African students looking to pursue postgraduate studies in another African country can now apply for the 2026 MINDS Scholarship Programme, a leadership-focused scholarship created to support future African changemakers.
The scholarship is offered by the Mandela Institute for Development Studies and is designed for young Africans who have strong academic records, leadership potential, and a passion for driving development across the continent.
The programme supports students who want to study outside their home countries at selected universities across Africa while participating in leadership development activities aimed at promoting cooperation and unity among African nations.
What the MINDS Scholarship Covers
Depending on whether applicants are awarded a partial or full scholarship, the programme may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and feeding
- A return flight ticket for the duration of study
- A fixed stipend
The scholarship is open to students applying for full-time one or two-year postgraduate programmes, including Honors and Master’s degrees. Applicants are free to choose their preferred course of study, as the scholarship is not restricted to specific disciplines.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the MINDS Scholarship Programme, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of an African country and currently reside in Africa
- Have gained admission into one of the approved MINDS partner universities outside their country of citizenship or residence
- Be accepted to begin postgraduate studies in the upcoming academic year
- Have scored at least 70% in each subject during the last two years of study
- Show evidence of leadership ability or leadership potential
- Submit a complete online application with all required documents
Applications are awarded based on merit after a competitive selection process.
Approved Universities for the Scholarship
Eligible students must secure admission into one of the MINDS preferred institutions across Africa before applying for the scholarship. Some of the participating universities include:
West Africa
- University of Ibadan
- Pan-Atlantic University
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
- University of Ghana
- Cheikh Anta Diop University
East Africa
- Strathmore University
- Makerere University
- African Leadership University
Southern Africa
- University of Cape Town
- University of the Witwatersrand
North Africa
- Cairo University
- Al Akhawayn University
- Alexandria University
Required Documents
Interested applicants are expected to prepare and upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Passport data page
- Academic transcripts or result slips for the last two years
- Official university admission letter
- Study visa or proof of visa application (optional)
- Detailed CV or resume
- Two reference letters highlighting leadership qualities, integrity, and commitment to Africa’s development
Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately after receiving admission from any approved university, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application Deadline
The deadline for the MINDS Scholarship Programme has not yet been specified.
How to Apply
Visit Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)Â to apply
For more information, kindly visit MINDS Scholarship webpage.
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