Prodigy Finance has announced its first scholarship of 2026, launched through NovaGrad, the company’s education access platform, as part of the new Next Chapter initiative.
Prodigy Finance has supported postgraduate students heading to some of the world’s leading universities for years. Its scholarship programmes are focused around where funding and guidance can make the biggest difference, and that focus shifts year to year, from India and Latin America to Africa, as well as established global markets. The first scholarship round for 2026 is now open to African students, where ambition and talent run deep and many prospective postgraduates still lack clear, structured routes into international education
Over time, the Prodigy team learned something simple from speaking with students: funding helps, and guidance changes outcomes. For years, Prodigy Finance has invested thousands of dollars in scholarships, but students need plans, dependable information, and practical tools, alongside financial support. That insight is why NovaGrad exists: one place designed to help students organise their choices, move through applications, and stay on track from first shortlist to final enrolment. With this scholarship, Prodigy Finance says it is just getting started.
Globally, the demand for international degrees is on the rise, and the process is becoming more competitive and expensive. Students are often asked to move fast after receiving an offer, with visa requirements and funding deadlines running in parallel. This scholarship offers support at that critical stage, helping African students make the jump from offer letter to international campus.
This scholarship includes two forms of support from applying to enrollment, both accessed through NovaGrad.
First, tuition and living expense support of up to USD 2,500 per student for 10 students, where financial support clearly bridges the gap between receiving an offer and being able to enrol. Awards are limited, and competitive students who demonstrate strong merit and genuine financial need, have a realistic shortlist of universities, and can submit a complete application through NovaGrad within the stated deadlines will be given priority. Shortlisted applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation to confirm eligibility and reimbursement details before support is issued.
Second, application fee support, providing application fee reimbursement up to USD 200 per student for students who submit their university applications through NovaGrad A total of 100 students will be selected for this opportunity. This support is issued as a reimbursement once the application submission is verified and accepted via the platform. Applications submitted outside NovaGrad do not qualify. Students register or log in on NovaGrad, enter a valid waiver code if applicable, submit their university application via NovaGrad, and once verified, the reimbursement is processed.
Sonal Kapoor, Global Chief Business Officer at Prodigy Finance, said, “African students have consistently demonstrated exceptional ambition and academic strength. Over the years, we have seen students from across the continent succeed at some of the world’s top institutions. This scholarship gives them a focused opportunity, and NovaGrad helps bring clarity to every step around it.”
Mariana Alcocer, spokesperson for NovaGrad, added, “African students are among the most talented we see, yet many still lack the exposure or networks that help others access global education. This programme is about recognising that talent and creating a pathway forward.”
Applicants can also upload a short video in Social media explaining why they deserve the scholarship, tagging NovaGrad. Genuine, well-considered submissions receive additional points towards the application. Families, friends, and professional networks are encouraged to share the video to support the student and help their story travel further.
Applications are now open through NovaGrad, and Prodigy Finance’s message is clear: global education should be defined by merit and ambition, not geography or circumstance.
For more information on the NovaGrad and Prodigy Finance Scholarships and to apply, please.
https://novagrad.ai/scholarships-support
EduTimes Africa is a partner to Novagrad
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.