Deadline
Varies
Value of Scholarship
Full Scholarship, Living Stipends, Accommodation & Travel Costs
Renewable
No
MINDS Scholarship for Leadership Development in Africa
Launched in 2017, the MINDS Scholarship Program for Leadership Development in Africa is dedicated to shaping a new generation of African leaders with a pan-African mindset. The goal? To foster greater cooperation, unity, and sustainable development across the continent.
This fully-funded scholarship, offered by the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS), covers tuition, accommodation, and flight costs for all successful candidates. Plus, scholars receive a monthly stipend to support their living expenses.
MINDS Scholarships provide an incredible opportunity for African students to pursue postgraduate studies in Africa—but outside their home countries—at some of the continent's leading universities.
Why MINDS?
Beyond academics, scholars are immersed in tailored leadership development activities designed to nurture visionary leaders who can drive progress and collaboration across Africa.
Eligible Universities:
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 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 Requirements
To be considered for the MINDS Scholarship for Leadership Development in Africa 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen of an African country, currently residing in any African country.
- Have received formal acceptance from one or more MINDS-preferred institutions located outside your country of citizenship and/or residency.
- Be accepted to begin postgraduate studies at the chosen institution within the upcoming academic year.
- Have achieved a minimum average of 70% in each subject/course during the last two completed academic years.
- Demonstrate leadership potential or experience, as outlined in the application form.
- Complete and submit the online application form along with all required supporting documents.
Scholarship Benefits
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 the study
- A fixed living stipend
Required Documents
Applicants must upload the following documents in PDF format (each file must not exceed 2MB):
- A copy of the bio/data page of your passport
- Certified academic transcripts or result slips for the last two years of study
- An official acceptance letter from the university that:
- Is addressed to the applicant
- States the name of the degree program
- Indicates the start date of the academic year
- Specifies the duration of the program
- A valid study permit/visa or proof of application (optional)
- A detailed CV/resume (no more than four single-sided pages)
- Two reference letters (max 3 pages each), highlighting the applicant’s:
- Integrity
- Leadership ability or potential
- Commitment to African development
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should proceed to the official application portal via the “ APPLY HERE” link.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should proceed to the official application portal via the “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” button.
Scholarships are not only for the smart students. Anyone can get scholarships
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