Hey future African leaders! Are you dreaming of pursuing your postgraduate studies in another African country, soaking up new cultures, and developing your leadership skills? Then you NEED to hear about the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) Postgraduate Bursary! This isn’t just about funding your studies; it’s about building a network of like-minded leaders who are passionate about shaping Africa’s future.
The MINDS Bursary Programme is designed to help talented African students like you pursue Honours or Master’s degrees in a different African country than your own. The goal? To broaden your horizons, foster a pan-African mindset, and equip you with the skills to drive greater cohesion and cooperation across our incredible continent. This bursary isn’t tied to a specific field of study, so you can focus on what truly sparks your passion, as long as it’s at one of MINDS’ preferred institutions!
Who Can Apply?
Alright, let’s get down to who can snag this amazing opportunity! To be considered for the MINDS Bursary, you’ll need to tick these boxes:
- You must be a citizen of an African country and currently living in an African country.
- You need to have already been formally accepted by one or more of MINDS’ preferred universities located *outside* of your home country for postgraduate studies (Honours or Master’s).
- Got good grades? You’ll need at least 70% in each subject/course for your last two completed years of study.
- You should be able to show off your leadership abilities or potential – the application form will guide you on this!
- Make sure your online application is complete with all the required documents.
What Does It Cover?
This is the exciting part! The MINDS Bursary can offer partial or full coverage for your postgraduate studies. Depending on the scholarship awarded, it may help you with:
- Tuition fees – say goodbye to those daunting costs!
- Accommodation and meals – sorted!
- One return flight ticket for the duration of your studies – exploring made easy!
- A fixed stipend – for your living expenses.
Remember, you need to be accepted into a full-time, one or two-year Honours or Master’s degree program at one of their approved institutions. Here’s a list of MINDS’ preferred universities across Africa:
EAST AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Rwanda
- Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, Rwanda
- Makerere University, Uganda
- Strathmore University, Kenya
- Universidade de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde
- Université Libre de Kigali, Rwanda
SOUTHERN AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Mauritius
- University of Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Mauritius, Mauritius
- University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
- Universidade Agostinho Neto, Angola
NORTH AFRICA
- Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
- Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
- Université Mohammed V, Morocco
- Cairo University, Egypt
- Ain Sharms University, Egypt
- Alexandria University, Egypt
- Assiut University, Egypt
WEST AFRICA
- University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana
- Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
- University of Development Studies, Ghana
- Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Ivory Cost
- Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal
- University of Ghana, Ghana
How to Apply?
Ready to make this happen? The MINDS Bursary operates on an ongoing application basis, meaning they process applications as they come in for the upcoming academic year. So, the moment you get that official acceptance letter from a MINDS preferred university, get your application in!
To apply, you’ll need to submit your application online. Make sure you have the following documents scanned and saved as PDF files (each attachment shouldn’t be more than 2MB):
- A clear copy of the data/bio page of your passport.
- Certified academic transcripts or results slips for your last two years of study.
- Your official university acceptance letter. This letter must clearly state: the degree you’ve been accepted for, the academic year your degree will start, and the duration of your course.
- A copy of your valid study permit or visa, OR proof that you’ve applied for one (this is optional at the time of initial application but required before receiving funding).
- A detailed CV/Resume, no longer than four single-sided pages.
- Two reference letters (each no more than 3 pages) that highlight your integrity, leadership potential/competency, and your commitment to African development.
Once you’ve got all your documents ready, head over to the official MINDS website to submit your application:
Visit the Official Webpage of the MINDS Bursary Programme Here!
If this sounds like the perfect next step for your academic and leadership journey, don’t hesitate! Apply for the MINDS Postgraduate Bursary today and take a huge leap towards funding your future and making a real impact across Africa. And while you’re here, make sure to explore more amazing bursary opportunities on Bursaries Room!