In 2025, African students have access to life-changing scholarships. These programs, from Canada to Germany, fund tuition, living costs, and more.
Below are five top opportunities, including eligibility and application steps, to help you study abroad.
1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)
Level: Undergraduate
Deadline: School nominations by October 2025; student applications by November 2025
Benefits: Covers tuition, books, fees, and housing for four years
Eligibility: Open to global students, including Africans, with top grades, creativity, and leadership. Your school must nominate you.
How to Apply: Get your school’s nomination. Apply to the University of Toronto. Complete the Pearson Scholarship form online after nomination.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Rwanda)
Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Deadline: October 15, 2025
Benefits: Funds tuition, housing, stipend, books, insurance, and mentoring
Eligibility: For economically disadvantaged African students, including Nigerians, with strong academic records.
How to Apply: Download the form from the University of Rwanda’s website. Submit it with transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement by the deadline.
3. KAUST Scholarship (Saudi Arabia)
Level: Master’s/PhD
Deadline: October 1, 2025
Benefits: Full tuition, $20,000–$30,000 yearly stipend, housing, insurance, and relocation support
Eligibility: Open to Africans with excellent grades in science, engineering, or tech fields.
How to Apply: Apply online via KAUST’s portal with transcripts, a statement of purpose, CV, and recommendation letters. GRE is optional but helpful.
4. University of Freiburg MSc Environmental Governance (Germany)
Level: Master’s
Deadline: October 15, 2025
Benefits: Tuition waiver; DAAD funding available post-admission
Eligibility: Africans with backgrounds in environmental or social sciences can apply.
How to Apply: Use Freiburg’s online portal. Submit transcripts, English proficiency proof, CV, and a statement of purpose.
5. University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships (Germany)
Level: Master’s/PhD
Deadline: October 15, 2025
Benefits: Up to €850 monthly stipend for high-performing students
Eligibility: Africans enrolled at Hamburg for at least two semesters, not eligible for German student loans.
How to Apply: Apply via Hamburg’s funding portal with transcripts, enrollment proof, a motivation letter, and a reference letter.
Why Apply Now?
These scholarships offer African students a chance to study at top institutions with full support. Deadlines are approaching, so gather documents and apply early to seize these opportunities in 2025.