The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is on the hunt for forward-thinking young Africans who would want to grab the fully funded MINDS Scholarship Programme 2025βa chance to study abroad in Africa at the postgraduate level and become a leader in the continentβs transformation.
Debuting in 2017, this high-profile scholarship has definitely gone beyond funding alone to become a leadership development experience, which aims to nurture the next generation of African thinkers, innovators, and change-makers who are loyal to the causes of Pan-Africanism, integration, and sustainable development.
Fully Funded MINDS Scholarship 2025: Study in Africa & Become a Pan-African Leader
π
Application Window Open β Apply Now
π For: Honours or Masterβs Degree Students
π Study Location: Across MINDS Partner Universities in Africa
πΈ Funding: Full or Partial β Covers Tuition, Accommodation, Travel & Stipend
π Eligibility: African citizens residing in Africa
π What Is the MINDS Scholarship Programme?
The MINDS Scholarship Programme is a project that allows very intelligent students from African countries to go to universities outside their countries, and this creates a situation of cross-cultural understanding, regional collaboration, and a unified African identity.
When students are going beyond their home countries to study, they gather new ideas about topics such as governance, economics, innovation, and social developmentβthus, they will have the right tools to lead with empathy, insight, and a continental mindset.
This is not only a grant β it is a commitment to investing in the future of the continent.
Recent Posts
- 9 Fully Funded Research Positions in Health Sciences
- Home-Based UNICEF Internship 2025 β Data & Analytics Intern
- Melbourne Research Scholarship 2025: Fully Funded
- Now Open: 2026 Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship
π‘ What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Chosen scholars get from the program something that corresponds exactly to their academic journey:
β Full or partial support for 1β2 year full-time Honours or Masterβs programmes
β Payment of tuition fees
Providing accommodation and meals
β One return ticket during the period of study
Fixed monthly cash for living expenses
Besides that, there are other benefits as well.
As a MINDS Scholar, you will also be able to:
- Take part in leadership development workshops
- Have a continent-wide alumni network
- Join Pan-African dialogues and mentorship programs
- Get career development and policy engagement opportunities
Upon completion, you will not only be a specialist in your field β but also one of the biggest forces for driving βAfrica Risingβ.
β Who Can Apply?
Toble for the MINDS Scholarship 2025, you should meet the following criteria:
- BeHave gained admission (or be in the process) to a MINDS partner university in a country different from your home
- Intend to start your postgraduate studies in the coming academic year
- Have scored at least 70% in every subject/course throughout your last two academic years
- Present evident leadership potential from the previous positions held, the service to the community, or the carrying out of initiatives
- The scholarship target is individuals who are not only excellent in their studies but also deeply energetic about the idea of Africaβs unity and its progress.
π Meet the MINDS Scholars: Leaders in Action
The MINDS Scholarship has already transformed the lives of dozens of young Africans. Here are just a few inspiring stories:
π Anopa Murambiwa (Zimbabwe)
Masterβs in Law β University of Cape Town
Focusing on trade law and regional integration, Anopa aims to build legal frameworks that support economic cooperation across Africa β inspired by her parentsβ legacy in humanitarian and historical work.
π¬ Generosa Mwanyangapo (Namibia)
MSc in Anthropology β University of Cape Town
Her research explores social justice, mental health, and food insecurity in African communities, emphasizing culturally grounded solutions rooted in history and context.
β‘ Lyn Nzioka (Kenya)
Masterβs in Electrical Engineering β University of the Witwatersrand
Working on low-power, secure communication networks for IoT and smart homes, Lyn is pioneering energy-efficient technologies using ambient backscatterβcritical for sustainable digital transformation.
These scholars represent the heart of MINDS: academic excellence, innovation, and deep commitment to Africaβs future.
π€ Supported by Visionary Partners
Leading institutions and organizations committed to African development generously support the MINDS Scholarship.
- Old Mutual Emerging Markets
- Nedbank Eyethu Community Trust
- Mastercard Foundation
- Diamond Empowerment Fund
- Government of Rwanda
These partnerships ensure that talented African youth have the resources, networks, and platforms to thrive.
π How to Apply
The application process is simple and accessible:
- Check eligibility and confirm admission (or pending application) to a MINDS partner university
- Prepare your documents:
- Academic transcripts (minimum 70% average)
- Proof of university acceptance
- Personal statement (leadership experience & Pan-African vision)
- Two reference letters (academic or professional)
- Submit your application via the MINDS Scholarship Portal
π Pro Tip: Apply early! Competition is high, and strong applications stand out with clear purpose and vision.
MINDS Scholarship 2025, Fully Funded Scholarship Africa, Mandela Institute for Development Studies, Postgraduate Scholarship Africa, Pan-African Leadership Program, MINDS Africa, Study in Africa Scholarship, African Leaders Scholarship, Masterβs Scholarship for Africans, Honours Scholarship Africa, Fully Funded Masters in Africa, Scholarship for African Students
