Scholarships in the UK for African students

How to get a scholarship in the UK for African students

The UK is a very popular study destination for students all over the world. While attending a university in a country with lots of international students is appealing, it does mean that it is incredibly competitive – especially when you are applying for a scholarship. In most cases, to be awarded a scholarship you must prove to be an exceptional candidate.  

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, as requirements will vary depending on the academic institution and your chosen course. However, there is some general advice you can follow to give yourself the best chance of landing a scholarship in the UK as an African student.

1. Start as early as possible. Work out exactly what you need to achieve academically to meet the requirements for the course you want to study. This includes proving past successes in education, as well as examples of volunteer work and extracurricular activities. Starting to plan in advance of applying is key.

2. Do your research. There are more than 1,500 scholarships in the UK for international students, so you do your research to determine which courses cater to you best. It will help you prepare for meeting the criteria that a certain course demands too.

3. Check whether you are eligible. Why waste time applying for courses you are not eligible for? Each university, course and type of scholarship tends to be different. If you are looking for scholarships to study in the UK, then there may also be different eligibility factors to consider.

4. Check course requirements and application dates. In most cases you will be asked to submit additional documents, such as, submit a cover letter or attend an online interview. It is also good to be aware of the application date for each scholarship you apply for.

5. Provide letters of reference. You will inevitably come across scholarships that ask for reference letters at the application stage. This is a vital part of the process and can help you stand out from your competitors, so choose someone who is able to highlight your best qualities and skills.

6. Submit your application. The final step for a scholarship in the UK as an African student is to hit the apply button, but double-check your application before you do. Why not ask a family member or friend to take a look as well?

Scholarships to study in the UK for African students

Eni-Oxford Africa Scholarship

This MBA scholarship at the University of Oxford is a fully-funded scholarship programme for African business students and covers living expenses, course fees, plus one return airfare. It is awarded on the basis of academic excellence demonstrated through degree results.

Find out about the criteria and deadlines here.

University of London Matilda Mwaba Scholarship

Established in memory of Matilda Mwaba, an alumna of the University who made an extraordinary contribution to the development of Africa, this scholarship provides full tuition fees and living expenses. It is awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need.

Find out about the criteria and deadlines here.

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarships

Established in 2006 to support good governance and leadership in Africa, the foundation provides scholarships and awards to individuals that are aspiring to be African leaders. There are a number of distinguished academic institutions to choose from, including the London Business School and the University of Birmingham.

Find out about the criteria and deadlines here.

University of Lincoln Africa Scholarships

A scholarship designed to help African students study postgraduate level study at the University of Lincoln. It is offered as a tuition fee discount against the cost of a postgraduate taught programme and is valued at £4,000 which will be awarded to eligible students during the first year of their studies.

Find out about the criteria and deadlines here.

The Miles Morland Foundation African Writer’s Scholarship

This Master’s scholarship in the UK for African students is available to an applicant who has applied for a place on the MA Creative Writing (Prose Fiction) in the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing. The total course value you will receive is £25,000.

Find out about the criteria and deadlines here.

Bangor University Commonwealth Masters Scholarships

Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this scholarship enables talented individuals from Africa to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. You will receive financial help towards tuition fees, an airfare from and to your home country and a living allowance of £1,236 per month.

Find out about the criteria and deadlines here.

University of Surrey International Masters Scholarship

Another Master’s scholarship in the UK for African students, this scholarship was awarded to only Nigerian and Ghanaian students in 2022, so be sure to check if your home country is listed. Awards of £2,500 are available to all applicants holding a Surrey offer to study a full-time Master’s programme.

Find out about the criteria and deadlines here.

University of Glasgow African Partners Award

Offers up to 15 scholarships for African students, alumni or staff at one of its university partners in Africa. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and successful candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and achieve grades equivalent to a UK 1st Class Honours.

Find out about the criteria and deadlines here.

These are just some of the best grants available. We could not possibly list all of the scholarships in the UK for African students, which is why it is best to do your own research. For the full list, you can use this online search tool.

Top tips for finding scholarships for African students in the UK

You should be one step closer to knowing what is needed when looking for a scholarship. If you are still unsure by the prospect of applying, this should help:

• Get in touch with your chosen academic institution. When it comes to advice about scholarships for African students in the UK, the best person to ask is a representative at the college or university you wish to attend. They can see if you are eligible and how to apply.

• Networking. There are plentiful websites and social media platforms that you can use to speak to people who are also applying for a scholarship as an international student. Plus, hear from those who have already been through the process.

• Start planning ahead. Populate a calendar and make a schedule so you do not miss application dates. If you are late and overlook the application window, the chances are that you will have to wait until the following year. Make sure you get all of your application materials ready in advance and reach out to your letter of reference contacts.

This communication is intended for marketing purposes only and does not constitute or provide legal, tax, investment or financial planning related advice.