Scholarships for African Students to Study in the UK: Programs & Deadlines

The United Kingdom remains one of the most popular study destinations for African students seeking quality education, global exposure, and career advancement. However, the cost of studying abroad can be a major challenge. Fortunately, there are numerous fully funded and partial scholarships designed specifically to support African students in pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in the UK.

This guide highlights top scholarship programs, eligibility details, and key deadlines to help you plan your UK study journey effectively.

 

1. Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, is one of the most prestigious awards for emerging leaders worldwide. It offers full financial support for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible African country.
• Must have at least two years of work experience.
• Should demonstrate leadership potential and community impact.

Coverage: Tuition fees, travel costs, visa fees, and a monthly stipend.
Application Deadline: Typically from August to November each year.

 

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) provides fully funded master’s and PhD opportunities to students from Commonwealth nations, including most African countries.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
• Must demonstrate academic excellence and commitment to development.
• Should not be able to afford a UK study without financial aid.

Coverage: Tuition fees, airfare, living allowance, and research grants.
Application Deadline: Usually October to December annually.

 

3. Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford)

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious awards, enabling outstanding students from select African nations—such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe—to study at the University of Oxford.

Eligibility:

• Academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
• Must be aged between 19 and 25 at the time of application.

Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, visa costs, and annual travel stipends.
Application Deadline: Between June and October, depending on the country or region.

 

4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Although based at the University of Cambridge, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship welcomes top African scholars with exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be from outside the UK.
• Must be applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge.

Coverage: Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, and airfare.
Application Deadline: Around December or January, depending on the course.

 

5. Africa Scholarship Programme (University of Essex & University of Bristol)

Many UK universities offer Africa-focused scholarships to attract talented students from the continent. For example:

• University of Essex Africa Scholarship Programme – Offers partial tuition reductions for self-funded master’s students from African nations.
• University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship – Provides awards of up to £26,000 for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Application Deadline: Typically between February and May each year.

 

6. African Union and UK Partnership Scholarships

Collaborative programs between the African Union (AU) and UK institutions—such as the Pan African University Scholarship and partnerships with the British Council—offer opportunities for Africans to pursue advanced studies in STEM, governance, and policy fields.

Coverage: Tuition, living costs, and research funding for selected fields of study.
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the specific partnership program.

 

7. GREAT Scholarships for Africa

The GREAT Scholarships, funded by the UK government’s British Council and participating UK universities, support African students who demonstrate academic excellence.

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of an eligible African country.
• Must have received an offer from a participating UK university.

Coverage: £10,000 toward tuition fees for a one-year postgraduate course.
Application Deadline: Typically, March to June annually.

 

8. University-Specific Scholarships

Beyond national programs, many UK universities provide institutional scholarships for African students. Examples include:

• University of Edinburgh Global Scholarships
• University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarship
• SOAS University of London Scholarships for African Students

These awards vary in amount and eligibility, so applicants should check specific university deadlines and requirements early.

 

Tips for Applying to UK Scholarships

1. Start Early: Many scholarship applications open 6–12 months before the academic year.
2. Prepare Key Documents: Include transcripts, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency.
3. Show Leadership Impact: UK scholarships value candidates who demonstrate social engagement and development potential.
4. Tailor Each Application: Customize your essays to align with the mission and values of each scholarship program.

 

Final Thoughts

Studying in the UK opens doors to world-class education and global opportunities. With numerous scholarships tailored for African students, financial constraints should not stop your dreams. By researching early, meeting deadlines, and crafting strong applications, you can secure a fully funded opportunity to advance your career and contribute to Africa’s development.

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