Scholarships for international students looking at African universities?

I'm interested in studying in Africa, but I'm not sure about the scholarship options for international students. What scholarships are available for international students in African universities, and how competitive are they?

The level of scholarship availability for international students in African universities can vary quite a bit based on the specific country and university. Some countries in Africa may have more national scholarship programs for international students than others. It's important to do thorough research about scholarship opportunities in the particular region(s) you're looking at as it can greatly impact your college journey.

South African universities, for example, offer several scholarships to international students. Universities like the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Witwatersrand all offer scholarships for international students, typically based on academic merit. Competition for these scholarships can be steep, as applicants from all over the world are vying for a limited number of spots.

In Morocco, Al Akhawayn University has been known to award scholarships based on a combination of need and merit to international students.

Another significant scholarship is the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program. This program has partnered with several universities across Africa to provide scholarships to students from Sub-Saharan Africa. The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, textbooks, and more. This scholarship is extremely competitive due to its extensive coverage and the prestige associated with the MasterCard Foundation.

Remember, it's important to research each potential scholarship thoroughly to ensure that you satisfy all eligibility requirements before investing your time into an application. Speak directly with the admissions departments of your target universities or check their official websites to get accurate and up-to-date scholarship information.

It's also important to note that, regardless of the scholarship, most will be fairly competitive, given that there's a wide pool of international students applying for a limited number of scholarships. Ensure that your academic records, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and any required essays are as strong as possible to increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship. Good luck in your scholarship search!