Launched in 2017, the MINDS Scholarship Program aims to nurture a new generation of young African leaders with a continental development mindset, capable of fostering cohesion and cooperation across African nations. The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships for Africans to study in other African countries, combining academic pursuit with leadership development activities.
Scholarship Overview
* Host Institutions: Selected universities across Africa (see list below)
* Level: Postgraduate (Master’s)
* Study Location: Within Africa (outside your country of citizenship/residence)
* Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (partial awards may also be given)
What the Scholarship Covers
Depending on whether a full or partial scholarship is awarded, the MINDS Scholarship may cover:
* Tuition fees
* Accommodation and meals
* One return flight ticket for the duration of study
* Monthly fixed stipend for living expenses
Eligible Universities by Region
East Africa
* African Leadership University – Rwanda
* Carnegie Mellon University – 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
* Universit̩ Cadi Ayyad РMorocco
* Universit̩ Mohammed V РMorocco
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 2025 MINDS Scholarship, applicants must:
1. Be a national and resident of an African country.
2. Be formally accepted into a MINDS preferred university outside your country of citizenship/residence.
3. Be accepted to begin postgraduate studies in 2025.
4. Have achieved at least 70% in each subject/course in the last two years of study.
5. Demonstrate leadership ability or potential (details required in the application form).
6. Submit a complete online application with all required documents.
For more scholarship opportunities, join our TELEGRAM channel
Required Documents
All documents must be PDF format, max size 2MB each:
* Copy of passport bio/data page
* Certified academic transcripts/results from the last 2 years of study
* Official university acceptance letter, stating:
- Applicant’s name
- Degree accepted into
- Academic year start date
- Duration of the course (e.g one year)
* Study permit/visa or proof of application (optional)
* A detailed CV/Resume (max 4 single-sided pages)
* Two reference letters (max 3 pages each), discussing:
- Leadership potential
- Integrity
- Commitment to Africa’s development
How to Apply for MINDS Scholarship 2025
1. Click HERE to apply on the scholarship webpage.
2. Complete and submit the online application form.
3. Upload all required documents in PDF format.
Application Deadline: Not specified. Please check the official scholarship page.