Namibia Study Abroad Scholarships
Explore the Challenges that Face a Developing Country
Namibia sits along the southwestern coast of Africa, along the Atlantic Ocean. For its size, the country remains startlingly unpopulated. Students will not find an abundance of programs in Namibia; a few focus on curriculum related to the socio-political climate, which is sensitive to the changing global scene. Others might find the country’s health problems of interest, especially the incessant starvation and recent problems with such diseases as polio, once thought to be all but entirely eradicated.
Government Scholarships
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are given to undergraduates whose financial need is outstanding as demonstrated by their eligibility for the Pell Grant. Applicants are welcome from undergraduate populations that have traditionally been underserved by study abroad programs. Hundreds of Gilman Scholars head overseas each academic year to such interesting destinations as Namibia. Up to $7,000 may be earned per scholarship.
The National Security Education Program funds the David L. Boren Scholarships, the primary purpose of which is to recruit next generation Americans for high-level security jobs. These candidates will be funded for innovative and challenging overseas study in non-traditional locations in countries of high interest to the U.S., including Namibia. These highly competitive scholarships come at a price—a year of scholarship money for a year of work in national security. Preference is given to those with a career interest in the national security arena. Awards are between $20,000 and $25,000.
Fulbright Scholarships are among the most competitive, yet generous. The program welcomes Ph.D. applicants for Fulbrights to Namibia. Disciplines are open, but candidates are expected to align themselves with a local university, such as the University of Namibia, or a research institution. Scholarships cover an academic year of study in the country.
College Scholarships
Rutgers University offers students the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Namibia. Applicants are accepted from all disciplines and the curriculum provides a broad overview of the country, present and past. The Brigpin Scholarships are open to all Rutgers study abroad applicants and are especially suited to those heading to non-traditional locations, such as Namibia. Scholarships are awarded based on both academics and financial need.
Duke University’s Hart Leadership Program sponsors the Service Opportunities in Leadership program that engages eligible students in summer semester programs of service learning. Locations of study include Namibia. Applicants rotate between civic projects and research that is intended to inspire learning on a higher plane. The program awards $3,000 scholarships to a number of SOL participants.
The Center for Global Education at Augsburg College in Minnesota accepts students from around the U.S. for its innovative study abroad programs. Scholarships are available for student participants in the Spring Namibia program. Participants are engaged in a curriculum very well suited to the country’s current affairs: "Nation-building, Globalization and Decolonizing the Mind." Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record in combination with the required essays.
