The 2025 MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa is a fully funded opportunity designed to empower young African leaders through postgraduate education across the continent. Offered by the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS), this initiative aims to foster a new generation of leaders committed to pan-African cooperation and development.​

Summary of MINDS Scholarship Programme

• Host: Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarship
• Eligible Countries: All African countries
• Reward: Full tuition, accommodation and meals, one return flight ticket, and a fixed stipend for living expenses
• Deadline: Not specified

About MINDS Scholarship Programme

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa is a fully funded initiative aimed at nurturing a new generation of African leaders committed to the continent's progress. Launched in 2017, the programme offers postgraduate scholarships to African students to study in African countries other than their own, promoting cross-cultural exchange and pan-African collaboration.​

MINDS Scholarship Programme Benefits

• Tuition
• Accommodation and meals
• One return ticket per duration of studies
• A fixed stipend.

MINDS Scholarship Programme Eligibility

• Be a national of an African country, residing in any African country
• Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s outside of your country of citizenship and/ or residency
• Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s to pursue postgraduate studies within the following year
• Have obtained at least 70% in each subject/ course in the last two completed years of study
• Produce evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential guided by the questions/ requirements set out in the application form
• Submit a complete online application form (see below) with the required supporting documentation.

Required Documents

• A copy of the data/ bio page of your passport.
• A certified academic transcript/ results slip of the last two years of study.
• A copy of the official acceptance letter from the university.
• The letter must:
  Be addressed to the applicant.
• State the degree which the applicant has been accepted to study.
• State the academic year at which the degree will commence.
• State the duration of the course (e.g. one year).
• A copy of a valid study permit or visa OR proof of application. (Optional)
  A detailed CV/ Resume of not more than four (4) single sided pages.
• Two reference letters (of not more than 3 pages each) addressing the applicant’s demonstration of integrity, their competency and/or potential as a leader and their commitment to the development of the African continent.

How to Apply for the MINDS Scholarship

To apply for the MINDS Scholarship, interested and qualified applicants should use the “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” button to proceed to the application page.


Click Here To Apply