The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) launched its flagship Scholarship Program in 2017 to cultivate a generation of African leaders rooted in a Pan‑African mindset. By funding postgraduate (Honors or Master’s) studies within Africa—but outside a scholar’s home country—the scheme fosters cross-border learning, diversity, and regional cohesion.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the 2025 intake:
- Applicants must be citizens and residents of African countries, and study in a different African country than their own.
- They must hold an admission offer from a MINDS‑preferred institution outside their country of citizenship or residence.
- They must have achieved at least 70% in each subject/course during the last two academic years.
- Evidence of leadership potential is mandatory—via essays, CV, reference letters, or community engagement.
- A complete online application in PDF (≤ 2MB per file), including transcripts, CV, passport page, acceptance letter, and two references, is required.
Accepted Universities
The program covers a broad network of institutions across Africa:
| Region | Preferred Institutions |
|---|---|
| East Africa | African Leadership University (Rwanda), Carnegie Mellon University Rwanda, Makerere University (Uganda), Strathmore University (Kenya) |
| Southern Africa | University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa); African Leadership University, University of Mauritius (Mauritius) |
| North Africa | Al Akhawayn University, Université Cadi Ayyad, Université Mohammed V (Morocco) |
| West Africa | Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Pan‑Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), University for Development Studies (Ghana) |
Scholars must accept admission at one of these approved universities.
What the Scholarship Covers
MINDS offers full or partial scholarships, based on award type:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- One return flight (per academic cycle)
- A fixed stipend to cover personal living costs
Full awards normally include all these benefits; partial awards may exclude travel or stipend.
Preferential Fields & Additional Notes
While open to most disciplines, MINDS gives special focus to studies in:
- Business Sciences, Accounting, and Actuarial Sciences,
especially at institutions in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.
Applications are processed on a rolling basis, with early submission strongly encouraged to increase chances.
How to Apply
Prospective applicants should:
- Secure admission into a MINDS‑approved institution outside their home country.
- Gather required documents (PDF, ≤ 2MB each):
- Passport bio page
- Academic transcripts (last 2 years)
- Official acceptance letter (clearly stating course, year, duration)
- CV (max 4 pages)
- Two leadership-focused reference letters
- Visa/study permit (if applicable)
- Complete and submit the online application portal with all attachments. Incomplete submissions are typically disqualified.
- Deadline: Not Specified
Next Steps
- Visit the MINDS official website (minds‑africa.org) to access the application portal and full programme details.
- Share this opportunity with peers who fit the eligibility criteria.
- Prepare early—collect acceptance letters and documentation, reflect on your leadership experiences, and tailor reference letters accordingly.
