The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is now accepting applications for its 2025 Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, designed for exceptional African students committed to the continent’s development through transformative leadership.
This fully funded scholarship supports academically talented and visionary young Africans pursuing postgraduate degrees at accredited universities across Africa—but outside their home country. The programme promotes Pan-African academic exchange, collaboration and unity.
What the Scholarship Covers
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Full tuition fees
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Accommodation
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Living expenses
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One return flight during the study period
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A fixed stipend
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, applicants must:
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Be a citizen of an African country.
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Have been admitted to or are currently studying at a MINDS-partner university in a different African country.
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Demonstrate a strong academic record and leadership potential.
Preferred Institutions
EAST AFRICA
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African Leadership University, Rwanda
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Carnegie Mellon University, Rwanda
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Makerere University, Uganda
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Strathmore University, Kenya
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Universidade de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde
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Université Libre de Kigali, Rwanda
SOUTHERN AFRICA
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African Leadership University, Mauritius
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University of Cape Town, South Africa
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University of Mauritius, Mauritius
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University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
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Universidade Agostinho Neto, Angola
NORTH AFRICA
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Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
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Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
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Université Mohammed V, Morocco
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Cairo University, Egypt
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Ain Shams University, Egypt
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Alexandria University, Egypt
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Assiut University, Egypt
WEST AFRICA
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Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
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Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
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University for Development Studies, Ghana
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Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire
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Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal
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University of Ghana, Ghana
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University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Required Documents
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Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé
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Academic transcript(s)
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Admission letter from a MINDS-partner university
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Two reference letters
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Passport bio-data page
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Personal statement
How to Apply
To begin your application:
Click here to register on the MINDS application portal.
For detailed information, visit the official MINDS website.
The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is now offering a 2025 Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for outstanding African students dedicated to the continent's development through transformative leadership. This fully funded scholarship supports the academic pursuits of visionary young Africans at accredited institutions across Africa, promoting Pan-African exchange and collaboration.
The scholarship covers full tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, one return flight during the study period, and a stipend. Eligibility requirements include being a citizen of an African country, admittance to or enrollment at a MINDS-partner university in a different African country, and demonstrating academic excellence and leadership potential.
Preferred partner institutions span various regions including East Africa, Southern Africa, North Africa, and West Africa, with universities listed such as the African Leadership University in Rwanda and Mauritius, University of Cape Town in South Africa, and Cairo University in Egypt, among others. Required application documents include a CV, academic transcripts, an admission letter, reference letters, a passport bio-data page, and a personal statement. To apply, candidates must register through the MINDS application portal, with further information available on the official MINDS website.
