MINDS Scholarship

Who can apply

• Be a national of ANY African country
• Reside in ANY African country
• Be between 18 and 45 years old
• Have been accepted to study at one of these approved institutions, outside of your country of citizenship and/ or residency
  • Southern Africa applicants
    • South Africa: University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand
    • Mauritius: African Leadership University, University of Mauritius
    • Angola: Universidade Agostinho Neto
  • East Africa applicants
    • Rwanda: African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University, Université Libre de Kigali
    • Uganda: Makerere University
    • Kenya: Strathmore University
    • Cabo Verde: Universidade de Cabo Verde
  • North Africa applicants
    • Morocco: Al Akhawayn University, Université Cadi Ayyad, Université Mohammed V
    • Egypt: Cairo University, Ain Shams University, Alexandria University, Assiut University
  • West Africa applicants
    • Ghana: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Development Studies, University of Ghana
    • Nigeria: Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), University of Ibadan
    • Côte d’Ivoire: Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny
    • Senegal: Cheikh Anta Diop University
• Have been accepted to study towards a full-time postgraduate qualification (Honors or Master’s degree), for the upcoming academic year
• Have achieved a minimum result of 70% for each subject or course within the last 2 years of completed studies
• Have evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential guided (per the questions and requirements set out in the application)

What the bursary covers

• (partial or full cover): tuition fees
• Accommodation
• 1 return flight ticket for the duration of studies
• Fixed living stipend
• Medical cover (where compulsory)

Documents you will need

• Passport bio page/ data page (copy only)
• Academic transcript/ results for the last 2 years of study (certified copy)
• Official university acceptance letter, which must be: addressed to you, degree you have been accepted to study, academic year in which the degree will commence, duration of the course (copy only)
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae/ Resume (maximum 4 single sided pages)
• Valid study permit or visa OR proof of application (copy only)
• 2 letters of reference, addressing the following: your demonstration of integrity, competency and/or potential as a leader and commitment to the development of the African continent (maximum 3 pages each)

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   • MINDS Scholarship Application
   • Register an Account
   • Login

   If you meet all the criteria, you may Register an Account and thereafter, Login and apply.

4. Submit before the closing date

   Open all year. None – applications are open throughout the year. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

About MINDS

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is a pan-African institute developing leadership and policy capacity on the continent.