Fully Funded MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa
Organization: Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)
Host country: South Africa
Degree level: Masters
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: Open / Rolling
Eligible countries: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Fields of study: All academic disciplines (Actuarial Sciences, Business Sciences, and Accounting are highly encouraged)
The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa was launched to develop young leaders with a continent-wide development mindset. The programme enables talented African students to pursue full-time Honours or Master’s degrees in an African country other than their own. By immersing scholars in new environments, MINDS fosters greater cooperation, cultural understanding, and Pan-African integration.
Alongside financial backing, the program provides tailored leadership modules, peer networking circles, and academic coaching. It is an extraordinary opportunity to join a lifelong network of changemakers dedicated to the economic and social progression of the African continent.
Benefits
Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the degree
Funding for accommodation and daily meals
One return economy flight ticket for the duration of the studies
A fixed monthly living stipend
Access to tailored leadership development activities and Pan-African networking
Eligibility
Must be an African national currently residing in an African country
Must be accepted into a MINDS-preferred institution OUTSIDE your country of citizenship and/or residency
Must be pursuing a full-time Honours or Master's degree
Must have achieved at least 70% in each subject/course in the last two completed years of study
Refugees are exempt from the cross-border rule and may apply to study in their host country
Requirements
Demonstrated leadership ability and a commitment to Africa's development
A clear Pan-African outlook and vision for regional integration
Official acceptance letter from a host university stating the course, start date, and duration
Strong academic references attesting to the applicant's integrity and potential
Required Documents
Copy of the bio-data page of your passport
Certified academic transcripts/results of the last two years of study
Official university acceptance letter (addressed directly to the applicant)
Detailed Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 single-sided pages)
Two reference letters focusing on leadership potential and integrity
Copy of a valid study permit or visa (or proof of application, optional but recommended)
Programs of Study
One-year Honours Degree
Two-year Master's Degree
Application Process
Apply and secure formal admission to a postgraduate program at a MINDS-preferred university outside your home country
Gather all certified academic documents, passport copies, and reference letters
Create an account on the MINDS Scholarship application portal
Complete the online application, ensuring all uploaded PDF files are under 2MB each
Submit the application as soon as you receive your university admission (applications are processed on a rolling basis)
How to Apply
Visit the official MINDS scholarship portal (scholarship.minds-africa.org)
Register for an account and log in to start your application
Fill in all sections meticulously and upload the exact requested documents
Do not wait for a deadline; submit your application immediately after obtaining your university acceptance letter
Selection Process
Initial screening to ensure all mandatory documents are submitted and basic eligibility (cross-border study, 70% academic average) is met
Rigorous evaluation of leadership potential, Pan-African vision, and essays by the selection committee
Shortlisting and awarding of scholarships on a rolling basis throughout the year as applications are received