If you’re a young African passionate about leadership, education, and continental development, the MINDS Scholarship Programme for 2025 could be your gateway to meaningful impact. Run by the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS), this initiative supports postgraduate students with a Pan-African vision — offering financial support and a chance to study in an African country outside their own.
About the Bursary Provider – MINDS
The Mandela Institute for Development Studies is a continental institute committed to addressing Africa’s development challenges holistically — across short-, medium-, and long-term timelines. Its work spans several programmes, including:
- African Heritage Programme
- Economic and Regional Integration Programme
- Youth Programme on Elections and Governance
- African Youth Networks Movement
- Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development
The MINDS Scholarship Programme was launched in 2017 to help build a generation of African leaders focused on collaboration and progress across borders. This unique scholarship gives students the chance to experience life in another African country, study at a top institution, and build leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Fields of Study Covered
The MINDS Scholarship Programme is open to students pursuing full-time Honours or Master’s degrees at approved African institutions. Students can apply to study any field of study, as long as they are attending a MINDS-approved university outside of their home country.
The aim? To create a community of future leaders who understand Africa as a whole, and who are equipped to solve the continent’s challenges through shared knowledge and cooperation.
What the Scholarship Covers
The MINDS Scholarship provides either partial or full funding, which may include:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- One return flight for the duration of the studies
- A fixed stipend (exact value depends on various factors and is disclosed to successful applicants)
This package is designed to reduce the financial burden on students while encouraging academic excellence and leadership development.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a citizen of any African country
- Must reside in an African country
- Must be accepted to study at a MINDS-approved institution outside of both their country of citizenship and residence
- Must be accepted for full-time Honours or Master’s studies for the upcoming academic year
- Must have obtained at least 70% in each subject/course over the past two academic years
- Must demonstrate leadership potential, as per the criteria outlined in the application
MINDS Approved Institutions
Here are examples of MINDS-approved universities by region:
Southern Africa
- University of Cape Town (South Africa)
- University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa)
- African Leadership University (Mauritius)
- University of Mauritius (Mauritius)
East Africa
- African Leadership University (Rwanda)
- Carnegie Mellon University (Rwanda)
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- Strathmore University (Kenya)
North Africa
- Al Akhawayn University (Morocco)
- Université Cadi Ayyad (Morocco)
- Université Mohammed V (Morocco)
West Africa
- Pan-Atlantic University / Lagos Business School (Nigeria)
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (Ghana)
- University of Development Studies (Ghana)
Applicants are encouraged to consider institutions outside of South Africa due to the higher competition for limited slots in South African universities.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official MINDS portal:
Applications must be submitted online at: MINDS Scholarship Application
Applicants will be required to Register an Account before they can Login and apply.
Required Documents:
Be sure to upload the following PDF documents, each under 2MB in size:
- Copy of your passport bio page
- Certified academic transcripts for your last 2 years of study
- Official acceptance letter from a MINDS-approved university (must state degree, academic year, and course duration)
- A detailed CV (no more than 4 pages)
- A valid study visa or permit, or proof of application
- Two letters of reference (each up to 3 pages), addressing your leadership qualities, integrity, and commitment to Africa’s development
Important Application Notes:
- You cannot study in your country of residence or citizenship.
- Missing or unverifiable documents may disqualify your application.
- On submission, you will receive an email confirmation within 30 minutes.
- Applicants will be contacted within 2 months of applying.
- Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and leadership potential.
Conclusion
The MINDS Scholarship Programme 2025 is more than just a bursary — it’s a call to action for future African leaders. If you’re ready to broaden your perspective, develop your leadership skills, and contribute to a stronger, more united Africa, this is your chance.
Closing date: None – applications remain open year-round.
Take the step. Grow across borders. Lead beyond boundaries.