African students and young professionals seeking opportunities to study abroad have several scholarship programmes with application deadlines approaching in the coming days and weeks.
Some of the opportunities provide full or substantial financial support covering tuition, accommodation, travel, living expenses and other study-related costs.
Prospective applicants are advised to check the eligibility requirements carefully and submit their applications before the stated deadlines.
1. Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University is offering 30 graduate scholarship opportunities for young African professionals for the 2027/2028 academic year.
The scholarship is targeted at master’s programmes in technology, innovation and related fields. Available programmes include Computer Science, Data Science, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Clean Energy Systems, Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, Information Technology and Global Technology and Development.
The scholarship covers full tuition and fees, on-campus accommodation, books, visa expenses, airfare and medical expenses. Scholars will also receive leadership development, academic support and an internship opportunity.
Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.
Deadline: September 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. GMT.
How to apply: Applicants should visit the official Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page, review the eligibility requirements and select the application option for the 2027/2028 Innovation and Technology Scholarship.
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2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at University of Cape Town
The University of Cape Town in South Africa is accepting applications for its 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
The programme is open to citizens of African countries, including South Africa, who are applying for eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programmes. Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic ability, leadership potential and commitment to contributing to their communities, while also facing significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education.
The scholarship provides comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, living expenses, a laptop, medical aid and, where applicable, study visa and travel support. Scholars also receive mentoring, leadership development, career support and entrepreneurship training.
Deadline: September 30, 2026, for applicants to eligible undergraduate programmes. Postgraduate applications remain open until October 31, 2026.
How to apply: Applicants should first apply for admission to the University of Cape Town and then submit a separate application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.
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3. ARC–GSSP Scholarship Programme
The African Risk Capacity Limited, in partnership with the Global Shield Solutions Platform, is offering a fully funded postgraduate scholarship programme for African students.
The programme focuses on areas including actuarial science, risk management, disaster risk management, climate resilience, insurance and applied statistics. It is designed to develop professionals who can contribute to solutions to climate and disaster-related risks facing African countries.
Deadline: October 7, 2026, at 23:59 GMT.
How to apply: Eligible applicants should review the programme requirements and submit their applications through the official scholarship application channel before the deadline.
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4. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships for the 2027/2028 academic year are also open to eligible applicants from Commonwealth countries.
The UK government-funded programme supports full-time master’s study at participating UK universities and is targeted at candidates from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries.
Deadline: October 20, 2026.
Applicants should check the specific eligibility requirements and application route applicable to their country before applying.
“View the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship information” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/10)
What applicants should prepare
Applicants should begin preparing their documents early rather than waiting until the final day. Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need academic certificates and transcripts, a valid passport or national identification document, CV, youpersonal statement, proof of admission, recommendation letters and evidence of leadership or community involvement.
Applicants should also ensure that the information in their scholarship application is consistent with their academic and professional records.
Important: Scholarship deadlines and eligibility requirements can change. Applicants should always confirm the latest information on the official scholarship website before submitting an application.
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.