Scholarships for Study in Africa
Many Countries, Many Programs
Africa is a colorful palette of countries that offer students an unending opportunity to study across an epic range of disciplines. Students going to Africa may be engaged in aid services, political and social studies, language, arts and culture, biology, education, health and medicine. Many locations in Africa remain hotbeds for renegade politics and for this reason students may first look to government-funded scholarships.
Government Scholarships
The U.S. Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs funds the well-known Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. The program is designed to offer opportunities for students who traditionally would not have the resources to pursue international studies. But the program encourages programs in non-traditional locations, no Spain or France options here. Students who win Gilman Scholarships are preparing themselves for careers in global leadership and the goal is to diversify the field by rewarding outstanding minority students or those underrepresented in these programs. Applicants must have outstanding academics and financial need to qualify. Students may study in all areas of Africa. Awards are up to $5,000.
Africa is such a critical area in many ways. For this reason the federal government also funds the ultra-competitive David L. Boren Scholarships for students engaging in programs that take them onto African soil. Funded by the U.S. Security Education Program the Boren Scholarships offer generous awards to academically talented students willing to immerse themselves in cultural and linguistic studies in critical needs locations, like Africa. Students wishing to study in Africa must be enrolled in a program that best situates them to fully assimilate into the everyday world. Programs that focus on studies relative to national security or “sustainable development” are favorable. Language studies may not be formal, but must emphasize the vernacular or common language. The program is open to undergraduate and graduate students. The hitch is that Boren Scholars must be willing to exchange each year of scholarship money for one year of service with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the Department of Defense, including a paid internship at some point in the program. The program may be pursued on a summer, semester or year-long basis and awards are up to $20,000.
Private Organizations
Rotary International offers the prestigious Ambassadorial Scholarships that provide funding to hundreds of students pursuing international studies. Students engaged in programs in Africa are well-qualified for these awards. The most qualified applicants are those pursuing peace, aid or service-based programs and who embody all the tenets of the Rotary. Scholarships are competitive and recipients are expected to make a presentation to a local Rotary upon their return.
College Scholarships
The Marie Wright Scholarship for Non-Traditional Locations is specifically offered to students attending Washington State University. Qualified applicants must be heading off to study in destinations in Africa or the Middle East. Awards are based on academic standing and financial need.
Michigan State University sponsors the Fulbright-Hays Scholarships for TRIO Students for Study in Africa. The program provides competitive scholarships to a wide range of student majors and gives them the opportunity to engage in unique studies in Africa. Students must be academically talented as well as financially disadvantaged. Undergraduate students only. Scholarships are not exclusive to MSU.
Scholarships for African Students
African women scholars may apply to Michigan State University for the Miriam Kelley African Scholarship Program. African female students must be pursuing studies that will outfit them to return to their home country where they will be encouraged to foster change, especially for women. Awards are $1,000.
The Africa-America Institute and the IIE administer the Mozambique International Fellowship. The program is designed to offer generous funding for African scholars who are engaged in studies that are projected to have a direct effect on their communities.
