Photo credit: Mastercard Foundation
For many Black families, the conversation about university often comes down to one big question: How are we going to pay for this? Fortunately, universities, governments, and global organizations often roll out a huge number of fully funded opportunities for students, especially those from Africa, covering tuition, flights, monthly stipends, accommodation, and even health insurance.
It can be stressful scrolling through endless websites trying to figure out which scholarships are real, which ones are still open, and which ones actually accept applicants like you. That is exactly why we have put this list together to reduce your stress, highlighting everything from programmes built specifically for African students to major U.S. scholarships supporting Black students.
Whether you are a student in Lagos dreaming of the UK, a Ghanaian applying to Germany, or a Black student in America looking for scholarship opportunities, this list brings together some of the scholarship opportunities Black and African students should be paying attention to.
For African Students at Home
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
There isn’t a single “Mastercard Foundation Scholarship” application, as the Foundation partners with over 62 universities worldwide, including Cambridge, UC Berkeley, McGill, Sciences Po, Arizona State University, and leading African institutions like Makerere University, the University of Pretoria, and KNUST in Ghana. It is for African students, from undergraduate through PhD level, depending on the partner university, and covers full tuition, accommodation, living stipend, books, and often mentorship and career support, for the full duration of the degree.
There is no single deadline, as each partner university runs its own application and sets its own date. While the 2026/2027 window is closed for some universities, others are still open or yet to open. You must check your specific target university‘s page directly.
How to apply: There is no central Mastercard Foundation application portal. You have to apply directly through your chosen partner university’s admissions process.
Chevening Scholarship (UK)
If a fully funded UK master’s degree is on your radar, you should check this out. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Chevening covers 100% of your tuition fees, return flights, accommodation, and a monthly living stipend for a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. You will need an undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK 2:1, demonstrated leadership potential, and a commitment to return to your home country for at least two years after your studies.
Applications for the 2027/28 Chevening Scholarship opened on August 4, 2026, and will close on October 6, 2026.
How to apply: Register on the Chevening online system via your country’s page, complete the eligibility checker, select three UK master’s courses, provide two referees, and answer four essay questions covering leadership, networking, study choice, and career plans.
DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany’s DAAD is not one single scholarship, but a large organization that offers different scholarship programs and funding options for development-related master’s and doctoral studies for students from Sub-Saharan Africa who plan to return and contribute to their home country’s development. It covers tuition, monthly payments, travel allowance, payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance, and a one-off study allowance. Under certain circumstances, scholarship holders may receive additional benefits such as a monthly rent subsidy and a monthly allowance for accompanying family members.
DAAD runs several tracks with different timelines. The 2026/2027 window has already closed for some, while others list an October 15, 2026, deadline for programmes beginning in October 2027.
How to apply: Applications go through the DAAD scholarship database, with country-specific requirements listed under each individual call. A complete step-by-step application process is available on the DAAD portal.
Photo credit: Academy Heritage
MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
Offered by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), this prestigious scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly allowance, and round-trip airfare for undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and vocational training programmes. It is open to students from across Africa and remains one of the most generous fully funded options globally.
The 2027 intake’s embassy deadlines already closed in April/May 2026 (dates vary slightly by country). The next window, for the 2028 intake, typically opens around April/May 2027. Mark your calendar now so you are not caught off guard next year.
How to apply: Submit a full physical application package to your country’s Japanese embassy, followed by written exams (usually in July) and an interview, if shortlisted.
Read also: “My math teacher prepares English materials from the textbook for me every week”
For Black Students in the Diaspora
UNCF General Scholarship
The United Negro College Fund manages over 400 named scholarship programmes ranging from $2,000 awards to full four-year rides. It is for full-time students at any of UNCF‘s 37 member HBCUs with a minimum 2.5 GPA. New scholarships open on a rolling basis throughout the year, several with August 2026 deadlines, so it is worth checking UNCF’s portal monthly rather than once and forgetting about it.
How to apply: Create a profile on the UNCF scholarship portal at opportunities.uncf.org. Complete every step of the application, including all required essays.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF)
TMCF supports students at 47 public HBCUs and predominantly Black institutions, with its flagship programme offering an average award of $6,800, renewable for students who maintain their academic standing. TMCF also administers corporate-backed scholarships from companies like Walmart, Verizon, and AT&T. Its main annual cycle typically opens in January and closes in April.
How to apply: Create a Student Profile on the TMCF Scholarship Portal, then apply to matched scholarships from your dashboard.
Photo credit: Jackierobinson.org
Ron Brown Scholar Program
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is open to Black/African American high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding academic performance, strong leadership skills, and a deep commitment to community service. This program awards $40,000 in scholarships distributed over four years of undergraduate study.
Applications for the 2027 cycle are not open yet — they usually launch around September, so keep an eye out.
How to apply: Students must complete an online application that includes submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays. To access the application, visit the Ron Brown Scholar Fund website.
Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship (U.S.)
Are you a high-achieving, minority high school senior in the United States seeking a life-changing scholarship? The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity for minority students to gain financial assistance and comprehensive support as they embark on their college journey. It offers up to $35,000 over 4 years.
How to apply: You can apply via the JRF website, where you will submit essays plus recommendation letters.
