12 Best Scholarships for African Students in America

It is a dream for the majority of African students to get a degree in the United States, but the cost is usually too prohibitive to climb. Fortunately, there exist numerous scholarships that can sponsor African students to study in America. Such scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel allowance, and other educational requirements.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the 12 best scholarships for African students in the U.S., including eligibility criteria, benefits, and application processes.

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Overview:

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program provides full scholarships to academically talented but economically disadvantaged African students. Partner universities in the U.S. (such as Michigan State University, University of California-Berkeley, and Arizona State University) offer undergraduate and graduate scholarships.

Eligibility:

Must be a citizen of an African country
Demonstrate financial need

Excellent academic record

Leadership potential and commitment to pay forward to Africa

Benefits:

Full scholarship for fees
Accommodation, texts, and travel
Leadership skills development and mentoring

Application:

Apply through partner universities. Deadlines vary.

2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Description:

One of the most selective international student scholarships is the Fulbright Program. It offers African students the opportunity to pursue master’s or PhDs in the U.S.A.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree (for master’s applicants) or master’s degree (for PhD applicants)
Strong academic record

Leadership skills

Must go back to home country upon graduation

Advantages:

Full scholarship
Stipend for living expense

Health cover

Travel grant

Application:

Apply via the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in the home country.

3. African Leadership University (ALU) Scholarships

Description:

ALU partners with institutions in the U.S. to offer scholarships for African students studying engineering, business, and public policy.
Eligibility:
African citizenship
Strong academic performance

Proof of leadership

Advantages:

Partial to full tuition coverage
Internship placements

Application:

Go to ALU’s official website for application instructions.

4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

Description:

The scholarship funds high-achieving African students for graduate studies in the U.S.

Eligibility:

Must be from a qualifying African nation
No maximum age but prefer students under 30

Strong academic record

Award:

50% grant, 50% loan (loan portion is repayable)
Covers tuition and living expenses

Application

Apply through the Aga Khan Foundation in your country.

5. Mandela Washington Fellowship (Young African Leaders Initiative – YALI)

Summary:

Supported by the U.S. government, the fellowship provides leadership development and academic opportunities for young African professionals.

Eligibility:

Age 25–35
Proven leadership in business, civic society, or public service

English language competence

Advantages:

Completely paid 6-week leadership session
Networking with American leaders

How to Apply:

Apply through the YALI website during the annual window.

6. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program

Overview:

Aids African students to pursue development-related master’s courses in the U.S.

Eligibility:

Must be from a World Bank member African nation
Bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of work experience

Benefits:

Full tuition fees
Monthly stipend

Round-trip airfare
Travel costs

How to Apply:

Apply on the World Bank official website.

7. AAUW International Fellowships (For African Women)

Overview:

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships to African women to pursue studies at the graduate level in the U.S.

Eligibility:

Female African students
Must hold a bachelor’s degree

Commitment to women’s empowerment

Advantages:

18,000–18,000–30,000 funding
Professional development support

Application:

Apply through AAUW’s website.

8. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program

Description:

This non-degree program provides professional development for African mid-career professionals.
Eligibility:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of professional experience
Leadership potential

Advantages:

Full funding for a 10-month program
Professional networking

Application:
Apply through the U.S. Embassy in your country.

9. Google Africa Developer Scholarships

Description:

Google offers African students scholarships in technology fields like studying in the United States.

Eligibility:

Africa citizenship
Interest in software development, Android, or cloud computing

Benefits:

Scholarships to pay tuition
Google learning platforms for availability

How to Apply:

Go to Google’s developer scholarships page.

10. African Graduate Fellowship at American University in Cairo (For U.S. Study Opportunities)

Description:

While Egypt-based, the fellowship helps African students make the jump to American universities to pursue further study.

Eligibility:

African nationality
Excellent academic performance

Benefits:

Partial to full waiver of tuition
Research opportunities

How to Apply:

Apply through AUC’s admissions office.

11. P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship (For African Women)

Overview:

This scholarship facilitates African women to study for graduate degrees in the U.S. and Canada.

Eligibility:

Female African students
Enrolling for a full-time graduate program

Benefits:

Up to $12,500 in funding

How to Apply:

Apply through P.E.O.’s official website.

12. Cornell University’s Mosaic Scholarships (For African Students)

Overview:

Cornell offers need-based scholarships to African students across a broad range of fields.

Eligibility:

African citizenship
Demonstrated financial need

Benefits

Partial to full coverage of tuition

How to Apply:

Apply through Cornell’s office of financial aid.
Final Thoughts

Education in the United States is a great opportunity, and thanks to these scholarships, African students can make it more within their reach. No matter if you are an undergraduate, graduate, or young professional, there is likely a scholarship that is right for you.
Key Tips for Applying:

Apply early – Many scholarship processes take a long time.
Complete all requirements – Ensure that you submit all necessary documents.

Write a strong personal statement – Highlight your achievements and goals.

Apply for many scholarships – Improve the chances of success.

By making use of these opportunities, African students are able to attain their American higher education dreams and contribute to Africa’s development.