Program Description:

Title: MINDS Scholarship Program for Leadership Development in Africa 2025

Application Deadline: 

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MINDS Scholarship Program for Leadership Development in Africa 2025 Overview

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) Scholarship Programme supports African students to pursue postgraduate studies (Honours or Master’s degrees) in an African country other than their own. Launched in 2017, the program aims to nurture future leaders with a Pan-African outlook and a commitment to greater integration and cooperation between African nations.

MINDS Scholarship Program for Leadership Development in Africa 2025 Eligibility

To apply, candidates must:

• Be a citizen and resident of an African country

• Have been accepted into a MINDS preferred institution outside their country of citizenship/residence

• Begin studies within the upcoming academic year

• Have achieved at least 70% in each subject/course over the last two years of study

• Demonstrate leadership potential through personal statements and references

• Submit a complete application with all required documents in PDF format

MINDS Scholarship Program for Leadership Development in Africa 2025 Benefits

•  Tuition

• Accommodation and meals

• One return flight ticket for the full study duration

• A fixed stipend to cover personal expenses

• Exposure to the cultural and academic richness of another African country

MINDS Scholarship Program for Leadership Development in Africa 2025 Program Components

• Full-time Honours or Master’s studies

• Participation in tailored leadership development activities

• Inclusion in a Pan-African network of emerging leaders

• Scholarship coverage may be full or partial, depending on applicant’s profile

MINDS Preferred Institutions

East Africa

• African Leadership University – Rwanda

• Carnegie Mellon University – Rwanda

• Makerere University – Uganda

• Strathmore University – Kenya

Southern Africa

• African Leadership University – Mauritius

• University of Cape Town – South Africa

• University of Mauritius – Mauritius

• University of the Witwatersrand – South Africa

North Africa

• Al Akhawayn University – Morocco

• Université Cadi Ayyad – Morocco

• Université Mohammed V – Morocco

West Africa

• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology – Ghana

• Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School) – Nigeria

• University for Development Studies – Ghana

Application Requirements
Applicants must upload the following (PDF, max 2MB each):

• Passport bio/data page

• Academic transcripts/results from last two years

• Official university acceptance letter stating program, duration, and start year

• Proof of study permit/visa or application (optional)

• CV/resume (max 4 pages)

• Two reference letters addressing integrity, leadership, and commitment to Africa’s development

Selection Criteria

• Academic excellence

• Leadership potential and community engagement

• Alignment with MINDS’ values of Pan-African development

• Preference for students attending institutions outside South Africa

Special Consideration

• Dedicated scholarships are set aside for South African citizens studying elsewhere in Africa

• Priority is given to studies in Actuarial Sciences, Business Sciences, and Accounting at MINDS-listed institutions in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria

Application Process

• Apply online once you’ve received an acceptance letter from a preferred institution

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged

• Incomplete applications or missing documents will result in disqualification