The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is currently inviting applications for its 2025 Scholarship Program for Leadership Development in Africa. Launched in 2017, this prestigious initiative aims to develop young African leaders with a strong pan-African development mindset and the capacity to drive regional integration across the continent.
The MINDS Scholarship is fully funded and covers tuition, accommodation, airfare, and provides a monthly stipend to support the living expenses of all selected candidates.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Accommodation | Monthly Stipends | Airfare Ticket
- Deadline: Not Specified
Scholarship Details
The MINDS Scholarship for Leadership Development is designed for Africans who intend to pursue postgraduate studies in an African country other than their own. The scholarship promotes cross-border academic exchange and fosters the growth of future African leaders with a shared vision for the continent.
Through targeted leadership development programs, the scholarship cultivates individuals capable of promoting unity, collaboration, and sustainable development across Africa.
Applicants must have secured admission to one of the following MINDS-preferred institutions located outside their country of citizenship or residence:
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 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 eligible for the MINDS Scholarship for Leadership Development, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of any African country, residing in any African country
- Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS-preferred institutions located outside their home country
- Plan to pursue postgraduate studies within the following year
- Have scored at least 70% in each subject/course over the past two years of completed studies
- Demonstrate proven leadership ability or potential as outlined in the application form
- Complete and submit the online application form with all required supporting documents
Scholarship Benefits
The MINDS Scholarship 2025 offers full or partial financial coverage, depending on the award granted. Benefits include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- One return flight ticket during the entire study period
- Monthly stipend for personal expenses
Required Documents
To apply for the MINDS Scholarship, applicants must upload the following documents (each document must be in PDF format and not exceed 2MB in size):
- A copy of the bio/data page of your passport
- Certified academic transcripts/results slips for the last two years of study
- An official acceptance letter from the host university that must:
- Be addressed to the applicant
- Clearly state the program of study
- Indicate the academic year and course duration
- A valid study permit or visa or proof of application (optional)
- A detailed CV/resume (maximum of 4 pages)
- Two reference letters (maximum of 3 pages each) addressing the applicant’s integrity, leadership potential, and commitment to African development
How to Apply
To apply for the MINDS Scholarship, interested and eligible candidates should:
- Complete the online application form and upload all required documents
- Await further communication from the MINDS selection committee
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