7 Types Of Scholarships To Study Abroad For African Students (With Examples) In 2025

Before you apply for anything, you need to know what kind of scholarships are available. Here's a quick breakdown:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students with strong academics, leadership skills, or talents.

Eligibility

• High GPA or test scores

• Leadership experience or awards

• Research, publications, or volunteer work

• Special talents (sports, music, arts)

Examples

• Fulbright Scholarship (USA)

• Chevening Scholarship (UK)

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)

2. Need-Based Scholarships

For students from low-income families who can’t afford tuition.

Eligibility

• Financial hardship

• Low family income

• Multiple dependents in the home

Examples

• Gates Millennium Scholars Program

• MEXT Scholarship (Japan)

• Norwegian Government Quota Scheme

3. Country-Specific Scholarships

Targeted at students from specific countries.

Examples

• Australia Awards (for developing countries)

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

• Swedish Institute Scholarships

4. Subject-Specific Scholarships

Awarded to students in certain fields of study.

Examples

• WHO Fellowships (Health)

• Google Women Techmakers Scholarship (STEM)

• CFA Institute Scholarship (Business)

5. Government Scholarships

Fully funded by national governments.

Examples

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)

• Endeavour Leadership Program (Australia)

• China Government Scholarships (CSC)

6. University Scholarships

Offered directly by the schools.

Examples

• Oxford-Weidenfeld Scholarships

• MIT Presidential Fellowships

• Stanford Graduate Fellowships

7. Private Organization Scholarships

These come from companies, NGOs, or foundations. They're easier to win since not many students apply.

Examples

• Aga Khan Foundation

• Rotary Peace Fellowships

• Total & MTN Scholarships (for African students)