African students seeking fully funded undergraduate scholarships should begin preparing their applications for opportunities with deadlines in October and November 2026. The scholarships offer opportunities to study in Canada, Mauritius and Rwanda, with financial support available to eligible students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need and leadership potential.
Below are three scholarship opportunities African students should consider before their application deadlines.
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at ALCHE, Mauritius
Deadline: November 14, 2026
The African Leadership College of Higher Education (ALCHE), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is offering fully funded undergraduate scholarships to talented students across Africa.
The programme targets academically strong students who face significant financial barriers to higher education and demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to community development.
Successful applicants can receive a full-ride scholarship covering tuition and additional financial support throughout their studies, subject to the programme’s terms and conditions.
Eligibility requirements:
– Applicants must meet ALCHE’s admission requirements.
– Candidates should demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
– Applicants must show leadership potential and evidence of community involvement.
– Candidates must be eligible to study in Mauritius.
How to apply: Applicants must first apply for admission to ALCHE. Eligible candidates can then access the scholarship application process.
Application information: https://help.alueducation.com/support/solutions/articles/204000040745-how-do-i-apply-for-the-mastercard-foundation-scholarship-at-alche-
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2. University of British Columbia International Scholars Programme, Canada
Deadline: November 15, 2026
The University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada is accepting applications for its International Scholars Programme for the September 2027 intake.
The programme supports outstanding international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, significant contributions to their communities and substantial financial need.
Eligible applicants may be considered for awards such as the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award. Funding is assessed according to individual financial need and the applicable award conditions.
Eligibility requirements:
– Applicants must be international students seeking their first undergraduate degree.
– Candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
– Applicants must show leadership and meaningful community involvement.
– Candidates must demonstrate significant financial need.
– Applicants must meet UBC’s admission and English-language requirements.
Applicants must complete their university admission application and secure the required school nomination and teacher reference. The university advises candidates to start early because the process involves detailed essays and financial documentation.
How to apply: Visit UBC’s official International Scholars Programme page.
Application link: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-international-students/international-scholars/
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3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at African Leadership University, Rwanda
Deadline: November 30, 2026
African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda is among the institutions offering Mastercard Foundation-supported scholarships to eligible African students.
The programme provides full-ride scholarships to deserving candidates who demonstrate financial need, academic strength and the potential to contribute to their communities.
The financial support can cover tuition and additional study-related expenses, subject to the terms of the specific scholarship award. The programme is particularly relevant to students who have strong academic records but cannot afford the full cost of university education.
Eligibility requirements:
– Applicants must meet the university’s admission requirements.
– Candidates must demonstrate financial need.
– Applicants should have strong academic results and leadership potential.
– Candidates must show a commitment to community service and positive social change.
Students should review the university’s admission and scholarship requirements carefully, as eligibility and available funding depend on the intake and scholarship arrangements.
How to apply: Visit ALU’s official financial aid page and check the current undergraduate admission process.
Application information: https://www.alueducation.com/financial-aid-at-alu/
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Important advice for applicants
Students should confirm each deadline and the current application status on the official university website before applying. Scholarship deadlines can differ from university admission deadlines, and some programmes require applicants to secure admission or a nomination before submitting a scholarship application.
Applicants should also prepare their academic transcripts, examination results, personal essays, recommendation letters and documents demonstrating financial need where required.
African undergraduates are encouraged to apply early rather than wait until the final days, particularly for scholarships that require multiple stages of assessment.
Note: Deadlines and eligibility requirements were checked against available scholarship listings and university information as of October 14, 2026. Confirm the current status directly with each institution before publication or 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.