Studying abroad can transform careers and open global opportunities, but high tuition, living costs, and travel expenses often create barriers for students from Africa and Asia. Fortunately, several prestigious, fully or partially funded scholarship programs specifically support international students from these regions. These awards typically cover tuition fees and often include living stipends, travel, insurance, and other costs.
This guide highlights ten strong, accessible programs open to African and/or Asian students at undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral levels. Eligibility, benefits, and application details differs by country and partner institution, so always verify the latest information on official websites, as deadlines and criteria can change annually. There’s no special Secrets to getting Scholarship, just search school website and apply for top scholarships online.
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
This large-scale initiative partners with universities worldwide (including in Africa, North America, Europe, and beyond) to support academically talented African students who face financial or other barriers. It prioritizes leadership, community service, and a commitment to giving back to Africa.
Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, living stipend, travel, books, laptop (in many cases), and holistic support (mentoring, leadership training).
Eligibility (varies slightly by partner university):
- Citizen of an African country (refugees and displaced persons in Africa often eligible).
- Academic excellence and admission (or eligibility for admission) to a partner university program.
- Demonstrated financial need or barriers to higher education.
- Leadership potential and commitment to community/service in Africa.
- Age limits commonly apply (e.g., under 29–35 for undergraduates/graduates depending on the partner).
- Preference often given to women, people with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Dual citizens of certain high-income countries may be ineligible at some partners.
Application requirements for this Scholarship Programs:
Apply directly through participating universities (e.g., University of Edinburgh, McGill, UC Berkeley, various African institutions). Typical materials include academic transcripts, personal statements/essays on leadership and impact, recommendation letters, proof of financial need or barriers, and evidence of community engagement. Deadlines vary by institution (often late in the year for the following academic intake). Check the Mastercard Foundation website or individual partner pages for the current list of universities and exact criteria.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
Chevening funds outstanding emerging leaders from over 160 countries (including most African and many Asian nations) for one-year master’s degrees at UK universities. It emphasizes leadership, networking, and a commitment to return home.
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly living stipend, return airfare, arrival allowance, and other costs. Visa and travel support included.
Eligibility for this Scholarship Programs:
- Citizen of a Chevening-eligible country (check the official list; most African and many Asian countries qualify).
- Undergraduate degree that qualifies for a UK master’s (completed at least two years before the application deadline in most cases).
- At least 2,800 hours (roughly two years full-time equivalent) of work experience after graduation (paid, unpaid, or voluntary).
- Commitment to return to your home country for at least two years after the scholarship.
- Apply to three eligible UK master’s courses and secure at least one unconditional offer by the stated deadline.
- Not a British or dual British citizen (with limited exceptions); certain government employees or recent UK government scholarship recipients may be ineligible.
Application requirements:
Online application via the Chevening website, including essays on leadership, networking, career plans, and study choices; references; and proof of work experience. English proficiency is assessed through the process. Applications typically open in August and close in early November for the following year’s intake. Interviews are held for shortlisted candidates.
3. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Administered by the China Scholarship Council, this flagship program supports international students (including large numbers from Africa and Asia) at hundreds of Chinese universities for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral study. Bilateral and university-recommended routes exist.
Benefits: Full or partial tuition coverage, on-campus accommodation (or subsidy), monthly living stipend (typically CNY 2,500–3,500 depending on level), and comprehensive medical insurance. Some packages include language training.
Eligibility for this Scholarship Programs:
- Non-Chinese citizen in good physical and mental health.
- Age limits: generally under 25 for bachelor’s, under 35 for master’s, under 40 for doctoral (as of the enrollment year).
- Appropriate prior degree (high school for bachelor’s, bachelor’s for master’s, master’s for PhD) with strong academic records.
- Language requirements: HSK for Chinese-taught programs; English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS or equivalent) for English-taught ones. Some programs include preparatory Chinese language study.
- Meet university-specific admission criteria.
Application requirements:
Apply via the CSC online system and/or through Chinese embassies (Type A bilateral) or universities (Type B). Documents typically include application form, notarized transcripts and degrees, study/research plan, recommendation letters (usually two), physical examination form, passport copy, and language certificates. Deadlines commonly fall between December and April, varying by channel and country. Priority fields and bilateral quotas often favor applicants from developing countries.
4. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology offers fully funded awards for undergraduate, research (master’s/PhD), and other programs. Embassy-recommended and university-recommended tracks are available to citizens of countries with diplomatic relations with Japan (including most African and Asian nations).
Benefits: Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (approximately ¥117,000–¥145,000 depending on level and location), round-trip airfare, and preparatory Japanese language training in many cases.
Eligibility for this Scholarship Programs:
- Nationality of a country with diplomatic ties to Japan (Japanese dual nationals usually ineligible unless they renounce Japanese citizenship).
- Age limits vary by category (e.g., under 25 for most undergraduate tracks; under 35 for research students, with some flexibility).
- Academic qualifications matching the program (high school completion for undergraduate; bachelor’s for master’s research, etc.) and strong grades (often a minimum GPA threshold on the MEXT scale).
- Willingness to learn Japanese and good health (medical certificate required).
- Not currently receiving other Japanese government scholarships in most cases.
Application requirements:
Embassy track applications go through Japanese embassies/consulates (documents include application forms, transcripts, recommendation letters, study plan, medical certificate, and language proof). University track involves direct university nomination. Deadlines differ by track and country (often spring/summer for the following year). Written exams and interviews are common for embassy recommendations.
5. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS / formerly KGSP)
South Korea’s flagship government scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate study at Korean universities, with a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and Korean language training.
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend (typically KRW 900,000–1,500,000 depending on level), round-trip airfare, settlement allowance, Korean language training (usually one year), and medical insurance.
Eligibility for this Scholarship Programs:
- Citizen of an NIIED-designated country (most African and Asian countries qualify); applicants and both parents must not hold Korean citizenship.
- Age limits: under 25 for undergraduate (as of March 1 of enrollment year); under 40 for graduate (as of September 1), with some extensions for professors from ODA countries.
- Academic performance: minimum CGPA thresholds (e.g., 80% or top 20% of class, or equivalent on 4.0/4.3/4.5/5.0 scales) from the previous degree.
- High school diploma (or expected) for undergraduate; bachelor’s for master’s; master’s for PhD.
- Good health (medical form required). Previous Korean government scholarship recipients are generally ineligible.
Application requirements:
Embassy track or University track (cannot apply to both in the same cycle). Online application via Study in Korea plus supporting documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, study plan, language scores if available, medical form). Deadlines typically February–April depending on track. Interviews and document verification follow.
6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
This U.S. Department of State program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad (including Africa and Asia) to study or conduct research in the United States. Country-specific administration means details vary.
Benefits: Tuition, living stipend, round-trip airfare, health insurance, and settling-in allowances. Duration is usually for the length of the degree or research period (often 1–2 years).
Eligibility (country-specific; general patterns):
- Citizen or national of a participating country (most African and Asian nations participate).
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (master’s for some research tracks); strong academic record.
- English proficiency (TOEFL or equivalent required for finalists in many countries).
- Leadership potential, clear study/research objectives, and commitment to return home.
- Preference often given to those with limited prior U.S. experience. Certain professional experience or institutional affiliation may be required depending on the country.
Application requirements:
Apply through the U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country. Materials typically include online application, transcripts, study/research proposal, personal statement, recommendation letters, and standardized test scores (when required). Deadlines vary widely by country (often early in the year for the following academic year). Interviews are standard for shortlisted candidates.
7. Australia Awards Scholarships
The Australia Awards Scholarship is funded by the Australian Government, these awards support students from developing countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and other regions for undergraduate or (more commonly) postgraduate study at Australian institutions. They align with development priorities.
Benefits: Full tuition, return airfare, establishment allowance, contribution to living expenses, health insurance (OSHC), and academic support. Some fieldwork allowances available.
Eligibility for this Scholarship Programs:
- Citizen of an eligible developing country (many African countries and numerous Asian nations such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, etc.—check the official participating countries list).
- Residing in and applying from your country of citizenship (with limited exceptions).
- Meet academic and English language requirements for the chosen Australian program.
- Country-specific conditions often apply (e.g., minimum age, years of work experience—commonly 2–5 years for master’s in Africa—and employment status at application).
- Commitment to return home for at least two years after completion. Not an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Application requirements:
Online application via the Australia Awards system or country-specific portals. Documents usually include academic transcripts, proof of citizenship/residency, English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), curriculum vitae, employment evidence, and statements addressing development impact. Deadlines commonly fall in February–April for the following year’s intake. Country-specific priorities and additional criteria apply.
8. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK government through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, these awards support students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries (including many African nations and Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and others) for master’s or PhD study in the UK. They focus on development impact.
Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, return airfare, thesis grant (for research degrees), and other allowances. Study begins in the UK academic year (typically September/October).
Eligibility for this Scholarship Programs:
- Citizen of (or refugee status in) an eligible Commonwealth country, and permanently resident there.
- Available to start studies by the UK academic year start date.
- For master’s: First degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours, or a lower second-class (2:2) plus a relevant postgraduate qualification. Not normally for a second UK master’s unless strongly justified.
- For PhD: Appropriate master’s-level qualification.
- Unable to afford UK study without the scholarship.
- Commitment to return home and contribute to development (applications assessed against CSC development themes such as science/technology, health systems, prosperity, peace/governance, and crisis resilience).
Application requirements:
Online application via the CSC system (often with national nominating agencies in some countries). Required documents typically include full academic transcripts (with certified translations if needed), two references, a development impact statement, and study plan. Deadlines usually fall in late year or early the following year for the next intake. Selection is competitive and based on academic merit, development relevance, and quality of the application.
9. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, including many targeted or open to African and Asian applicants. Popular options include Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS), Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance), Leadership for Africa, and general study/research scholarships. Most German public universities charge little or no tuition.
Benefits: Monthly stipend (typically around €850–€1,200 depending on level and program), health/accident/liability insurance, travel allowance, study/research grants, and tuition coverage where applicable. Some include a preparatory German language course.
Eligibility (varies by specific program):
- Citizenship of an eligible developing or partner country (most African and many Asian nations qualify for relevant schemes).
- Relevant prior degree (bachelor’s for master’s programs; master’s for PhD/research) completed no more than about six years before application in many cases.
- Above-average academic performance (often top third of class or equivalent).
- For many development-focused programs: at least two years of relevant professional experience.
- Language proficiency matching the program (English for many international courses; German for others—TestDaF, DSH, IELTS, or TOEFL as required).
- Strong motivation and commitment to development or return/contribution to home country. Specific programs (e.g., Leadership for Africa) may target particular nationalities or groups such as refugees.
Application requirements:
Apply via the DAAD scholarship database or specific program portals, often in parallel with university admission. Documents usually include application form, CV, motivation letter, transcripts/degrees, recommendation letters, language certificates, and (for research) a proposal. Deadlines vary widely by program (commonly August–October or program-specific windows). Check the DAAD website and regional offices for current calls.
10. Türkiye Bursları (Türkiye Scholarships)
Türkiye’s government scholarship program, administered by the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), is open to citizens of nearly all countries (including African and Asian nations) for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, and research programs at Turkish universities. It includes university placement.
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend (levels vary by degree—higher for graduate/research), free accommodation in dormitories, health insurance, one-year Turkish language course (where needed), and a one-time flight ticket. University and department placement is handled as part of the award.
Eligibility for this Scholarship Programs:
- Non-Turkish citizen (Turkish dual nationals generally ineligible).
- Age limits: typically under 21 for undergraduate, under 30 for master’s, under 35 for PhD (exact cutoffs confirmed annually).
- Academic minimums: generally 70% for undergraduate, 75% for master’s/PhD (higher, e.g., 90%, for medicine/dentistry/pharmacy).
- Not currently enrolled at a Turkish university at the same degree level.
- Good health (medical certificate required after selection).
- Meet entry requirements of preferred programs.
Application requirements:
Single online application via the official Türkiye Scholarships portal (usually opens in January and closes in February). Applicants list up to 12 university/program preferences. Documents typically include academic transcripts and diplomas, passport/ID, photo, and a motivation letter/statement of purpose. No separate university admission letter is needed upfront. Interviews may follow for shortlisted candidates. Results and placement are announced later in the cycle.
How to Strengthen Your Application and Take the Next Step
Prepare strong personal statements that clearly link your academic goals, leadership experiences, and plans to contribute to your home country or region. Secure strong recommendation letters early, gather official transcripts and translations, and meet English (or host-country language) requirements well in advance. Apply to multiple programs where eligible, and start research 6–12 months before deadlines.
Always consult official sources for the most current details, as programs evolve:
- Mastercard Foundation and partner university sites
- Chevening.org
- Campuschina.org / CSC portals and Chinese embassies
- Studyinjapan.go.jp and Japanese embassies
- Studyinkorea.go.kr
- Fulbright commissions / U.S. embassies
- DFAT Australia Awards pages and country contacts
Thousands of African and Asian students successfully secure these awards every year. With careful preparation, clear goals, and timely applications, you can turn the dream of studying abroad into reality without depleting personal or family savings. Begin researching partner institutions and deadlines today, and take the first step toward your international education journey.