International Scholarships for African Students in Engineering

Engineering has long been a highly sought-after field, and African students with an interest in this sector are increasingly looking for opportunities to gain international experience and exposure. Scholarships can be the gateway to unlocking the dream of studying engineering abroad, offering financial relief and opening doors to cutting-edge learning environments.

For African students looking to pursue engineering studies, various international scholarships provide the support needed to overcome the financial barriers. In this post, we’ll cover scholarships specifically targeted at African students, highlighting the details, eligibility, and benefits of some of the top options available.

1. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the most extensive initiatives aimed at helping African students achieve their academic dreams. The program partners with several universities across the globe, providing full financial support to academically talented students who may otherwise lack access to education.

While the program supports various fields of study, engineering students are a significant part of its focus. Universities such as the University of Toronto, the University of California Berkeley, and Michigan State University are partners, offering courses that cover all aspects of engineering. The program offers tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and a stipend, in addition to leadership training and mentorship.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to African students from any country
• Academic excellence and leadership potential are essential
• Commitment to returning to the home country to contribute to social and economic development

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program represents an opportunity not just to study engineering abroad but also to be part of a community that emphasizes the importance of giving back to one’s home country.

2. The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Awards for Scientific Excellence (AUKNASE)

The African Union Kwame Nkrumah Awards aim to promote excellence in science and technology, including engineering. This scholarship, named after one of Africa’s founding fathers, seeks to identify and reward top African students pursuing graduate and doctoral programs in engineering and other science fields.

The award provides a financial package for tuition, research, and other study-related expenses. In addition to the financial support, recipients are also celebrated as ambassadors of African scientific advancement and encouraged to contribute to the continent’s technological development.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to African students enrolled in engineering programs at the graduate or postgraduate level
• Demonstrated academic and research excellence
• Must be endorsed by their institutions

AUKNASE is unique in its emphasis on research, making it especially suited for those students looking to engage in high-level research that can potentially drive technological innovation across Africa.

3. DAAD Scholarships for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses

Germany’s DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers numerous scholarships to African students, particularly those interested in development-related postgraduate courses, including engineering. These scholarships provide the opportunity to study at top German universities, many of which are known for their engineering programs.

The DAAD scholarship covers tuition, health insurance, and travel expenses, along with a monthly stipend to support living costs. Engineering disciplines, especially those with applications in sustainable development and technology for low-income regions, are well-represented among the funded programs.

Eligibility Requirements:

• African applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
• A minimum of two years of relevant work experience is often required
• Commitment to returning to the home country to contribute to its development

DAAD scholarships emphasize the need for students to apply their skills and knowledge in ways that benefit their home countries after completion of their studies, reinforcing the focus on sustainability and development.

4. The Rhodes Scholarship for Southern Africa

The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the world. It supports students from Southern Africa to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. While the scholarship is open to all fields of study, Oxford’s Faculty of Engineering Science is one of the top-rated in the world, making this a significant opportunity for aspiring engineers.

The Rhodes Scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, and international travel, with scholars receiving mentorship and leadership development opportunities. The program emphasizes personal character, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service, alongside academic excellence.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to students from Southern African countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, and Swaziland
• A strong academic record and leadership potential
• Students must apply for admission to a postgraduate program at the University of Oxford

This scholarship provides not just financial support but also an opportunity to join an exclusive network of Rhodes Scholars, which includes world leaders, innovators, and thinkers.

5. The Chevening Scholarship

The UK’s Chevening Scholarship provides full financial support to students from around the world, including African students, to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. Engineering is one of the popular fields of study for Chevening Scholars, and many UK institutions offer specialized engineering programs.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel expenses, a living stipend, and visa costs. Beyond financial support, Chevening also provides leadership development, networking opportunities, and the chance to participate in an influential global alumni network.

Eligibility Requirements:

• African students must demonstrate leadership and academic potential
• A bachelor’s degree is required, with two years of work experience
• Applicants must apply for a master’s program at a UK university

Chevening is renowned for its emphasis on leadership and professional development, providing African students the platform to not only enhance their engineering knowledge but also develop essential leadership skills.

6. VLIR-UOS Scholarships

VLIR-UOS offers scholarships for students from developing countries, including many African nations, to study in Belgium. These scholarships cover a wide range of fields, including various branches of engineering. Belgian universities, known for their cutting-edge research and innovation, provide an excellent learning environment for engineering students.

The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and travel expenses, as well as a monthly allowance. Additionally, students benefit from mentorship programs that guide them throughout their studies.

Eligibility Requirements:

• African students must be applying for a master’s degree or training program in Belgium
• The field of study should relate to sustainable development or have a direct application in solving development challenges
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field is required

VLIR-UOS provides a well-rounded scholarship experience, with a particular focus on students who are passionate about contributing to the development of their home countries through engineering solutions.

7. The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries, including Africa. These scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant and 50% loan basis, and preference is given to students who have no other means of financing their education.

Engineering students with strong academic performance and leadership skills are encouraged to apply. Recipients can study at reputable institutions around the globe, gaining access to some of the most advanced engineering programs available.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Open to students from select African countries
• Financial need is a primary consideration
• Students must have an outstanding academic record and demonstrate leadership qualities

The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program stands out for its emphasis on financial need, making it an option for students who require significant financial support to realize their engineering ambitions.

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