MINDS Scholarship Programme 2024: Apply Now!

About the MINDS Scholarship Programme 2024

Launched in 2017, the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) Scholarship Programme is designed to cultivate the next generation of African leaders. The programme aims to foster continent-wide cooperation, nurturing individuals with a Pan-African outlook to drive development on a larger scale. It focuses on equipping young African leaders to promote regional cohesion, a key factor in achieving sustainable economic growth across the continent.

The MINDS Scholarship Programme enables African students to pursue postgraduate studies outside their home country but within Africa, offering them the chance to experience the rich diversity and unique cultures of different African communities. Through this approach, MINDS envisions building leaders with a strong understanding of the broader African context, capable of advancing a unified and integrated Africa.

Programme Highlights

Postgraduate Focus: The scholarship supports full-time, one- or two-year honours or master’s degree programmes.

Pan-African Approach: Recipients study in an African country other than their home nation, fostering cross-cultural exposure and collaboration.
Leadership Development: In addition to financial support, the programme provides leadership development activities tailored to prepare future African leaders.

MINDS firmly believes that a collaborative, integrated African economy is key to the continent’s accelerated development. Through this scholarship, students are empowered to contribute to a vision of unity and progress for Africa.

What the Scholarship Covers

Depending on whether a full or partial scholarship is awarded, the MINDS Scholarship Programme may cover the following expenses:

Tuition fees
Accommodation and meals

One return flight ticket during the study period
A fixed stipend to assist with living expenses

The programme does not specify a preferred field of study, allowing applicants to choose from a wide range of disciplines, as long as their studies align with the broader vision of African development.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the MINDS Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of an African country and must be currently residing in any African nation.

2. Postgraduate Admission: Candidates must have been formally accepted into a full-time honours or master’s programme at one of the MINDS preferred institutions outside their home country.

3. Academic Performance: Applicants must have achieved a minimum of 70% in each subject during their last two years of study.

4. Leadership Potential: Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential as outlined in the scholarship application form.

5. Application Completeness: All required documents must be submitted alongside a complete online application.

How to Apply for the MINDS Scholarship

1. Admission Requirement: First, applicants need to secure admission to a postgraduate programme at one of MINDS’ preferred institutions in an African country outside of their own.

2. Submit Application: Once admission is secured, applicants should submit a complete application form via the official MINDS online portal. Make sure to include all required documents, such as academic transcripts, proof of acceptance, a CV, and letters of recommendation.

3. Application Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted well before the closing date to avoid disqualification.

Preferred Institutions

The MINDS Scholarship Programme partners with a selection of universities across the continent. These institutions are chosen for their commitment to academic excellence and their support for leadership development initiatives. Applicants are advised to research the list of MINDS preferred institutions when considering their postgraduate study options.

The MINDS Scholarship Programme is a unique opportunity for African students to gain advanced academic knowledge while fostering leadership qualities that are essential for driving Africa’s development. If you’re passionate about contributing to Africa’s growth and want to enhance your leadership potential, this programme could be the perfect pathway for your postgraduate studies.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY