be nominated by their school before submitting the university application. The scholarship covers full tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years—making it a complete funding package for studying in Canada’s top-ranked university.
19# MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
Exclusively tailored for talented students from Africa, the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program partners with top universities in Africa, Canada, and the US to offer full scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Calls for the 2026–2027 intake at various universities is currently inviting applications by each participating university between August 2025 and February 2026 (Ref). The program covers full tuition, accommodation, books, travel costs, and a stipend. Beyond academics, it also includes leadership training and mentorship to empower scholars to give back to their communities
20# Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
The Vanier CGS is one of Canada’s most prestigious doctoral awards and is open to top-tier PhD candidates from around the world, including Africa. The application process for the Vanier Canada Grad scholarship 2026 is currently open till October 17, 2025 (Ref).
Each scholarship provides CAD $50,000 per year for three years, covering tuition and living expenses. It’s a competitive opportunity ideal for African students pursuing research in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, or the humanities.
