Top Scholarships for African Students to Study in the UK (2025)

Studying in the United Kingdom is a lifelong dream for many African students. The UK remains one of the most attractive destinations for higher education thanks to its globally ranked universities, vibrant multicultural environment, and internationally recognized qualifications. However, one of the biggest challenges African students face is the high cost of tuition fees and living expenses, which can make studying in the UK seem impossible.

The good news is that in 2025, several fully funded scholarships and partial funding opportunities are available specifically for African students. These scholarships are designed to support talented, ambitious, and hardworking learners who want to make a difference in their communities and globally.

In this guide, we highlight the top scholarships for African students in 2025, including government-funded programs, leadership fellowships, and university-specific awards at some of the UK’s most prestigious institutions.

1. Chevening Scholarships (Fully Funded)

The Chevening Scholarships remain the UK government’s most prestigious scholarship program. They cover full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance, return airfare to the UK, and additional grants for essential expenses. The scholarship is available for one-year taught master’s programs in any subject at any UK university.

Chevening focuses on leadership and networking, making it one of the most competitive awards. Successful applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance and leadership potential, as well as a strong vision for contributing to their home countries after graduation.

📌 Deadline: Usually between November 2024 and early 2025.

👉 Learn more on the official Chevening website.

2. Commonwealth Scholarships

Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Commonwealth Scholarships support students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries. They are primarily offered for full-time master’s and PhD programs at UK universities.

These awards cover tuition fees, airfare, living stipends, and additional allowances. Applicants must show commitment to development in their home countries, making this scholarship especially popular among African students passionate about social impact, research, and education.

📌 Eligibility: Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country and hold an undergraduate degree with strong academic results.

👉 Full details available at the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.

3. GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships are a collaboration between the British Council and selected UK universities. Each award is usually worth £10,000 and supports one-year taught master’s programs. A significant number of these scholarships are allocated to African students annually across a wide range of subjects.

📌 Availability: For 2025/26 entry across multiple disciplines.

👉 Details can be found on the British Council GREAT Scholarships page.

4. Scholarships at the University of Oxford

The University of Oxford offers several prestigious scholarships for African students, including:

• Clarendon Fund Scholarships: Automatically considered for all graduate applicants, these cover tuition and provide a generous living stipend.
• Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships: Designed for future leaders from Africa and other regions, covering all costs plus additional leadership development training.

These scholarships are highly competitive but provide unrivaled opportunities at one of the world’s leading universities.

5. Scholarships at the University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge offers extensive financial support through the Cambridge Commonwealth, European & International Trust. The trust provides funding for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students from Africa. Awards may be full or partial, depending on financial need and academic merit.

This makes Cambridge one of the best destinations for African students seeking funding in 2025.

6. University of Lincoln – Africa Scholarship

The University of Lincoln offers the Africa Scholarship for postgraduate students starting in 2025/26. The award provides £4,000–£5,000 off tuition fees for eligible students. Applicants must already hold an offer to study at Lincoln and demonstrate strong academic performance.

This partial scholarship helps reduce the financial burden for many African postgraduates looking to study in the UK.

7. University of Dundee Scholarships

The University of Dundee has established itself as a hub for African students by offering multiple awards, including:

• Africa Community Scholarship (£2,500 for the first year)
• Vice Chancellor’s Africa Scholarship (£4,000 tuition reduction)
• Global Excellence Scholarship (£5,000 per year)
• Dow Memorial Trust Scholarships (£2,000–£2,500 annually for Medicine & Dentistry students)

📌 Deadlines: Many close on 31 August 2025.

8. Queen’s University Belfast – Sub-Saharan Africa Scholarships

Queen’s University Belfast offers generous tuition fee reductions for African students, including:

• Undergraduate students: £3,500–£4,000 per year
• Postgraduate students: £2,000–£5,000
• Business School Awards: Up to £6,000

These scholarships provide excellent opportunities for African students in both academic and professional programs.

9. University of Nottingham – Africa Postgraduate Excellence Award

The University of Nottingham offers the Africa Postgraduate Excellence Award, one of the most competitive and generous scholarships for African students. Valued at £8,000, this award goes directly towards tuition fees for eligible master’s students.

The program seeks students with outstanding academic backgrounds and strong leadership qualities.

10. Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarships

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation partners with institutions such as SOAS University of London, London Business School, and the University of Birmingham to provide full scholarships for African students.

These scholarships emphasize governance, leadership, and development. They cover tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, and sometimes even leadership training programs.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation is particularly impactful for students committed to driving change and promoting good governance across Africa.

Application Tips for 2025

Competition for these scholarships is extremely high, so applicants need to prepare early. Here are some essential tips:

• Check deadlines carefully: Many scholarships close between October 2024 and March 2025.
• Prepare strong references and personal statements: Demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to community development.
• Apply widely: Do not rely on a single scholarship. Apply for both government and university-funded opportunities.
• Research carefully: Each scholarship has unique eligibility criteria. Tailor your application to highlight why you are the perfect fit.
• Strengthen your CV: Include internships, volunteer work, leadership roles, and academic achievements.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom continues to attract ambitious students from Africa who want to achieve academic excellence and make a positive impact. In 2025, African students have more opportunities than ever to secure financial support through scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, and those offered by Oxford, Cambridge, Dundee, Nottingham, and other world-class institutions.

By applying early, preparing well, and targeting multiple scholarships, African students can turn their UK education dreams into reality. These scholarships are not just financial lifelines; they are life-changing opportunities that open doors to global networks, leadership training, and career growth.

If you’re an African student considering studying in the UK, the time to prepare is now. With determination, strong applications, and the right scholarship, 2025 could be the year you take the bold step toward an international education.