Advance Africa Scholarship : Access Bank & Udacity Programme for Young Africans

The Advance Africa Scholarship, powered by Access Bank and Udacity, is a transformative opportunity for young Africans to gain in-demand tech skills and kickstart careers in the digital economy. Offering 5,000 fully funded Nanodegree scholarships in 2025, this fully online programme targets exceptional candidates from 13 African countries, including South Africa, to master fields like Business Analytics, Data Science, and Digital Marketing. With no specified closing date for 2025, early application is key. Here’s your comprehensive guide to eligibility, benefits, and the application process.

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Why the Advance Africa Scholarship?

Access Bank, a leading Nigerian multinational bank with subsidiaries across Africa (including South Africa), partners with Udacity, a non-profit digital education platform, to bridge the tech skills gap. With Africa’s tech industry growing rapidly—projected to contribute $180 billion to the continent’s GDP by 2025—this programme equips youth to meet the demand for tech-fluent professionals. In 2023, 20,000 applicants participated across three cohorts, with 2,000 earning Nanodegrees, and 70% of graduates secured jobs or internships, often with Access Bank or tech firms. This scholarship offers free education, practical experience, and a pathway to employment, critical in a region with a 45.5% youth unemployment rate.

Programme Structure and Benefits

The Advance Africa Scholarship is a multi-phase, fully online programme designed to build practitioner-level tech skills. Here’s how it works and what you gain:

Programme Phases

Phase 1: Challenge Course (5 weeks):
20,000 applicants across four cohorts in 2025, with the first starting in September 2025.
Choose one of five tracks: Business Analytics, Intro to Programming, Programming for Data Science with Python, Product Management, or Digital Marketing.
Involves course text, content, and quizzes (no projects), requiring 3–5 hours/week.
Engage in a vibrant Slack community with 10,000+ peers for networking and support.
Phase 2: Foundational Nanodegree (2 months):
1,000 top performers per cohort (4,000 total in 2024) earn full scholarships to a Nanodegree, requiring 5–10 hours/week.
Complete real-world projects with expert reviews to demonstrate skills (e.g., data analysis with SQL, building apps, or crafting digital campaigns).
Earn a Nanodegree badge for platforms like LinkedIn.
Phase 3: Advanced Nanodegree (2 months):
Top Phase 2 performers advance to intermediate and advanced Nanodegrees, deepening skills.
Phase 4: Internship and Employment (6 months):
Top candidates may secure internships with Access Bank or partners, with potential for permanent roles.

Courses Offered

App Development: Build dynamic apps for web and mobile.
Business Analytics: Master data analysis using SQL, Excel, and Tableau.
Cloud Computing: Learn to build and deploy full-stack apps.
Data Analysis/Science: Use Python, SQL, and Git for data-driven insights.
Digital Marketing: Create result-driven campaigns with real-world tools.
Project Management: Lead product strategies for market success.
Web Development: Develop high-quality websites with stunning user experiences.

Key Benefits

Free Education: Access Bank covers all costs, removing financial barriers.
Flexible Learning: Study remotely at your own pace, needing only a laptop and internet.
Expert Curriculum: Designed with tech giants and taught by industry leaders.
Career Opportunities: Build a portfolio of real-world projects, earn Nanodegrees, and access internships or jobs with Access Bank or tech firms.
Networking: Join a tech-focused community of 10,000+ African peers for collaboration and mentorship.
Employability: 73% of Udacity Nanodegree graduates report career advancements, with 50% seeing a 33% pay increase.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the 2025 Advance Africa Scholarship, you must meet these criteria:

Residency: Citizen of Botswana, Cameroon, DR Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, or Zambia.
Age: 20–30 years old (some sources note 20+ is eligible, but 20–30 is preferred).
Education: STEM graduate (e.g., computer science, engineering, math) or demonstrated evidence of strong interest in IT/digital careers (e.g., certificates, personal projects, or coursework—submit supporting documents).
Technical Requirements:
Access to a laptop.
Consistent Wi-Fi/data network and power supply.
Commitment: Dedicate 3–5 hours/week for the Challenge Course and 5–10 hours/week for Nanodegrees over 10–12 months.
Consent: Pre-consent for Udacity to share your data with Access Bank during application.
Preferred: Bachelor’s degree or higher; recent graduates or early-career professionals.

Note: Basic computer skills (e.g., web navigation, downloading apps) are required, but most tracks, like Business Analytics or Digital Marketing, have no prerequisites. Programming tracks may need basic coding familiarity.

How to Apply

Applications are open for 2025 with no specified closing date, but early submission is advised due to rolling cohorts (first cohort starts September 2025). Follow these steps:

Prepare Documents:

Updated CV highlighting STEM education or IT interest (e.g., coding projects, certifications).
Supporting documents (e.g., degree certificate, coding bootcamp proof, or GitHub portfolio).
Valid ID from an eligible country.

Submit Online:

Applications must be submitted online at: Advance Africa Scholarship Application
Scroll to the contact form at the bottom.
Select your preferred track (e.g., Business Analytics, Digital Marketing) and fill in all required details.
Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the “How did you hear about us?” field.
Upload documents and submit (you can apply for multiple tracks but will be accepted for one only).

Avoid Scams: The programme is free. Never pay fees or share bank details. Report issues to info@advance-africa.org.
Next Steps:

Expect a decision email within 2–3 weeks.
Join the Slack community for orientation and updates if selected.

For assistance, contact Advance Africa via www.advance-africa.org or email info@advance-africa.org.

What to Expect After Applying

Selection Process: Udacity reviews applications for eligibility and IT interest. Top candidates join the Challenge Course (10,000 per cohort).
Challenge Course: Complete 5 weeks of online learning, engaging in quizzes and community discussions.
Nanodegree Phase: 1,000 top performers per cohort advance to a 2-month Nanodegree with project reviews.
Progression: High achievers move to advanced Nanodegrees and may access internships or jobs.
Feedback: Only successful applicants are notified. Check emails regularly for updates.

Tips for a Standout Application

Showcase IT Passion: Include evidence of tech interest (e.g., online courses, GitHub projects, or tech community involvement) to strengthen your application.
Choose the Right Track: Align your choice with your skills or career goals (e.g., Digital Marketing for creative types, Data Science for analytical minds).
Prepare Technically: Ensure reliable internet and a functional laptop before starting.
Apply Early: Rolling cohorts fill quickly, so submit as soon as possible.
Engage Fully: Plan for 5–10 hours/week and actively participate in the Slack community to maximize learning and networking.

Why This Scholarship Matters

With Africa’s tech sector booming—Kenya and Nigeria alone host over 1,000 tech startups—this programme addresses the shortage of skilled professionals. It offers South Africans and others a free, accessible path to high-demand careers, with Nanodegrees recognized by global employers like Google and Amazon. The potential for internships or jobs with Access Bank, combined with a 70%+ employment rate for graduates, makes this a lifeline in a challenging job market. Plus, it fosters entrepreneurship, as learners can apply skills to launch tech startups, contributing to economic growth.

Conclusion

The 2025 Advance Africa Scholarship by Access Bank and Udacity is your chance to master tech skills, earn a Nanodegree, and unlock career opportunities in fields like Data Science, Digital Marketing, and App Development. If you’re a South African (or from another eligible country) aged 20–30 with a STEM background or IT passion, prepare your CV and supporting documents, and apply online at www.advance-africa.org as soon as possible. With 5,000 scholarships and no cost, this programme is a game-changer—apply now and build your future in tech today