Quick Overview
Bursary Description
About the MINDS SCholarship 2027
The MINDS Scholarship Programme supports African students pursuing postgraduate studies within Africa, outside their home country. It focuses on developing future leaders with a strong Pan-African mindset and commitment to continental growth.
This scholarship funds studies for the 2027 academic year, with applications open on a rolling basis throughout the year. It offers partial or full funding depending on the applicant’s needs and eligibility.
About MINDS
The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is a continental organisation focused on leadership development and African integration. The institute's goal is to equip young leaders with the skills and networks needed to drive sustainable development across Africa.
Through its scholarship programme, MINDS builds a network of change-makers committed to cooperation and progress across African countries.
Funded Fields: MINDS Scholarship
MINDS awards funds to students for the following qaulifications:
- Postgraduate studies (Honours or Master’s degrees)
- Any field of study (at approved institutions)
How to Apply: MINDS Scholarship 2027
Applications are open to African students who plan to pursue postgraduate studies at a MINDS-approved institution outside their home country.
Candidates with strong academic performance and leadership potential are prioritised.
Your application has to be completed online and required documents are to be uploaded where needed.
Steps for applying online:
- Access the portal
- Login if you have an account, or register a new one if you don't
- Answer required questions and upload your documents
MINDS Scholarship 2027: APPLY HERE.
Actuarial Science Bursary: Sanlam Bursary is Now Open - Apply Today.
Requirements & Eligibility
MINDS Scholarship Requirements
Applicants must already be accepted into a recognised institution before applying. The scholarship also values a clear commitment to Africa’s development and cross-border collaboration.
The criteria for students is as follows:
- Must be a citizen of an African country
- Must be accepted at a MINDS preferred institution outside home country
- Minimum of 70% in the last two years of study
- Demonstrated leadership ability or potential
- Commitment to African development and integration
Supporting Documents for the MINDS Scholarship
These documents must be present when submitting your application online. Each document must be in PDF format and under 2MB in size:
- Passport bio/data page
- Academic transcripts/results (last 2 years)
- Official university acceptance letter (must include degree, start year, and duration)
- Study permit/visa or proof of application (if applicable)
- CV/Resume (max 4 pages)
- Two reference letters (max 3 pages each)
Here's the list of preferred Institutions by the Mandela Institute for Development Studies for their leadership scholarship:
EAST AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Rwanda
- Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, Rwanda
- Makerere University, Uganda
- Strathmore University, Kenya
- Universidade de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde
- Université Libre de Kigali, Rwanda
SOUTHERN AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Mauritius
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Mauritius, Mauritius
- University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
- Universidade Agostinho Neto, Angola
NORTH AFRICA
- Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
- Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
- Université Mohammed V, Morocco
- Cairo University, Egypt
- Ain Sharms University, Egypt
- Alexandria University, Egypt
- Assiut University, Egypt
WEST AFRICA
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana
- Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
- University of Development Studies, Ghana
- Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Ivory Cost
- Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal
- University of Ghana, Ghana
- University of Ibadan, Nigeria
View our other scholarships for international students:
How to Apply
Application Method: Online
View official application page.
