The Mandela Institute for Development Studies runs one of Africa’s leading postgraduate funding opportunities. The Mandela Institute for Development Studies Scholarship supports young Africans who want advanced education and leadership growth across the continent with Fully Funded Leadership Programs.
This post will guide and explains everything you need to know about the MINDS Scholarship, including eligibility, benefits, documents, and the full application process.
Table of Contents
About MINDS Scholarship Programme
MINDS’ offers scholarships to Africans who wish to pursue post-graduate studies within Africa, outside of their own countries. Through tailored leadership development activities, the MINDS Scholarship Programme aims to nurture leaders who have a continental development mindset; leaders who will facilitate greater cohesion and cooperation between African countries.
MINDS Scholarships are applicable to full-time studies of a one or two-year Honors or Master’s degree at one of the MINDS preferred institutions (listed below). MINDS does not prescribe the course to be studied.
The Scholarship will cover some or all of the expenses below, depending on whether a partial or full scholarship is awarded:
- Tuition
- Accommodation and meals
- One return ticket per duration of studies
- A fixed stipend.
Individuals with a Pan-African outlook, demonstrated leadership ability and an excellent academic record who wish to study on the African continent, outside their home country are invited to apply for the scholarships.
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Eligibility Criteria
MINDS Scholarships are awarded to meritorious applicants following a rigorous selection process. To be considered for a MINDS Scholarship, you must:
- Be a national of an African country, residing in any African country
- Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s outside of your country of citizenship and/ or residency
- Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s to pursue postgraduate studies within the following year
- Have obtained at least 70% in each subject/ course in the last two completed years of study
- Produce evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential guided by the questions/ requirements set out in the application form
- Submit a complete online application form (see below) with the required supporting documentation.
The Mandela Institute for Development Studies Scholarship selects candidates through a competitive review process.
List of Preferred Institutions
To be eligible to receive a Mandela Institute for Development Studies Application, an applicant must have been accepted to study at one of the following institutions:
EAST AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Rwanda
- Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, Rwanda
- Makerere University, Uganda
- Strathmore University, Kenya
- Universidade de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde
- Université Libre de Kigali, Rwanda
SOUTHERN AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Mauritius
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Mauritius, Mauritius
- University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
- Universidade Agostinho Neto, Angola
NORTH AFRICA
- Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
- Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
- Université Mohammed V, Morocco
- Cairo University, Egypt
- Ain Sharms University, Egypt
- Alexandria University, Egypt
- Assiut University, Egypt
WEST AFRICA
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana
- Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
- University of Development Studies, Ghana
- Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Ivory Cost
- Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal
- University of Ghana, Ghana
- University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Benefits of the Mandela Institute Scholarship
The Mandela Institute for Development Studies Scholarship provides strong academic and leadership value.
You gain:
- Tuition
- Accommodation and meals
- One return ticket per duration of studies
- A fixed stipend
- International academic exposure within Africa
- Leadership development training
- Cross-cultural learning experience
- Network of African future leaders
- Career growth opportunities
The Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development strengthens continental cooperation and future policy leadership.
Document Required
All documents uploaded must be in PDF format. Each attachment should not exceed 2MB in size.
- A copy of the data/ bio page of your passport.
- A certified academic transcript/ results slip of the last two years of study.
- A copy of the official acceptance letter from the university. The letter must:
- Be addressed to the applicant.
- State the degree which the applicant has been accepted to study.
- State the academic year at which the degree will commence.
- State the duration of the course (e.g. one year).
- A copy of a valid study permit or visa OR proof of application. (Optional)
- A detailed CV/ Resume of not more than four (4) single sided pages.
- Two reference letters (of not more than 3 pages each) addressing the applicant’s demonstration of integrity, their competency and/or potential as a leader and their commitment to the development of the African continent.
Submit complete documentation for the Mandela Institute Scholarship. Incomplete applications face disqualification.
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Selection Process
The Mandela Institute Scholarship follows a strict merit-based selection process.
Evaluation focuses on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership record
- Pan-African vision
- Application completeness
- University admission status
The review panel selects candidates who show commitment to Africa’s development.
Guide for a Strong Application
Applying for a MINDS Scholarship? We offer some guidance:
- Meet every requirement before submission. Upload all documents. Incomplete applications face disqualification.
- Take enough time to prepare. Avoid rushing the process.
- Show three key qualities. Pan-African vision. Leadership potential. Strong academic performance.
- Consider universities outside South Africa. Competition stays higher for South African institutions due to limited slots.
- South African citizens receive two scholarship slots for study in other African countries.
- Priority funding exists for Actuarial Sciences, Business Sciences, and Accounting at approved universities in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. Apply if eligible.
The MINDS Scholarship rewards preparation and clarity in your application.
How to Apply for Mandela Institute for Development Studies Scholarship
- Apply to a preferred university outside your home country
- Secure official admission
- Prepare all required documents in PDF format
- Complete the online application form
- Upload documents carefully
- Review details before submission
- Submit your application
Apply early for the Mandela Institute for Development Studies Scholarship to avoid last-minute errors.
Application Deadline: Not Specified
