Fully Funded MINDS Leadership Development Scholarship 2025
The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa, launched in 2017, is all about empowering the next generation of African leaders.
The vision? To develop young leaders who not only think beyond borders but are also committed to driving collaboration across the African continent.
This scholarship offers African students a unique opportunity to study in a different African country, giving them the chance to dive into new cultures, experiences, and perspectives. MINDS is passionate about creating a community of forward-thinking leaders who can help move the continent toward real, lasting progress.
A united African economy has the potential to spark growth, create positive outcomes, and uplift communities everywhere.
Scholarship Benefits
Whether you receive a partial or full scholarship, here’s what you could expect to be covered:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- One return flight for the duration of your studies
- A fixed living stipend
Who Can Apply?
The MINDS Scholarships are awarded to exceptional candidates who meet the following criteria:
- You’re a citizen of an African country and currently living in Africa.
- You’ve been accepted to study at one of MINDS’ preferred universities outside your home country.
- You’re starting your postgraduate studies in the next academic year.
- You’ve scored at least 70% in each subject/course during your last two years of study.
- You’ve demonstrated leadership potential, backed up by your responses in the application form.
- You’ve completed the online application and provided all the necessary documents.
Preferred Universities
To qualify for the MINDS Scholarship, you must be admitted to one of these universities:
East Africa:
- African Leadership University, Rwanda
- Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, 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
How to Apply
Here’s a checklist of what you’ll need to upload in PDF format (each file must be 2MB or less):
- A copy of the bio page of your passport.
- A certified academic transcript or results slip for your last two years of study.
- An official acceptance letter from the university that includes:
- Your name and the degree you’ll be pursuing.
- The academic year your program will begin.
- The duration of your course (e.g., one year).
- A valid study permit or visa (or proof of application).
- A detailed CV/resume (no more than four single-sided pages).
- Two reference letters (up to three pages each) addressing your integrity, leadership potential, and dedication to Africa’s development.
