African students looking for scholarship opportunities can find several applications currently open across Europe and beyond. Smardemia has identified four opportunities that are currently accepting applications and has checked the available information against official university or government sources.
The opportunities below cover different levels and fields of study. Applicants should carefully review the individual eligibility requirements before applying.
1. Chevening Scholarships 2027–2028 — United Kingdom
The Chevening Scholarships are among the major scholarship opportunities available to students from eligible countries who want to pursue a one-year Master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
The UK Government’s Chevening programme opened applications for the 2027–2028 academic year on 4 August 2026.
Eligibility
Applicants must be citizens of a Chevening-eligible country or territory. They must also have completed an undergraduate degree that enables them to gain admission to a postgraduate programme at a UK university.
Applicants must have at least 2,800 hours of work experience acquired after completing their undergraduate degree and must meet the other Chevening eligibility requirements.
Successful applicants must also agree to return to their country of award for at least two years after their scholarship ends.
Funding
The Chevening Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
• Full tuition fees
• Return economy-class airfare
• Visa application costs
• Arrival allowance
• Departure allowance
• Travel top-up allowance where applicable
• Monthly living allowance
Degree Level
Master’s degree
Application Deadline
6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the official Chevening application system.
Official Application:
https://www.chevening.org/apply/
Official Scholarship Information:
https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/
Important
Chevening is highly competitive. Applicants should carefully follow the official application requirements and write their own application essays. Chevening states that applicants must not use artificial intelligence to generate their answers.
2. Africa Scholarship Programme — Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands
The Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) at Wageningen University & Research provides an opportunity for talented students from African countries to pursue a Master’s degree in the Netherlands.
The programme is designed to support outstanding African students who want to study at Wageningen University & Research and develop knowledge that can contribute to positive change in Africa.
Eligibility
Applicants must be citizens of an African country and must apply for an eligible Master’s programme at Wageningen University & Research.
Applicants must submit a complete application for an eligible MSc programme before 1 December 2026.
Candidates are expected to have excellent academic performance, with the university stating a minimum GPA equivalent of 80% or a First Class Honours degree.
Applicants must also meet the university’s English-language requirements.
The scholarship is primarily aimed at applicants who do not already hold a Master’s degree.
Funding
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
• Tuition fees for the full 24-month Master’s programme
• Living allowance for the 24-month programme
• Travel to and from the Netherlands
• Visa costs
• Health insurance
Degree Level
Master’s degree
Application Deadline
1 December 2026 for the eligible Master’s programme application.
How to Apply
Applicants first apply for an eligible Master’s programme at Wageningen University & Research.
The Africa Scholarship Programme uses a selection process in which eligible candidates may subsequently be invited to participate in the scholarship selection.
Official Scholarship Information:
https://frontend.prod.wur.nl/en/education/master/study-expenses-masters/scholarships
Important
The Africa Scholarship Programme is not a general scholarship application that every applicant submits separately. Students must first complete the required Master’s programme application and meet the relevant academic requirements.
3. Presidential West African Scholarship Initiative (PWASI) — Ghana
The Presidential West African Scholarship Initiative is a Ghanaian government scholarship initiative designed to provide opportunities for students from West African countries to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at participating public tertiary institutions in Ghana.
The initiative is particularly relevant to Nigerian students because Nigeria is included among the eligible ECOWAS countries.
Priority fields include areas such as Engineering, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Agriculture, Economics, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Law, International Relations and Climate-related studies.
Eligibility
The programme is open to eligible citizens of participating ECOWAS countries, subject to the programme’s specific requirements and nomination process.
Nigeria is listed among the eligible countries.
Degree levels include:
• Undergraduate
• Master’s
• PhD
Funding
The scholarship supports approved study programmes at participating public tertiary institutions in Ghana.
The duration stated in the official notice is:
• Undergraduate — up to 4 years
• Master’s — up to 2 years
• PhD — up to 4 years
Application and Nomination
The programme involves a nomination and endorsement process rather than simply applying through a general international scholarship portal.
Applicants should carefully follow the official instructions for their country and programme.
Important
The official notice indicates a limited number of places for participating countries, including a quota of three for Nigeria. Applicants should therefore confirm the current nomination procedure and deadline directly with the Ghana Scholarships Authority before taking action.
Official Information:
https://www.scholarships.gov.gh/
Important Deadline Notice
Because the PWASI application and nomination arrangements are time-sensitive, applicants should check the Ghana Scholarships Authority’s official information immediately for the latest instructions and applicable deadline.
Final Reminder for Applicants
Scholarship deadlines and requirements can change, and meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
Smardemia recommends that students always verify scholarship information directly through the official university, government or scholarship provider before submitting an application.
Applicants should also avoid paying individuals or unofficial websites that claim they can guarantee scholarship selection.
Smardemia will continue monitoring official sources for legitimate scholarship opportunities relevant to African students.