The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa was successfully launched in 2017, bringing to realisation our vision of developing young leaders who have a continent-wide development mindset and leaders who can facilitate greater cooperation between African countries.
The Scholarship Programme enables African students to study in an African country other than their home country and in this way immerse themselves in richness and diversity that the country and its communities has to offer.
By broadening access to education, we see the expansion of openness to ideas and the creation of a network of like-minded leaders who will help promote the performance and tangible progress of our continent. There is no doubt that a more integrated African economy of global scale will accelerate growth, generate positive outcomes and benefit all its communities.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | African nationals, residing in any African country, with at least 70% in each subject/course in the last two years |
| Degree | One or two-year Honors or Master’s degree |
| Study Location | African country other than home country, at MINDS preferred institutions |
| Rewards | Tuition, accommodation and meals, one return ticket, fixed stipend |
| Application Requirements | Passport, academic transcript, university acceptance letter, CV, reference letters |
| Available Universities | Institutions in East, South, North, and West Africa, including African Leadership University, University of Cape Town, Al Akhawayn University |
| Application Process | Online application, documents uploaded in PDF format |
| Selection Process | Rigorous selection, considering academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to African development |
Fact About The MINDS Scholarship
1. PAN-AFRICAN VISION: The MINDS Scholarship Programme aims to develop young leaders with a continent-wide development mindset, fostering greater cooperation between African countries!
2. STUDY ANYWHERE IN AFRICA: Scholars can study in any African country, outside their home country, experiencing diverse cultures and communities!
3. FULL OR PARTIAL FUNDING: The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and travel expenses, ensuring scholars focus on their studies!
4. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: MINDS offers tailored leadership activities to nurture leaders who will drive Africa’s growth and integration!
5. 70% ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Scholars must have achieved at least 70% in each subject/course in the last two years, demonstrating academic excellence!
6. NETWORK OF CHANGEMAKERS: Join a community of like-minded leaders committed to Africa’s development, expanding your professional and personal network!
7. NO RESTRICTIONS ON COURSE OF STUDY: Scholars can pursue any postgraduate degree, from business to engineering, arts to sciences!
8. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED YEAR-ROUND: Apply as soon as you receive official acceptance from a MINDS preferred university!
9. ALUMNI NETWORK: Join a growing network of MINDS alumni, shaping Africa’s future!
10. EMPOWERING AFRICAN LEADERS: MINDS has empowered young leaders from across Africa since 2017, driving positive change and progress!
11. PARTNER UNIVERSITIES ACROSS AFRICA: Study at top universities in East, South, North, and West Africa, including African Leadership University and University of Cape Town!
12. COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESS: Only top candidates demonstrating academic merit, leadership potential, and commitment to African development are selected!
13. MANDela’S LEGACY LIVES ON: The MINDS Scholarship Programme honors Nelson Mandela’s vision for a united, prosperous Africa!
14. INVESTING IN AFRICA’S FUTURE: MINDS invests in the next generation of African leaders, shaping the continent’s destiny!
15. APPLY NOW, CHANGE AFRICA TOMORROW: Don’t miss this life-changing opportunity to become a MINDS Scholar and contribute to Africa’s growth!
Details For 2025 Mandela’s MINDS Scholarship Programme For Young Africans
MINDS’ offers scholarships to Africans who wish to pursue post-graduate studies within Africa, outside of their own countries. Through tailored leadership development activities, the MINDS Scholarship Programme aims to nurture leaders who have a continental development mindset; leaders who will facilitate greater cohesion and cooperation between African countries.
MINDS Scholarships are applicable to full-time studies of a one or two-year Honors or Master’s degree at one of the MINDS preferred institutions (listed below). MINDS does not prescribe the course to be studied.
Requirements For 2025 Mandela’s MINDS Scholarship Programme For Young Africans
MINDS Scholarships are awarded to meritorious applicants following a rigorous selection process. To be considered for a MINDS Scholarship, you must:
- Be a national of an African country, residing in any African country
- Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s outside of your country of citizenship and/ or residency
- Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s to pursue postgraduate studies within the following year
- Have obtained at least 70% in each subject/ course in the last two completed years of study
- Produce evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential guided by the questions/ requirements set out in the application form
- Submit a complete online application form (see below) with the required supporting documentation.
Rewards For 2025 Mandela’s MINDS Scholarship Programme For Young Africans
The Scholarship will cover some or all of the expenses below, depending on whether a partial or full scholarship is awarded:
- Tuition
- Accommodation and meals
- One return ticket per duration of studies
- A fixed stipend.
Individuals with a Pan-African outlook, demonstrated leadership ability and an excellent academic record who wish to study on the African continent, outside their home country are invited to apply for the scholarships.
Available Universities For 2025 Mandela’s MINDS Scholarship Programme For Young Africans
To be eligible to receive a MINDS Scholarship, an applicant must have been accepted to study at one of the following institutions:
EAST AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Rwanda
- Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, Rwanda
- Makerere University, Uganda
- Strathmore University, Kenya
SOUTHERN AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Mauritius
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Mauritius, Mauritius
- University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
NORTH AFRICA
- Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
- Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
- Université Mohammed V, Morocco
WEST AFRICA
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana
- Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
- University of Development Studies, Ghana
How To Apply For 2025 Mandela’s MINDS Scholarship Programme For Young Africans
MINDS is currently receiving applications from students who commence their studies in 2018/2019. Interested individuals are invited to submit applications as soon as they receive official acceptance from a MINDS preferred university at which they wish to study. Applications will be processed in the order they are received.
If you meet the eligibility criteria above, you can submit your application by clicking on the link below. Please have the following documents scanned, saved and ready for uploading. All documents uploaded must be in PDF format. Each attachment should not exceed 2MB in size.
- A copy of the data/ bio page of your passport.
- A certified academic transcript/ results slip of the last two years of study.
- A copy of the official acceptance letter from the university. The letter must:
- Be addressed to the applicant.
- State the degree which the applicant has been accepted to study.
- State the academic year at which the degree will commence.
- State the duration of the course (e.g. one year).
- A copy of a valid study permit or visa OR proof of application. (Optional)
- A detailed CV/ Resume of not more than four (4) single sided pages.
- Two reference letters (of not more than 3 pages each) addressing the applicant’s demonstration of integrity, their competency and/or potential as a leader and their commitment to the development of the African continent.