MINDS Scholarship 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is inviting African students to apply for the MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development.

The scholarship is available for Postgraduate (Honours or Master’s degree) studies within Africa, in any field, at approved institutions. The scholarship is available to students from any African country, to study outside of their own country.

The MINDS Scholarship Programme aims to create leaders who have a continental development mindset; leaders who will encourage greater cohesion and cooperation between African countries.

** RELATED BURSARIES **

WHAT EXPENSES DOES THE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

The scholarship will provide cover for the following expenses (partial or full cover): tuition fees, accommodation, 1 return flight ticket for the duration of studies, fixed living stipend and medical cover (where compulsory).

The scholarship will cover 1-2 years of study.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the MINDS Scholarship.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You must be a national of ANY African country
  • You must reside in ANY African country
  • You must be between 18 and 45 years old
  • You must have been accepted to study at one of these approved institutions, outside of your country of citizenship and/ or residency:
    • Southern Africa applicants:
      • South Africa: University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand
      • Mauritius: African Leadership University, University of Mauritius
      • Angola: Universidade Agostinho Neto
    • East Africa applicants:
      • Rwanda: African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University, Université Libre de Kigali
      • Uganda: Makerere University
      • Kenya: Strathmore University
      • Cabo Verde: Universidade de Cabo Verde
    • North Africa applicants:
      • Morocco: Al Akhawayn University, Université Cadi Ayyad, Université Mohammed V
      • Egypt: Cairo University, Ain Shams University, Alexandria University, Assiut University
    • West Africa applicants:
      • Ghana: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Development Studies, University of Ghana
      • Nigeria: Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), University of Ibadan
      • Côte d’Ivoire: Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny
      • Senegal: Cheikh Anta Diop University
  • You must have been accepted to study towards a full-time postgraduate qualification (Honors or Master’s degree), for the upcoming academic year
  • You must have achieved a minimum result of 70% for each subject or course within the last 2 years of completed studies
  • You must have evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential guided (per the questions and requirements set out in the application)

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP?

Applications must be submitted online – begin by checking that you are eligible to apply at: MINDS Scholarship Application

If you meet all the criteria, you may Register an Account and thereafter, Login and apply.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • Passport bio page/ data page (copy only)
  • Academic transcript/ results for the last 2 years of study (certified copy)
  • Official university acceptance letter, which must be: addressed to you, degree you have been accepted to study, academic year in which the degree will commence, duration of the course (copy only)
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae/ Resume (maximum 4 single sided pages)
  • Valid study permit or visa OR proof of application (copy only)
  • 2 letters of reference, addressing the following: your demonstration of integrity, competency and/or potential as a leader and commitment to the development of the African continent (maximum 3 pages each)

Note: documents must be submitted in PDF format and must not be larger than 2MB.

NOTES ABOUT THE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP

  • If any of the above information is not stated in the acceptance letter, candidates must upload copies of other official university documentation as proof․ If any of the information cannot be verified through supporting documentation, your application will not be considered․
  • All applicants will receive on-screen confirmation and email confirmation within 30 minutes of submitting their application.
  • MINDS will contact applicants within 2 months of submitting their application.
  • Applicants must study outside of their country of citizenship AND their country of residence – i.e. if an applicant is a South African citizen residing in Nigeria, they can only apply for the scholarship if they have been accepted to study at a MINDS Preferred Institutions that is NOT in South Africa or Nigeria (you cannot apply if you wish to study in South Africa or Nigeria).
  • The MINDS Preferred Institutions are selected based on the following factors: University ranking compared to other universities in Africa, geographic coverage and distribution, proven track record in furthering cooperation among African countries, and historical significance.
  • MINDS is seeking scholars with a Pan-African outlook, strong leadership potential and a strong academic record – applications must demonstrate these elements.
  • Applicants are encouraged to consider studying at approved institutions outside of South Africa. Most applications received have been for studies at South African institutions – there are a limited numbers of scholarships awarded to each university, therefore competition into South African institutions is greater.
  • There are 2 scholarships available for South African citizens to study at another country in Africa.
  • Scholarships have been allocated for studies relating to Actuarial Sciences, Business Sciences and Accounting. Candidates who wish to pursue studies in these areas at approved institutions in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria should apply.
  • Scholarships are awarded to meritorious applicants after a rigorous selection process.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE MINDS SCHOLARSHIP?

None – applications are open throughout the year.

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this scholarship programme, please contact the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) directly:
Email: info@minds-africa․org

Please do NOT contact MINDS if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES MINDS DO?

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is a continental institute that seeks to address the short, medium, and long-term development challenges in Africa in a holistic and comprehensive manner.

The following programmes are offered by MINDS: African Heritage Programme, Economic and Regional Integration Programme, Youth Programme on Elections and Governance, Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development, Programme de bourses d’études pour le développement du leadership and African Youth Networks Movement.

The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa was initially launched in 2017, with the goal of developing young leaders with a continent-wide development mindset and leaders who can facilitate greater cooperation between African countries. The Scholarship Programme aims to allow for students to become immersed in the richness and diversity of an African country and its communities has to offer, by offering students the opportunity to study in an African country other than their country of residence.

— END —

This bursary listing was last updated in July 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.