Top Scholarships and Fellowship Opportunities for African Students — Wikihii Africa

Top Scholarships and Fellowship Opportunities for African Students — Wikihii Africa

Wikihii Africa is your one-stop platform for verified scholarships and fully funded programmes across Africa and beyond. We curate opportunities from world-leading universities, global organisations, and corporate foundations that empower young Africans to study, research, and innovate for a better future.

This pillar post features a comprehensive overview of the most prestigious scholarships, fellowships, and professional training programmes available for African students in 2025/2026 — from technology and leadership to development and global education.

1. SAP Young Professionals Program (Nigeria)

The SAP Young Professionals Program is an initiative by SAP Africa that equips young graduates with technical and soft skills to launch successful careers in the tech industry.

Focus Areas: SAP software training, digital innovation, and business process solutions.

Duration: 2–3 months of intensive virtual and in-person learning.

Outcome: Participants graduate as SAP-certified consultants — ready to work for SAP partners and clients across Africa.

2. Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP)

NJFP is a collaboration between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It connects fresh graduates with work placements across sectors to promote employability and leadership development.

Eligibility: Nigerian citizens under 30 years old who graduated within the last five years.

Benefit: One-year fully paid fellowship, mentorship, and on-the-job training — fostering future national leaders.

3. Dangote Cement Trainee Programme

The Dangote Cement Trainee Programme offers graduates a pathway into industrial management, manufacturing, and engineering careers. It provides real-world exposure to Africa’s leading cement production facilities.

Duration: 12-month structured training.

Fields: Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, and Operations.

Value: Trainees gain technical expertise and management experience — preparing them for leadership roles in African industries.

4. Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship on Entrepreneurship

This fellowship empowers young African entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions to local and global challenges. Hosted by Queen’s University, Canada, it’s a 8-month virtual training programme focusing on entrepreneurship and business acceleration.

Benefits: World-class mentorship, access to funding, and a final venture pitch competition.

Who Can Apply: Students and recent graduates committed to driving change in their communities through entrepreneurship.

5. SANS Technology Institute — Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship

The Paller Cybersecurity Scholarship is designed for students and professionals passionate about cybersecurity. It provides access to world-class cyber defence training and mentorship under the SANS Institute.

Focus Areas: Cybersecurity, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and network defence.

Outcome: Participants graduate with internationally recognised SANS certifications, boosting their global employability.

6. DAAD-NRF Joint Scholarship Programme (South Africa & Germany)

The DAAD-NRF Programme is a partnership between Germany’s DAAD and South Africa’s NRF that supports postgraduate research training for South Africans studying in both countries.

Fields: Science, Engineering, Technology, and Social Sciences.

Benefits: Full tuition, research grants, and travel allowances for master’s and doctoral studies.

Goal: Strengthening South Africa’s academic research capacity through international collaboration.

🇸🇪 7. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Africans (2026)

The Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarships offer fully funded master’s degrees in Sweden to outstanding African students committed to sustainable development and leadership.

Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel costs.

Fields: Sustainability, innovation, technology, and governance.

Outcome: Graduates join a global SI Alumni Network of changemakers working for progress across Africa.

8. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh provides full scholarships for postgraduate students from Africa to study in the UK.

Support: Tuition fees, accommodation, visa, and living allowance.

Focus: Development-oriented studies that address African challenges through research and innovation.

Added Value: Leadership and community engagement training that prepares scholars for real-world impact.

9. Mastercard Foundation x Arizona State University (ASU) Graduate Scholarships

This fully funded partnership provides African students with opportunities to pursue master’s degrees at ASU in the USA. It focuses on leadership, digital skills, and inclusive innovation.

Coverage: Tuition, housing, health insurance, travel, and stipends.

Goal: To develop a generation of ethical and innovative African leaders driving social and economic change.

🇷🇺 10. Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project

The Open Doors Scholarship is an international Olympiad-style competition granting full scholarships for master’s and PhD studies in Russia’s top universities.

Eligibility: International students (including Africans) with strong academic performance.

Perks: Free tuition and university admission without entrance exams.

Fields: Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Humanities.

11. UCAS Fully Funded Scholarship

The UCAS Scholarship offers full support for international students applying through the UK’s university system. It focuses on helping talented but financially constrained students access UK education.

Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, and mentorship opportunities in British universities.

Best For: Students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in the UK who need complete financial assistance.

12. Yale Young African Scholars (YYAS) Program 2026

The YYAS Program by Yale University is a pre-university scholarship and leadership training for high-achieving African secondary school students.

Age Group: 15–18 years.

Duration: Two-week academic enrichment programme.

Outcome: Students gain university readiness skills, mentorship, and exposure to global education pathways.

Why These Scholarships Matter

These opportunities go beyond academic funding — they create a network of leaders and changemakers. From STEM and entrepreneurship to policy and innovation, every scholarship featured on Wikihii Africa is carefully verified to ensure legitimacy and impact.

They empower African youth to compete globally, contribute locally, and transform their communities through knowledge and leadership.

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Conclusion

Education unlocks freedom — and scholarships unlock education. Whether you’re a high school student, graduate, or professional, these opportunities can redefine your future. Visit Wikihii Africa Scholarships today to explore ongoing programmes and start your journey toward global excellence.