Hey future African leaders! Are you dreaming of pursuing your Honours or Master’s degree, but also want to make a real impact across the continent? Well, get ready, because the MINDS Scholarship Programme Bursary could be your ticket to an incredible journey! This isn’t just about funding your studies; it’s about developing passionate leaders who can connect and uplift Africa. If you’re an African student looking to study in another African country and ignite your leadership potential, keep reading!
The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) offers the MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development. This incredible bursary is designed to empower young African leaders like you! It’s all about helping students pursue postgraduate studies (Honours or Master’s) in any field, at approved institutions across Africa. But here’s the cool part: you’ll get to study in an African country other than your own! This unique experience helps you dive deep into another culture, broaden your perspective, and build connections that foster greater cooperation and development across our amazing continent.
Who Can Apply?
Think you’ve got what it takes? Here’s a quick checklist to see if you’re eligible for the MINDS Scholarship Programme Bursary:
- You must be a citizen of any African country.
- You need to have already been accepted for a full-time Honours or Master’s degree for the upcoming academic year.
- You must have rocked your previous studies, achieving at least a 70% average for each subject in your last two years of completed academic work.
- You should have clear evidence of leadership abilities or potential. They want to see what makes you a future leader!
- Important Note: This bursary is designed for cross-border learning within Africa. This means you must be accepted to study in an African country that is neither your country of citizenship nor your country of residence. For example, if you’re a South African living in Nigeria, you can’t apply to study in South Africa or Nigeria.
What Does It Cover?
The MINDS Scholarship Programme Bursary offers fantastic support, which can be either partial or full, depending on various factors. Here’s what it typically helps with:
- Your tuition fees (cha-ching!).
- Meals and accommodation while you’re studying.
- One return ticket for the duration of your studies – perfect for visiting home or exploring!
- A fixed stipend to help cover your living expenses. (The exact amount will be shared with successful applicants).
How to Apply?
Ready to embark on this exciting journey? Applying for the MINDS Scholarship Programme Bursary is super straightforward, and it’s all done online!
- First things first, head over to the official MINDS Scholarship Application portal: MINDS Scholarship Application.
- You’ll need to Register an Account if you don’t have one already.
- Once registered, simply Log in and follow the prompts to complete your application.
Make sure you have clear, scanned copies (PDF format, max 2MB each) of these important documents ready to upload:
- Your passport bio page/data page.
- Certified copies of your academic transcripts or results for the last two years of study.
- Your official university acceptance letter (it needs to be addressed to you, state the degree, academic year, and course duration).
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume (keep it to a maximum of 4 single-sided pages).
- Your valid study permit or visa, OR proof that you’ve applied for one.
- Two (2) reference letters that highlight your integrity, competence, leadership potential, and commitment to African development (each letter should be max 3 pages).
Quick Tip: After submitting, you should get an on-screen and email confirmation within 30 minutes. MINDS will get back to applicants within 2 months!
If becoming a continental leader with a fully funded postgraduate degree sounds like your dream come true, then don’t hesitate! The MINDS Scholarship Programme Bursary applications are open year-round, so you can apply anytime. Take the leap, get your application in, and explore even more incredible bursary opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!