Scholarship for African Students in European Universities

If you are considering pursuing your undergraduate degree, Master’s, or Ph.D. abroad, Europe has a scholarship for you. The continent is home to a wide range of prestigious universities and educational institutions that attract students from around the world. Moreover, if financial constraints have been holding you back from pursuing your dreams, there are numerous scholarships available to assist international students in fulfilling their academic pursuit.

Europe’s educational landscape is rich and diverse, providing a stimulating environment for students seeking a global education experience. Whether you are interested in humanities, sciences, engineering, arts, or any other field of study, you can find reputable institutions that offer high-quality programs tailored to your interests. By studying in Europe, you can gain access to world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vibrant academic community that encourages critical thinking and innovation.

Why should I choose Europe as an African student for my studies? 

This is a common question that arises when considering studying as an African student. Below are five compelling reasons why Europe can be an excellent destination for African students

Access to advanced research facilities

Many African countries face challenges in terms of limited research facilities and funding. By studying in Europe, you gain access to state-of-the-art technology and well-equipped research facilities. European universities are known for their emphasis on research, innovation, and technology, providing you with the opportunity to explore new subjects and engage with knowledgeable professors and fellow students. Moreover, the availability of research funding is comparatively higher in Europe, reducing concerns about financial constraints hindering your research aspirations.

Personal and professional growth

Pursuing your education in a foreign country, far from the comfort of your familiar surroundings, allows you to develop independence, adaptability, and resilience. This experience can be transformative, as you discover new aspects of yourself and learn to navigate different cultures and environments. Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences enhance your personal growth, broaden your horizons, and prepares you for the globalized world. Such qualities are highly valued by employers, both in Africa and abroad, and can significantly contribute to your future career success.

Career opportunities 

 Studying in Europe can greatly enhance your career prospects. Employers, particularly in Africa, often prioritize candidates who have studied abroad due to the perceived advantages of a global education. By obtaining an international degree, you distinguish yourself from other candidates and demonstrate qualities such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and a broadened worldview. Additionally, studying in Europe provides opportunities for internships and collaborations with top-notch institutions, allowing you to gain valuable work experience and develop professional networks that can give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Availability of scholarships

Europe offers a wide range of scholarships specifically designed for international students, including those from Africa. These scholarships can cover various expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and even living expenses. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can alleviate financial burdens and focus on your studies and personal growth. Scholarships also provide the chance to immerse yourself in new cultures, experience different cuisines, and travel to fascinating places while pursuing your education.

Language acquisition

Studying in Europe presents a unique opportunity to learn a new language or improve your language skills. Many European countries have their native languages, such as French, German, Spanish, or Italian. Mastering a foreign language not only enriches your cultural understanding but also enhances your employability in an increasingly interconnected world. Being bilingual or multilingual can open doors to a wider range of job opportunities, both in Africa and internationally, and demonstrate your willingness to embrace new challenges.

Whether you are seeking to begin your studies from scratch or further your education, Europe provides a range of opportunities for African students. Below are 5 scholarship for African students in Europe. 

The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme 

The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme was founded by His Highness the Aga Khan to offer assistance to exceptional students from developing nations who face financial constraints in pursuing full-time postgraduate studies at renowned higher education institutions of their preference.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the programme, applicants must meet the following selection criteria.

• Outstanding Academic Performance: Applicants should possess an excellent academic record, demonstrating their commitment to scholarly pursuits and intellectual excellence.

• Genuine Financial Need: The ISP seeks to assist students who have exhausted all other avenues of financing their studies. Applicants must demonstrate their financial need by showing that they have explored and secured multiple sources of funding. The amount of financial assistance awarded is determined on an individual basis, taking into account the student’s eligible expenses and deducting other grants, loans, parental contributions, and student employment income. Candidates are encouraged to actively seek alternative sources of funding in addition to applying for assistance from the Aga Khan Foundation.

• Admission to Reputable Institutions: Priority is given to applicants who have gained admission to reputable postgraduate institutions for Master’s degree programs. However, applications for PhD studies are also considered. The ISP recognizes the value of local, regional universities, as well as distance learning programs, provided the courses offered maintain a high standard of quality.

• Strong Professional Experience and Achievements: Along with academic qualifications, the ISP values applicants’ professional experience, extracurricular accomplishments, volunteer contributions, and leadership abilities. These factors help gauge the candidates’ potential for making significant contributions to their respective fields and communities.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for Masters Degree

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships for Masters Degree are open to students worldwide who have already completed a Bachelor’s degree. This prestigious scholarship program is considered one of the top options in Europe for African students seeking to pursue their studies at the Master’s level.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship, you must have an outstanding academic performance, and your undergraduate institution should be officially recognized in a degree-awarding country. This scholarship aims to support exceptional students in their pursuit of higher education.

Duration

The Erasmus Mundus master’s degree program offers a well-structured and carefully planned curriculum. The duration of the program typically spans 1 to 2 academic years, providing students with a comprehensive and in-depth education. As of the year 2023, this remains the case. During this period, students can expect to engage in rigorous coursework, research projects, and practical experiences that will contribute to their academic and professional development.

By participating in the Erasmus Mundus program, students have the opportunity to study in diverse international environments, benefit from the expertise of renowned professors and researchers, and engage in cross-cultural experiences. This program not only facilitates academic growth but also fosters intercultural understanding and cooperation among students from different parts of the world.

DAAD Scholarships 

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) provides a range of scholarships aimed at supporting international students and researchers from diverse backgrounds worldwide. These scholarships primarily target graduates, doctoral students, and postdoctoral researchers, offering them valuable opportunities to pursue their academic and research endeavors. This scholarship provides comprehensive support for individuals seeking to undertake a full doctoral program in Germany. It covers various aspects such as tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and health insurance, ensuring that recipients can focus on their research without financial constraints.

Eligibility

The DAAD scholarships are granted to international students who intend to pursue a full-time course of study in Germany that requires mandatory attendance. The following are the basic eligibility criteria for the DAAD scholarship, which apply to both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs:

• Relevant Work Experience: Applicants should have a minimum of two years of verified and relevant work experience, research work, or teaching/graduate assistantship.

• Language Requirements: Applicants must meet the language-related requirements set by the DAAD.

• Academic Degree Duration: The completion of the applicant’s academic degree should not exceed six years. In other words, the candidate should have finished their bachelor’s degree no more than six years ago.

• Residency Requirement: If the applicant intends to stay in Germany for a period of up to six months, they must have resided in their country of residence for at least one year at the time of application. For stays longer than six months, the applicant must have obtained their last degree in their country of residence.

Another notable scholarship program offered by DAAD is the Helmut Schmidt Program, which specifically targets students from developing countries. This program aims to enable outstanding individuals to pursue their studies in Germany and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of their home countries upon completion.

By supporting students and researchers from diverse backgrounds, DAAD promotes cultural understanding, facilitates academic growth, and contributes to the overall development of higher education globally. The availability of these scholarships in 2023 presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring scholars to pursue their educational and research aspirations with the backing of a prestigious institution like DAAD.

Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarship 

The University of Oxford offers an exceptional opportunity for African business students through its MBA scholarship program. This prestigious scholarship is fully funded, meaning that it covers not only the course fees but also the living expenses of the recipients. Additionally, the program generously includes a round-trip airfare for the students.

Eligibility 

The eligibility criteria for this opportunity require candidates to be residents of any of the African countries where Eni operates, including Algeria, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tunisia.

The selection criteria prioritize African MBA candidates who possess strong ambition and potential, aiming to make positive contributions to leadership and governance within the continent. Selection is based on academic excellence, which is evaluated through factors such as degree results, GMAT or GRE scores, previous university prizes and awards, and other notable academic achievements 

By offering full financial support, the University of Oxford aims to remove financial barriers that may hinder talented African business students from pursuing an MBA degree. This initiative enables them to focus solely on their studies and fully immerse themselves in the enriching academic and cultural environment of the university.

The fully-funded scholarship program at the University of Oxford serves as a catalyst for fostering future African business leaders. It not only provides the necessary financial resources but also encourages and supports these students in honing their leadership skills, expanding their networks, and gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in the field of business.

University of Lincoln Africa Scholarships 

The University of Lincoln is offering scholarship specifically designed to support African students in pursuing postgraduate studies. This scholarship aims to assist students from Africa in covering the tuition fees associated with a postgraduate taugprogrammme at the university. The value of this scholarship is set at £4,000, and it will be granted to eligible students in the first year of their studies.

The University of Lincoln recognizes the importance of higher education and aims to provide opportunities for talented African students to enhance their academic and professional development. By offering this scholarship, the university aims to attract highly motivated and exceptional individuals who can contribute to the diverse and vibrant learning environment on campus.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Africa Scholarship offered by the University of Lincoln, prospective students must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality or Permanent Residence: Applicants must be either nationals of an African country or have permanent residence in Africa.

• Offer of Admission: Applicants must have received a Conditional or Unconditional Offer from the University of Lincoln for a full-time postgraduate taught program. The program should commence either in September/October 2023 or January/February 2024.

• Qualifications: Applicants should have been awarded, or are expected to receive, one of the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum grade of 2:2 or an equivalent qualification.

• Pre-Masters Qualification: Alternatively, applicants with a Pre-Masters qualification from a recognized institution can apply. The grade achieved in the Pre-Masters program should be comparable to a 2:2.

• Master’s Degree: Applicants who hold a Master’s degree from a recognized institution with a merit grade or an equivalent qualification are also eligible.

Eligible students who meet the criteria for the scholarship will have the opportunity to receive this financial support in their first year of postgraduate studies. The scholarship can be applied to various postgraduate taugprogramsmes offered by the university, allowing students to choose a course that aligns with their academic and career goals.

Europe is an excellent choice for students aspiring to study abroad for their undergraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. degrees. With its renowned universities, diverse academic offerings, and an abundance of scholarships for international students, the continent presents a compelling opportunity to pursue your dreams while immersing yourself in a rich cultural and educational experience. TakeLeap to explore the endless possibilities that Europe has to offer!