If you are an African student studying in United States, Here is an opportunity for you to get scholarships in USA for African Students.
Every year, thousands of students across the African continent enroll in American universities.
In the 2023/2024 academic year, over 45,000 students from sub-Saharan Africa were studying in the US.
However, many of these students rely on scholarships to make their dreams a reality.
As someone who’s benefited from the scholarships, I am excited to guide you through how to register and apply for these scholarships.
So, let’s talk about the best fully-funded scholarships for African students in the USA.
5 Best Scholarships in USA for African Students
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Program, established in 1946, is an international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government.
As one of the scholarships for African students, it’s designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, you must
- Be a citizen of an eligible African country
- Hold a bachelor’s degree
- Have at least two years of work experience
- Demonstrate leadership qualities
Scholarship Benefits
If you are considered for this scholarship, you will get
- Full tuition coverage
- Living stipend
- Health insurance
- Round-trip airfare
How to Apply
Interested applicants should
- Contact the Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassy in your home country
- Complete the online application
- Submit required documents (transcripts, test scores, essays)
Application Deadline
Deadline varies by country, but it is usually between February and May 2024
2. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
As one of the scholarships in USA for African students, it was launched in 2012 to develop Africa’s next generation of leaders.
It’s a partnership between the MasterCard Foundation and several top U.S. universities.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, you must
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Demonstrate academic talent
- Show a commitment to giving back to your community
Scholarship Benefits
If you are chosen for this scholarship, you will get
- Full tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Travel expenses
- Internship and career support
How to Apply
Interested applicants should
- Enroll in participating universities (e.g., Michigan State University, UC Berkeley)
- Apply directly to the university and indicate interest in the scholarship
- Complete additional scholarship application if required by the school.
Application Deadline
Deadline varies by university, but it is between November 2023 and January 2024
3. USAP Community School Scholarship
The USAP Community School, founded in Zimbabwe, also offers an opportunity for high-achieving, low-income African students to access U.S. higher education.
Eligibility Requirements
You must
- Be a graduate of USAP Community School
- Demonstrate financial need
- Show strong academic performance
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Room and board
- Travel expenses
- Mentorship and support
How to Apply
To apply,
- Work with USAP advisors during high school
- Apply to partner U.S. universities
- Complete scholarship application process
Application Deadline
Deadline is usually in December 2023 for Fall 2024 admission
4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
It is one of the scholarships in USA for African students that aims to support outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, we must
- Be a citizen of an eligible African country
- Have excellent academic records
- Demonstrate genuine financial need
Scholarship Benefits
You will get
- 50% grant, 50% loan
- Covers tuition fees and living expenses
How to Apply
If you are interested,
- Download application form from the Aga Khan Foundation website
- Submit completed form with required documents
- Attend an interview if shortlisted
Application Deadline
Deadline for submission of application is March 31, 2024
5. African Leadership Academy Scholarship
The African Leadership Academy (ALA) partners with various U.S. universities to offer scholarships to its graduates.
Eligibility Requirements
You must,
- Be an ALA graduate
- Meet partner university admission requirements
- Demonstrate leadership potential
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition coverage
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Mentorship opportunities
How to Apply
To apply,
- Apply through ALA’s University Guidance office
- Submit applications to partner universities
- Complete additional scholarship requirements
Application Deadline
Deadline varies by university, but it is usually in January 2024
6. AAUW International Fellowships
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships specifically for women from around the world, including Africa.
Eligibility Requirement
- Must be a woman
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Must hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree
Scholarship Requirements
- Completed online application
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of bachelor’s degree
- Three letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
How to Apply
The application process is done all online through the AAUW website.
Application Deadline
Deadline is November 15, 2023, for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Wrap Up
The best 6 scholarships in USA for African students discussed here offer more than just financial support, they offer personal growth, cultural exchange, and career opportunities.
To apply, ensure you meet the requirements, then follow the application instructions for each scholarship.
We hope you find these scholarships for African students helpful.
FAQs
Can I apply for multiple scholarships for African Students?
Yes, In fact, I encourage you to apply for as many as you’re eligible for to increase your chances.
Are these scholarships only for undergraduate studies?
While some scholarships are for undergraduates, others like the Fulbright Program are for graduate studies.
You always check the specific requirements before applying.
What if I don’t get a full scholarship?
If you do not get a fully funded scholarship, look into partial scholarships, grants, and student loans to fill the gap.
Do I need to know English to apply?
Generally, yes. Most U.S. universities require proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL or IELTS before application.
