Applications Open: 2026 MINDS Postgraduate Scholarship Programme

Apply now for the 2026 MINDS Postgraduate Scholarship Programme. Full or partial funding available for African students

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) has officially opened applications for the 2026 MINDS Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa.

Launched in 2017, this programme supports outstanding African students who want to pursue postgraduate studies at institutions across Africa, outside their home country. The scholarship aims to build a generation of leaders with a Pan-African development mindset, capable of driving cooperation and integration across the continent.

Scholarship Coverage

The MINDS Postgraduate Scholarship offers either partial or full funding. Depending on the award, benefits may include:

Tuition fees
Accommodation and meals
One return flight ticket per study duration
A fixed stipend for living expenses

The scholarship is applicable for full-time, one or two-year Honours or Master’s degrees at one of MINDS’ preferred universities in Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

Be a national of an African country and currently reside in an African country
Have secured formal acceptance from a MINDS-preferred institution in a country different from their citizenship or residence
Be accepted to begin postgraduate studies in 2026
Have scored at least 70% in each subject/course over the last two years of study
Demonstrate leadership ability or potential as guided by the application form
Submit a complete online application with all required documents

Required Documents

Applicants must upload the following documents (PDF format, max 2MB each):

Passport data/bio page
Certified academic transcripts for the last two years
Official acceptance letter from the university (stating degree, duration, and start year)
Valid study permit/visa or proof of application
CV/Resume (max 4 pages) – optional
Two reference letters (max 3 pages each) demonstrating integrity, leadership potential, and commitment to African development

Leadership Development Component

In addition to financial support, MINDS provides tailored leadership development activities for recipients. The goal is to nurture leaders who will drive economic and social progress across Africa.