Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students in 2026
A comprehensive guide to scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, and travel for students from Ghana and across Africa.
Studying abroad does not have to drain your savings or put your family in debt. Every year, hundreds of fully funded scholarships are available to African students who know where to look and how to apply. This guide covers the best opportunities for 2026, including scholarships in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond. Whether you are pursuing a master's degree, PhD, or undergraduate program, there is funding available for you.
What Does Fully Funded Mean?
A fully funded scholarship typically covers:
- Full tuition fees for the duration of your program
- Monthly living stipend or allowance
- Health insurance coverage
- Round trip airfare to your study destination
- Book and research allowances (for some programs)
Some scholarships also include visa fee coverage, conference travel funds, and family allowances for married students.
Important Note on Deadlines
Most scholarships for Fall 2026 intake have deadlines between September 2025 and February 2026. Start your applications early to give yourself time to gather documents, write strong essays, and request recommendation letters.
Scholarships in the United States
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Highly CompetitiveThe Fulbright Program is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the world. It provides full funding for graduate students, young professionals, and artists to study and conduct research in the United States.
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
For AfricansThis program partners with top universities in the US and worldwide to provide comprehensive scholarships to academically talented students from Africa who are committed to giving back to their communities.
AAUW International Fellowships
Women OnlyThe American Association of University Women provides fellowships for women who are not US citizens or permanent residents for full time study or research in the United States.
Graduate Assistantships (GA, TA, RA)
Most CommonMany US universities offer assistantships that cover full tuition and provide a monthly stipend in exchange for 15 to 20 hours of work per week. These are especially common in STEM, public health, and engineering programs.
Scholarships in Canada
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Highly PrestigiousThe Vanier CGS program attracts and retains world class doctoral students by offering significant financial support. It is one of Canada's most competitive and prestigious awards.
University Specific Scholarships
Multiple OptionsMany Canadian universities offer their own scholarships for international students. Schools like University of Toronto, McGill, UBC, and University of Alberta have dedicated funding pools.
Scholarships in the United Kingdom
Chevening Scholarships
UK GovernmentChevening is the UK government's global scholarship program funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It offers full financial support for one year master's programs at any UK university.
Commonwealth Scholarships
For Commonwealth CitizensThe Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships to students from Commonwealth countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and many other African nations.
Scholarships in Europe
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
EU FundedErasmus Mundus offers fully funded master's programs taught across multiple European universities. Students study in two or more countries and receive a joint or multiple degree.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
German GovernmentThe German Academic Exchange Service offers various scholarship programs for international students to study in Germany, one of the top destinations with low or no tuition fees.
Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)
Dutch GovernmentThis scholarship is for international students from outside the European Economic Area who want to do their bachelor's or master's degree at a participating Dutch university.
Scholarships in China
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Full FundingThe China Scholarship Council offers full scholarships to international students for undergraduate, master's, PhD, and language programs at Chinese universities.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
- Start early and apply to multiple scholarships to increase your odds
- Tailor your essays to each scholarship's mission and values
- Highlight your community impact and leadership experience
- Get strong recommendation letters from people who know your work well
- Proofread everything and follow instructions carefully
- Research faculty at your target schools and mention them in your application
- Apply to programs with assistantships even if no external scholarship is available
Need Help With Your Scholarship Applications?
At Greener Educational Consult, we have helped hundreds of African students secure fully funded scholarships. Let us guide you through the entire process.