The MINDS Scholarship Program, launched in 2017 by the Mandela Institute for Development Studies, supports visionary African leaders who aim to promote continent-wide development and regional integration.
This fully funded postgraduate scholarship empowers young Africans to pursue studies in institutions outside their country of origin — within Africa.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Accommodation | Monthly Stipend | Airfare Ticket
- Deadline: Not Specified
Scholarship Details
The MINDS Scholarship Program offers postgraduate study opportunities within Africa to African nationals residing in any African country. It aims to nurture future leaders who are committed to the continent’s advancement and to building stronger bonds between African nations through education and leadership training.
To qualify, applicants must be accepted to one of MINDS’ preferred institutions outside of their country of citizenship and/or residence. These universities are spread across East, West, North, and Southern Africa.
Preferred Institutions Include:
- East Africa:
- African Leadership University, Rwanda
- Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda
- Makerere University, Uganda
- Strathmore University, Kenya
- Southern Africa:
- African Leadership University, Mauritius
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Mauritius, Mauritius
- University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
- North Africa:
- Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
- Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
- Université Mohammed V, Morocco
- West Africa:
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana
- Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
- University of Development Studies, Ghana
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the MINDS Scholarship 2025, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African country, residing in any African country
- Be accepted by at least one MINDS-preferred institution outside of their country of citizenship or residence
- Be accepted to pursue a postgraduate degree beginning within the next academic year
- Have achieved a minimum of 70% in each subject/course in the last two academic years
- Demonstrate leadership potential or experience, as detailed in the application form
- Submit a complete online application along with all required documents
Scholarship Benefits
The MINDS Scholarship covers full or partial funding for:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- One return flight ticket for the duration of the study
- A fixed monthly stipend
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following (all documents in PDF, max 2MB per file):
- A copy of the bio/data page of your passport
- A certified academic transcript/results slip for the last two years of study
- A copy of the official acceptance letter from the university (must include name, course, duration, and start date)
- A valid study permit/visa or proof of application (optional)
- A detailed CV/Resume (maximum 4 pages, single-sided)
- Two reference letters (max 3 pages each) highlighting leadership potential, integrity, and commitment to Africa’s development
How to Apply
- Review all eligibility requirements and gather the required documents
- Click the button below to access the online application portal
- Complete and submit the online form with all supporting documents
To apply now, click HERE
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