The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) Scholarship Programme is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship designed to develop young African leaders with a strong continental development mindset. Launched in 2017, the program focuses on fostering cooperation, integration, and leadership across African countries through quality education and leadership development.
The MINDS Scholarship supports African students to pursue postgraduate studies within Africa, outside their country of citizenship or residence, while participating in structured leadership development initiatives.
MINDS Scholarship Summary
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Host Organisation: Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)
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Study Location: Africa
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Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
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Eligible Countries: All African Countries
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Scholarship Coverage:
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Full or partial tuition
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Accommodation and meals
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Monthly stipend
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Return airfare ticket
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Deadline: Not Specified
MINDS Scholarship for Leadership Development – Overview
The MINDS Scholarship Programme offers opportunities to academically strong and leadership-driven Africans who have secured admission into selected partner institutions across Africa. The program aims to build a network of future African leaders committed to regional cooperation and sustainable development.
Scholars also benefit from leadership training, mentorship, and networking opportunities with like-minded professionals across the continent.
Approved MINDS Partner Institutions
East Africa
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African Leadership University, Rwanda
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Carnegie Mellon University Africa, Rwanda
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Makerere University, Uganda
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Strathmore University, Kenya
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Universidade de Cabo Verde, Cabo Verde
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Université Libre de Kigali, Rwanda
Southern Africa
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African Leadership University, Mauritius
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University of Cape Town, South Africa
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University of Mauritius, Mauritius
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University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
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Universidade Agostinho Neto, Angola
North Africa
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Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
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Université Cadi Ayyad, Morocco
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Université Mohammed V, Morocco
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Cairo University, Egypt
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Ain Shams University, Egypt
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Alexandria University, Egypt
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Assiut University, Egypt
West Africa
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Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), Ghana
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Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
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University of Development Studies, Ghana
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Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire
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Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal
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University of Ghana, Ghana
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University of Ibadan, Nigeria
Eligibility Requirements for MINDS Scholarship 2026
Applicants must:
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Be a citizen of an African country and reside in Africa
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Have secured formal admission into a MINDS-preferred institution outside their country of citizenship or residence
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Be admitted to commence postgraduate studies within the next academic year
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Have achieved a minimum of 70% in each subject/course in the last two completed years of study
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Demonstrate leadership ability or leadership potential
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Submit a complete online application with all required supporting documents
Benefits of the MINDS Scholarship 2026
Depending on whether a partial or full award is granted, the scholarship covers:
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation and meals
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One return flight ticket for the duration of studies
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A fixed monthly stipend
Required Documents for MINDS Scholarship
Applicants must upload the following documents (PDF format only, max 2MB each):
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Bio-data page of a valid passport
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Certified academic transcripts/results for the last two years
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Official university admission letter stating:
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Applicant’s name
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Degree program
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Start year
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Duration of study
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Study permit or visa (or proof of application – optional)
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Detailed CV/Resume (maximum of 4 single-sided pages)
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Two reference letters (maximum of 3 pages each) addressing leadership potential, integrity, and commitment to Africa’s development
How to Apply for the MINDS Scholarship 2026
Interested and qualified candidates should proceed to the official application portal by clicking the “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” button on the scholarship page.
