🎓 Study in the USA: Scholarships for African and International Students
Are you interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the United States with full scholarship support? Many American universities and organizations offer fully funded scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs. These opportunities are especially available to students from developing countries, including African and Asian nations.
✈️ How to Study for a Master’s Degree in the USA with a Scholarship
Below is a list of top scholarships and programs that support African and international students seeking fully funded Master’s programs in the USA:
🟠 MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program
This initiative aims to empower academically talented but economically disadvantaged youth in Africa and other developing regions. It supports students who demonstrate a strong commitment to giving back to their communities. The program will support over 15,000 young people over 8–10 years.
Partner universities in the U.S. include:
📍 Wellesley College
Level: Undergraduate
Wellesley College offers full scholarships to nine African female students, including mentoring, internships, and academic support. Three students are admitted annually.
Deadline: Typically September to January/February
👉 [Apply here]
📍 Stanford University
Level: Undergraduate
Stanford selects five African undergraduates annually under this program, providing full financial and academic support.
Deadline: Typically September to January/February
👉 [Apply here]
📍 Arizona State University (ASU)
Level: Undergraduate
ASU welcomed its first MasterCard Scholars in 2012. The program is set to support 120 African students with $27.5 million in funding over seven years.
Deadline: Jan 1 (admission); Feb 1 (scholarship)
👉 [Apply here]
📍 Michigan State University (MSU)
Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
MSU will support 185 scholars (100 undergraduates and 85 Master’s students) over nine years, funded with $45 million from the foundation.
Deadline: February 15
👉 [Apply here]
🟢 Government Scholarships in the USA
Several U.S. government-backed programs also provide scholarships to students from developing nations:
🇺🇸 Foreign Fulbright Student Program
Level: Master’s and PhD
This prestigious program supports students from over 155 countries. It covers tuition, airfare, books, living allowance, and health insurance.
Deadline: Varies by country (e.g., February–May for Nigeria)
👉 [Apply here]
🌍 Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Level: Master’s
This program supports students from developing nations to study development-related courses. Fields include economics, education, health, and more.
Deadline: March 31
👉 [Apply here]
📘 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Level: Professional Fellowship (non-degree)
This is for mid-career professionals from developing countries seeking to boost their leadership in sectors like public policy, education, and law.
Deadline: Varies by country; final nomination due Oct 1
👉 [Apply here]
🟣 Other Prestigious Scholarships & Fellowships
👩💻 Zawadi Africa Education Fund
Level: Undergraduate (Women in STEM)
Supports academically gifted African women pursuing degrees in Computer Science, Engineering, and ICT across the USA, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, and South Africa.
Deadline: Varies
👉 [Apply here]
🎓 Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF)
Level: Master’s (Women from Developing Countries)
Awards ~$12,000 to women enrolled at accredited universities in the USA or Canada.
Application Period: Oct 15 – Jan 9
👉 [Apply here]
👩🔬 AAUW International Fellowship
Level: Master’s, PhD, Postdoctoral
For women from outside the U.S. pursuing full-time study or research.
Funding: $18,000–$30,000 depending on degree level
Deadline: August 1 – December 1
👉 [Apply here]
🌍 Harambe Fletcher Scholarships for African Students
Level: Master’s
Covers full tuition at The Fletcher School (Tufts University) for African entrepreneurial leaders.
Fields: MALD (Law & Diplomacy), MIB (International Business)
Deadline:
-
Harambe Application: Dec 30
-
Fletcher Application: Jan 10
👉 [Apply here]
🇳🇬 7UP Harvard Business School Scholarship (Nigeria)
Level: MBA
Funded by Seven-Up Bottling Company for Nigerian students admitted to Harvard Business School.
Deadline: Usually Sept–April (across application rounds)
👉 [Apply here]
🇿🇦 International Mandela Fellowship (MSU)
Level: Graduate
For South African students pursuing their first year of graduate study at Michigan State University.
Deadline: April 15
👉 [Apply here]
🌐 Global Scholars Program – Clark University
Level: Undergraduate
Open to international students (non-U.S. citizens), including Africans.
Award: $15,000/year minimum + $2,500 stipend for summer research/internship
Deadline: January 15
👉 [Apply here]
✅ Final Thoughts
There are countless fully funded scholarship opportunities in the U.S. for students from Africa and other developing regions. The key is to stay organized, apply early, and tailor your documents (motivation letters, study plans, CVs) carefully to each opportunity.