Different Kinds of Scholarship Programs in Europe Open to Africans

The Europe offers a variety of scholarship programs designed to attract talented students from around the world, including Africa. These scholarships provide African students with the opportunity to pursue higher education in diverse fields and benefit from high-quality education, cultural exchange, and networking opportunities. In this article, we explore several prominent scholarship programs in Europe that are open to African students.

1. Erasmus+ Scholarships

Overview:
The Erasmus+ program is one of the most popular scholarship schemes in Europe, funded by the European Union. It offers a wide range of scholarships for international students, including Africans, to study in European countries. The program is designed to enhance educational and cultural exchange between Europe and other parts of the world.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Open to students at different academic levels (undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral).
• Fields of Study: Covers a broad range of disciplines.
• Benefits: Covers tuition fees, travel expenses, and living costs.
• Duration: Typically 1-2 years for master’s programs and varies for other levels.

Application Process:
Applications are usually submitted through the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) consortium or directly through partner universities.

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Overview:
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous scholarships to African students for undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. studies in Germany. DAAD is renowned for supporting international students and researchers through various funding programs.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Primarily for postgraduate and doctoral students; specific requirements depend on the program.
• Fields of Study: Includes a wide range of disciplines, with a focus on development-related fields.
• Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs.
• Duration: Varies depending on the course and level of study.

Application Process:
Applications are submitted directly to the DAAD portal or through German universities. The process often requires proof of academic excellence and a statement of purpose.

3. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)

Overview:
The Chevening Scholarships are funded by the UK government and offer a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from around the world, including Africa, to develop professionally and academically in the UK.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Open to students with at least two years of work experience and a bachelor’s degree.
• Fields of Study: Applicants can choose any field of study.
• Benefits: Fully funded (tuition fees, living expenses, and return airfare).
• Duration: Typically for one-year master’s programs.

Application Process:
Applicants apply online through the Chevening website and need to demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to returning to their home country after their studies.

4. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)

Overview:
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) aim to develop global leaders who will contribute to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These scholarships are open to highly qualified African professionals to study for master’s programs in Sweden.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: For students with leadership experience and a strong professional background.
• Fields of Study: Includes numerous fields, particularly those aligned with sustainable development.
• Benefits: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and travel grants.
• Duration: One or two-year master’s programs.

Application Process:
Applicants must first apply to a Swedish university and then apply for the scholarship through the Swedish Institute’s online portal.

5. VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)

Overview:
VLIR-UOS offers scholarships to students from Africa and other developing regions to pursue master’s programs in Belgium. The program focuses on empowering individuals who can contribute to their home country’s development.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Primarily for master’s and training programs in development-relevant fields.
• Fields of Study: Focuses on courses related to development, such as public health, agriculture, and engineering.
• Benefits: Covers full tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and a monthly stipend.
• Duration: Depends on the program (typically 1-2 years).

Application Process:
Candidates must apply directly to a participating Belgian university and indicate their interest in the VLIR-UOS scholarship.

6. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (France)

Overview:
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship offered by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. It aims to attract top international students, including those from Africa, to French higher education institutions.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: For master’s and Ph.D. students.
• Fields of Study: Prioritizes fields such as engineering, economics, law, and political science.
• Benefits: Covers monthly allowance, international transportation, national transportation, insurance, and accommodation costs.
• Duration: 12 to 36 months, depending on the level of study.

Application Process:
Applications are made through French institutions, which then forward selected candidates to the Eiffel Scholarship Program.

7. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)

Overview:
The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are aimed at promoting international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 countries, including African nations.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: For postgraduate researchers in any discipline.
• Fields of Study: Open to all disciplines available at Swiss universities.
• Benefits: Covers monthly stipend, tuition fees, health insurance, airfare, and housing allowance.
• Duration: Typically 1-3 years.

Application Process:
Interested candidates must apply through the Swiss embassy in their home country.

8. Orange Knowledge Program (Netherlands)

Overview:
The Orange Knowledge Program (OKP) is offered by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It provides scholarships to professionals from developing countries, including Africa, to study in the Netherlands.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Professionals with relevant work experience in a priority area.
• Fields of Study: Focuses on priority sectors such as health, education, water management, and agriculture.
• Benefits: Covers full tuition fees, accommodation, visa, and travel expenses.
• Duration: Short courses (2 weeks to 12 months) or master’s programs (12 to 24 months).

Application Process:
Applications are submitted through Dutch education institutions and Nuffic’s online portal.