Scholarship Opportunities for African International Students in the United States

Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, including those from Africa. The US is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, offering excellent educational opportunities and a diverse cultural experience. However, the cost of education in the United States can be a significant barrier for many African students. Fortunately, there are several scholarships specifically designed to support African students in their pursuit of higher education in the US. Below, we explore some of the most notable scholarship opportunities available to African international students.

1. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most prestigious scholarships for international students worldwide, including students from Africa. This program provides funding for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study or conduct research in the United States for one year or more.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and meet the academic and professional requirements set by their home country.

Coverage: The Fulbright Program covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.

For more details, visit the official Fulbright Foreign Student Program website.

2. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides comprehensive support for talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa to study in the United States. This scholarship is offered at several partner institutions in the US, including universities like Stanford University, Duke University, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate academic talent, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of others in their communities.

Coverage: The program covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and academic support.

For more information, visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program website.

3. The African Students Scholarship at Michigan State University

Michigan State University (MSU) offers scholarships specifically for African students through its African Studies Center. These scholarships are designed to support African students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at MSU.

Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of an African country and have demonstrated academic excellence.

Coverage: The scholarship provides partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses.

For more information, visit the MSU African Studies Center website.

4. The Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a non-degree program that brings mid-career professionals from developing countries, including African nations, to the United States for professional development, networking, and academic enrichment.

Eligibility: Candidates must have a minimum of five years of professional experience, demonstrate leadership potential, and be committed to public service.

Coverage: The program covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and airfare.

For more details, visit the Humphrey Fellowship Program website.

5. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for outstanding students from developing countries, including African nations, to pursue postgraduate studies in the United States. These scholarships are awarded based on a combination of financial need and academic merit.

Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of a developing country and have no other means of financing their education.

Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses, but students are expected to repay 50% of the amount after completing their studies.

For more information, visit the Aga Khan Foundation website.

6. The Global Scholars Program at Clark University

Clark University in Massachusetts offers the Global Scholars Program, which is available to first-year undergraduate students from around the world, including Africa. The program is aimed at students who are passionate about global issues and committed to making a difference in their communities.

Eligibility: Applicants must be first-year undergraduate students who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership potential.

Coverage: The scholarship provides between $15,000 and $25,000 per year, renewable for four years.

For more information, visit the Clark University Global Scholars Program page.

7. The Zawadi Africa Education Fund

The Zawadi Africa Education Fund is a program that provides scholarships to academically gifted African girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education in the United States. The program partners with several US universities to offer scholarships to female students from East Africa.

Eligibility: Female students from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need are eligible to apply.

Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.

For more details, visit the Zawadi Africa Education Fund website.

8. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is a flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which brings outstanding African professionals to the United States for leadership training, networking, and mentorship. This fellowship program supports young African leaders in building their skills to foster positive change in their communities.

Eligibility: Applicants must be between 25 and 35 years old and demonstrate leadership in public service, business, or civic engagement.

Coverage: The fellowship covers all program expenses, including travel, accommodation, and living costs during the six-week leadership institute in the US.

For more information, visit the Mandela Washington Fellowship website.

9. The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program is open to students from developing countries, including African nations, who are interested in pursuing a master’s degree in development-related fields. Several US universities participate in this program, offering students the chance to study in the United States and gain valuable knowledge and skills.

Eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of a developing country, hold a bachelor’s degree, and have at least three years of work experience in development-related fields.

Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.

For more information, visit the World Bank Scholarships website.

10. The African Women’s Public Service Fellowship

The African Women’s Public Service Fellowship is offered by New York University (NYU) Wagner School of Public Service to support African women pursuing graduate degrees in public administration, public policy, and related fields. This fellowship aims to empower women to play a significant role in public service and leadership in their home countries.

Eligibility: The fellowship is open to African women who demonstrate a commitment to public service and leadership in their communities.

Coverage: The fellowship covers full tuition, housing, travel, and a stipend for living expenses.

For more information, visit the NYU Wagner website.

Conclusion

The United States offers numerous scholarship opportunities for African students, ranging from government-sponsored programs like the Fulbright and Humphrey Fellowships to university-specific scholarships such as the Global Scholars Program and the African Women’s Public Service Fellowship. These scholarships are designed to support talented African students in achieving their academic and professional goals while making a positive impact in their home countries. Prospective students are encouraged to explore these opportunities, carefully review eligibility requirements, and apply early to maximize their chances of success.