MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa: Fully Funded Postgraduate Study Opportunity

Introduction / Background

Launched in 2017, the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa was created to nurture a generation of young African leaders. The programme encourages the development of a Pan-African mindset by supporting postgraduate study opportunities across the continent. Through this initiative, MINDS promotes inter-African exchange, leadership development, and greater regional cooperation.

By enabling students to study in countries other than their own, the scholarship offers recipients a rich experience of Africa’s diverse cultures while fostering openness, innovation, and a connected network of visionary leaders across the continent.

Detailed Information About the Opportunity

What is the MINDS Scholarship?

– A fully or partially funded scholarship for African nationals to study in another African country
– Supports one or two-year full-time Honors or Master’s degree programs
– Leadership development activities are embedded in the programme to cultivate continental-thinking leaders

Scholarship Coverage (Full or Partial Depending on Award)

– Tuition fees
– Accommodation and meals
– One return flight for the duration of study
– A fixed stipend

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:
– Be a national and resident of an African country
– Have received formal acceptance from at least one MINDS preferred institution outside their country of citizenship/residence
– Begin postgraduate studies in the upcoming academic year
– Have scored at least 70% in each subject/course over the last two academic years
– Demonstrate leadership potential or ability
– Submit a complete online application form with supporting documents

Who is this for?

– African nationals aged typically within the postgraduate study bracket
– Academically strong candidates with demonstrated leadership potential
– Those committed to development and collaboration within the African continent

List of MINDS Preferred Institutions

Applicants must be accepted into one of the following universities to qualify:

East Africa
– African Leadership University, Rwanda
– Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda
– Makerere University, Uganda
– Strathmore University, Kenya

Southern Africa
– African Leadership University, Mauritius
– University of Cape Town, South Africa
– University of Mauritius, Mauritius
– University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

North Africa
– Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
– Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
– Université Mohammed V, Morocco

West Africa
– Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana
– Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
– University for Development Studies, Ghana

Required Documents

– Copy of the data/bio page of your passport
– Certified academic transcripts from the last two years
– Official university acceptance letter with details (name, programme, year, and duration)
– Valid study permit or visa OR proof of application (optional)
– A detailed CV (max. 4 pages)
– Two reference letters (max. 3 pages each), focusing on integrity, leadership potential, and commitment to African development

Application Process

– Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
– Interested individuals should apply immediately after receiving university acceptance – APPLY NOW
– All supporting documents must be uploaded in PDF format and each file should not exceed 2MB

Additional Notes and Guidance

– Ensure all required documents are provided before submission
– Preference is given to candidates with a Pan-African outlook and leadership experience
– Applicants are encouraged to apply to universities outside South Africa to increase chances of selection
– Two scholarships are reserved for South African citizens studying elsewhere in Africa
– Priority is also given to studies in Actuarial Sciences, Business Sciences, and Accounting at preferred institutions in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria

Conclusion

The MINDS Scholarship Programme is a unique opportunity for African postgraduate students to deepen their education, expand their cross-cultural understanding, and develop the leadership skills necessary for transforming the continent. If you are ready to become part of Africa’s next generation of change-makers, begin your application once you’ve secured university admission.

Application Deadline

Rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged.

For more opportunities, visit http://opportunitiesforyouth.org