10 Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students 2027

If you’re planning to study abroad in 2027, these scholarships are worth adding to your application list. Each programme offers generous financial support and the opportunity to study at leading universities while gaining valuable international experience.

MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the best opportunities for talented African students. It partners with top universities across Africa, Canada, and the United States, offering much more than financial support. If selected, your tuition, accommodation, books, travel expenses, and living costs are covered, while the programme also focuses on leadership development and creating positive community impact. Application periods vary by partner university, but most are expected to open between August 2026 and February 2027.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships allow you to study at multiple universities across Europe and graduate with a joint master’s degree. It is one of the continent’s most prestigious scholarships for international students. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly living allowance, travel support, and an installation allowance, making it possible to study in Europe with minimal financial burden. Applications are generally expected between October 2026 and January 2027.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

Funded by the New Zealand Government, the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships support postgraduate students from eligible developing countries, including many African nations. Successful applicants usually receive full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, airfare, medical insurance, and research support. The programme is designed to help students gain high-quality education while contributing to the development of their home countries. Applications are expected to open in February 2027.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are especially for outstanding postgraduate students and researchers who wish to continue their studies or research in Switzerland. The scholarship generally provides a monthly stipend, tuition support where applicable, health insurance, and housing assistance. It is an excellent option if you’re planning to pursue advanced research at Swiss institutions. Applications usually start between August and December 2026.

Russian Open Doors Scholarship

The Russian Open Doors Scholarship gives international students the opportunity to compete for tuition-free Master’s and Doctoral studies at leading universities in Russia through the Open Doors Olympiad. It is an attractive option for students seeking graduate education without tuition costs. The application period begins in September 2026.

Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is one of South Korea’s flagship government-funded scholarship programmes. It supports international students by covering tuition fees, monthly living expenses, Korean language training, airfare, a settlement allowance, and health insurance. The programme attracts thousands of applicants every year because of its generous funding and strong academic reputation. Applications typically open between August and September 2026.

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is one of the fully funded scholarships for African Students 2027 that allows international students to study at hundreds of universities across China. The scholarship usually covers full tuition fees, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and comprehensive medical insurance, making it one of the most accessible fully funded scholarships in Asia. Applications generally open between November 2026 and March 2027.

Harvard University MBA Fellowships

The Harvard University MBA Fellowships provide financial support to outstanding African students who go to Harvard Business School and demonstrate financial need. Depending on individual circumstances, the fellowship may help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. MBA admission deadlines open in September 2026.

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK Government, enable future leaders to complete a one-year master’s degree at eligible universities across the United Kingdom. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, airfare, visa costs, and access to valuable leadership and networking opportunities. Applications are generally expected between August and November 2026.

Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS)

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) supports exceptional international students who want to pursue doctoral research at leading universities in Hong Kong. Successful applicants receive an annual stipend, tuition support, and a conference travel allowance, helping them focus on high-quality research in a globally recognised academic environment. You can submit applications between September and October 2026.