Introduction
A fully funded masters in UK for African students is possible and more within reach than you might expect. Tuition is paid, rent is covered, and flights are booked. With the right scholarship and a solid plan, you can make it happen.
Here’s a straightforward guide to the top 10 opportunities for 2026. No matter if you’re in Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Kampala, or anywhere else in Africa, we’ve done the research for you. Now it’s your turn to take action.
What “Fully Funded” Actually Means for African Students Pursuing a Masters in the UK
Before we talk about the scholarships, it’s important to clear up a common misunderstanding. Many people use the term “fully funded” in different ways, and not every scholarship with that label will pay for all your expenses.
A truly fully funded master’s scholarship in the UK should cover:
- Full tuition fees — which for international students at UK universities can range from £15,000 to over £40,000 per year
- Monthly living stipend — to cover rent, food, transport, and personal expenses (typically £1,000–£1,700/month depending on city)
- Return airfare — economy-class flights from your home country to the UK and back
- Visa application fees — UK student visas require paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which can cost more than £1,000 per year.
- Health insurance coverage — access to the NHS via the IHS
- Additional allowances — for books, research, conferences, or clothing
Some scholarships pay for tuition and only part of your living expenses, so you would still need to cover your visa, flights, and other costs yourself. Even if they are advertised differently, these are considered “partial” scholarships.
In this guide, we highlight opportunities that offer nearly everything you need, so you can plan with confidence.
Why the UK Is a Top Destination for African Postgrads Seeking Fully Funded Masters
The United Kingdom is a top choice for many African postgraduates, and there are plenty of good reasons for this.
- Global university rankings: The UK is home to universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, and the London School of Economics. These names are recognized and respected in almost every industry around the world.
- One-year master’s programs: In the UK, most taught master’s degrees take just 12 months to complete, while in the US they usually take two years. This means you spend less time away from home and pay less for living expenses.
- Scholarship ecosystem: The UK government, universities, and private foundations offer many scholarships for students from the Global South. African students are often a priority for these programs.
- Cultural and professional networks: The UK has a strong African diaspora community, and most universities have active African student societies. This helps make the transition to studying in the UK easier.
- Post-study work rights: The UK Graduate Route Visa allows international students to stay and work in the UK for two years (three years for PhD graduates) after completing their degree — a valuable bonus for career development.
According to the British Council’s Study UK platform, Several government-backed scholarship programs, such as Chevening and Commonwealth, are now accepting applications for 2026–27. Many African countries are especially eligible to apply.
Top 10 Fully Funded Masters Scholarships in the UK for African Students in 2026
These are the scholarships you should know about. We ranked them by how competitive they are, what they cover, and how relevant they are for African students.
1. Chevening Scholarship
Most ambitious African professionals know about the Chevening Scholarship. Managed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Chevening has changed lives since 1983. It covers a full year of master’s study at any UK university in almost any field.
What it covers:
- Covers the full cost of tuition fees
- Provides a monthly living stipend of £1,378 if you study outside London, or £1,690 if you study in London
- Includes an economy-class return flight
- Covers the visa application fee
- Offers a travel grant to attend Chevening events in the UK
- Provides allowances for your arrival and departure
Eligibility:
- You must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country. All African nations qualify.
- You need at least 2,800 hours of work experience after your undergraduate studies. This is about two years of full-time work.
- You should have an undergraduate degree that meets the entry requirements for a UK master’s program.
- You must apply to three different UK university courses and receive at least one unconditional offer by August 9, 2026.
Key deadlines:
- Applications open: August 2026
- Application deadline: October 7, 2026
- Unconditional offer deadline: July 9, 2026
- Studies begin: October/November 2026
Competition level: competition is extremely high. Each year, more than 50,000 people apply, but only about 1,500 scholarships are given worldwide. This means the acceptance rate is just 2 to 3 percent.
Tip: Chevening looks closely at your leadership skills, your ability to build networks, and your plans for using your degree when you return home. Avoid writing generic essays. Instead, share your own story, be clear, and show confidence.
🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.chevening.org/apply/
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship — For African Students from Developing Countries
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is a leading program from the UK government, run together with UK universities. The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship is designed for students from developing Commonwealth countries, including many in Africa.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees, covered jointly by the UK government and the hosting university
- A monthly allowance to help with living expenses
- Economy-class airfare for your return journey
- A thesis grant is available for research-based programs
- Allowances provided for your arrival and departure
Eligibility:
- You need to be both a citizen and a resident of a developing Commonwealth country.
- You should not have studied or lived in a developed country for more than two years in the past.
- You are expected to have a strong academic record, usually a 2:1 or its equivalent.
- You must be able to show that you have financial need.
Best suited for: Students from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, and other nations included on the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list are eligible.
Tip: This scholarship is mainly for students who would not be able to study in the UK without financial help. Showing financial need is just as important as showing strong academic results.
🔗 APPLY NOW: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-shared-scholarships/
3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
If you want to study at the University of Cambridge, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is widely considered the most prestigious funding opportunity for international students anywhere in the world.
The program began in 2000 after the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation made a historic $210 million donation to Cambridge University. Each year, it awards about 80 full scholarships to outstanding students from outside the UK.
What it covers:
- Covers the full University Composition Fee, which includes tuition
- Provides an annual maintenance allowance of about £21,000
- Includes a return economy-class airfare
- Covers UK visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge
- Offers academic development funding of up to £2,000
- Provides a family allowance if applicable
- Includes health insurance
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be citizens of countries other than the UK.
- You need to have an offer to study full-time in a postgraduate program at Cambridge, such as a Masters, MPhil, MLitt, or PhD.
- You should have an excellent academic record.
- You need to show leadership skills and a commitment to making a positive difference in other people’s lives.
Deadlines:
- International applicants (including African students): December 2026/January 2027, depending on your preferred course
- US citizens: October
Competition level: This program is extremely competitive, with only about 1.2% of thousands of applicants from around the world being accepted.
Tip: Gates Cambridge looks for more than just strong grades. They also want to see a real commitment to helping others. In your personal statement, be sure to highlight this with specific examples from your own experience.
🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.gatescambridge.org/programme/the-scholarship/
4. GREAT Scholarships Across— 18 African-Eligible Countries
The GREAT Scholarships program is a partnership between the British Council, UK universities, and the UK government’s GREAT Britain Campaign. It provides scholarships to talented students from 18 eligible countries, including several in Africa.
What it covers:
- You will receive at least £10,000 to help cover your tuition fees. Some universities may even cover the full amount.
- Some scholarships also help with living expenses.
Eligible African countries include: Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, and others (varies by year).
Eligibility:
- You need to be a citizen and resident of an eligible country.
- You should be applying for a one-year taught master’s program at a participating UK university.
- You are expected to have a strong academic background.
Tip: You can now apply for the 2026–27 scholarships. Since each university has different eligibility and coverage, visit the British Council’s official GREAT Scholarships page to find the best option for your subject and school.
🔗 APPLY NOW: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/scholarships-funding
5. AfOx Graduate Scholarship (Africa Oxford Initiative)
The AfOx Graduate Scholarships at the University of Oxford offer one of the most generous and focused opportunities for African students. This program, created with the Mastercard Foundation, Standard Bank, and the Oppenheimer Fund, supports outstanding African graduates who want to pursue a fully funded master’s degree at Oxford.
What it covers:
- Full coverage of Oxford course fees
- Grant provided for living expenses
- Round-trip airfare to and from the UK
- Custom training programs, networking opportunities, and mentorship support
Sub-awards include:
- Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarships — for students from underrepresented African communities, including women, refugees, and people with disabilities
- Standard Bank Africa’s Chairman Scholarship — for African students with leadership potential
- Oppenheimer Fund Scholarships — for applicants who previously studied at a South African university
- AfOx Duncan Scholarship — for students from Southern Africa (SADC region) on the MSc in African Studies
- AfOx Corpus Christi Scholarship — for African female students on the MSc in African Studies
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen of an African country
- Applying to a full-time one-year taught master’s at Oxford
- No separate application required — eligible applicants are automatically considered
Deadlines: Application periods run from September to January, depending on the course. First, apply to your chosen Oxford course. You will then be automatically considered for AfOx funding.
🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.afox.ox.ac.uk/education
6. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Cambridge
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cambridge offers fully funded master’s degrees to students from underrepresented African communities.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Living costs
- Flights and visa support
- Leadership development programming
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be African students who come from underrepresented communities.
- Candidates need to have an offer to study full-time in a master’s program at Cambridge.
- Priority will be given to candidates who are refugees or displaced, women pursuing STEM fields, and people with disabilities.
Application: Apply through your chosen Cambridge course. Funding consideration is built into the admissions process.
🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.masters.cam.ac.uk/funding/mastercard-foundation-scholars-program
7. University of Glasgow African Excellence Award Scholarship
The University of Glasgow African Excellence Award offers full tuition fee waivers to African students who begin a one-year taught master’s program in any subject during the 2026/27 academic year.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fee waiver
Eligibility:
- You need to be an international student from Africa.
- You should be starting a one-year taught master’s program at the University of Glasgow in the 2026/27 academic year.
- The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit. You do not need to submit a separate application, as all eligible students are automatically considered when they are admitted.
Number of awards: Up to 16 scholarships available for 2026/27.
Tip: If you are shortlisted for an interview, we will contact you by july 8, 2026. Please focus on submitting a strong admission application.
🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.gla.ac.uk/scholarships/universityofglasgowafricanexcellenceaward/
8. Aston University Ferguson Scholarship
The Aston University Ferguson Scholarship 2026 offers three fully funded scholarships for students from Africa and India.
What it covers:
- Full tuition cover (valued at £22,500)
- £6,000 additional contribution toward living costs
Eligibility:
- Nationals and residents of Africa
- Applying for a September 2026 program at Aston University (Birmingham)
Deadline: July 29, 2026
🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.aston.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships/ferguson-scholarship
9. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries)
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarships for Least Developed Countries mainly support PhD studies, but they also offer opportunities for African students from countries listed as “least developed” by the OECD Development Assistance Committee. Countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Mali, and Niger are eligible.
What it covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Return airfare
- Research and thesis support grants
Eligibility:
- Applicants must be citizens of Commonwealth countries that are considered least developed or vulnerable.
- You should have a strong academic record.
- Applicants need to show a clear commitment to returning home and helping with their country’s development.
10. UCL and Edinburgh African Graduate Scholarships
Several major UK universities run their own Africa-specific scholarship programs:
- UCL African Graduate Scholarships — Needs-based funding for African students with strong academic merit applying to master’s programs within UCL’s Institute for Global Health. 🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships/african-graduate-scholarships
- University of Edinburgh African Scholarships — Merit-based graduate scholarships for African students pursuing a master’s or PhD at the University of Edinburgh. 🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/postgraduate/international/africa/africa
- Ruth First Scholarship at Durham University — Available to students from Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/finance/scholarships/ruth-first/
- Canon Collins Trust Commonwealth Scholarships — Specifically for nationals of Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, or Zambia for master’s or PhD programs at UK universities. 🔗 APPLY NOW: https://www.canoncollins.org/scholarships/
Scholarship Comparison Table: Fully Funded Masters in UK for African Students 2026
| Scholarship | Host University | Coverage | Eligible African Countries | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening | Any UK University | Full (tuition + stipend + flights + visa) | All African nations | Oct 7, 2025 |
| Commonwealth Shared | Participating UK Universities | Full | Developing Commonwealth nations | Varies |
| Gates Cambridge | University of Cambridge | Full (tuition + £21,000 stipend + flights) | All (non-UK) | Dec/Jan |
| GREAT Scholarships | Multiple UK Universities | Partial–Full (min £10,000) | 18 eligible countries incl. Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya | Open now |
| AfOx Graduate (Oxford) | University of Oxford | Full (tuition + living + flight) | All African countries | Sep–Jan |
| Mastercard Foundation @ Cambridge | University of Cambridge | Full | African underrepresented communities | Course deadline |
| Glasgow African Excellence | University of Glasgow | Tuition waiver only | All African countries | Automatic |
| Aston Ferguson Scholarship | Aston University | Full (£22,500 tuition + £6,000 living) | Africa | May 29, 2026 |
| Commonwealth PhD (LDC) | UK Universities | Full | Least developed Commonwealth states | Varies |
| UCL/Edinburgh African Scholarships | UCL / Edinburgh | Partial–Full | Varies by institution | Varies |
Eligibility Checklist: Am I Ready to Apply for a Fully Funded Masters in UK For African Students?
Before you start your application, run through this checklist:
- ✅ I am a citizen and/or resident of an African country
- ✅ I hold a bachelor’s degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) from a recognized institution
- ✅ My chosen scholarship requires work experience, and I have at least 2 years (Chevening-specific)
- ✅ I have a clear career plan and can articulate how this master’s degree fits into it
- ✅ I am applying for a full-time, campus-based, one-year taught master’s program (not distance learning)
- ✅ I have identified the right scholarship for my nationality, subject area, and financial situation
- ✅ I have at least two strong referees (academic or professional) willing to write on my behalf
- ✅ My English language skills meet the requirements of my chosen UK university (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Step-by-Step Application Guide for Fully Funded Masters In UK For African Students
Applying for a scholarship is a process, not an event. Here’s how to approach it strategically:
Step 1: Research your scholarship options (3–6 months before deadline)
- Look for scholarships that fit your nationality, academic background, and subject area
- Read all the eligibility criteria carefully. Don’t assume you qualify without checking.
- Find out when the application deadlines are and plan your steps so you finish everything on time.
Step 2: Choose your UK universities and programs
- If you are applying for Chevening, make sure to choose and apply to three different eligible UK master’s programs.
- For Cambridge scholarships, start by finding your department and submitting your program application first.
- You can use the British Council’s Study UK portal to look for programs.
Step 3: Contact your referees early
- Most scholarships ask for two or three reference letters.
- Let your referees know at least six to eight weeks in advance.
- Tell them about the scholarship’s values and what you hope they can highlight in their letter.
Step 4: Prepare your personal statement / essays
- This part often decides whether applicants get the scholarship or not.
- Be specific by including real examples, numbers, and outcomes.
- Make sure each essay matches the values that the scholarship highlights.
- If you are applying for Chevening, focus on your leadership skills, networking abilities, and your plan to return home.
- For Gates Cambridge: emphasize your commitment to improving others’ lives
- For AfOx, talk about your connection to Africa and share your vision for development.
Step 5: Gather your documents
- A valid passport with at least 18 months left before it expires
- Certified copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificates
- An updated CV or résumé, no longer than two pages
- English language test scores, such as IELTS or an equivalent, unless you have a waiver
- Proof of work experience if you are applying for Chevening
- A research proposal if you are applying to a research-based program
Step 6: Submit your applications on time
- Don’t wait until the last day to submit your work. Technical problems can come up unexpectedly.
- Make sure to keep copies of everything you turn in.
- Keep all your deadlines in one place, like a document or calendar.
Step 7: Prepare for interviews
- Chevening, Gates Cambridge, and AfOx scholarships all require interviews as part of their selection process.
- Take time to practice answering questions about your leadership experience, your career goals, and your reasons for choosing the UK.
- Before your interview, learn about the scholarship’s alumni and core values.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for Fully Funded Masters In UK For African Students
It’s just as important to know what to avoid as it is to know what to do. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
- Submitting a generic personal statement. Scholarship panels go through thousands of applications. If your essay is too general, it will likely be rejected right away. Make sure to share your unique story and let your personality show.
- Missing the work experience requirement. A lot of students miss the 2,800-hour requirement for Chevening. Make sure to add up your hours carefully. You can include part-time and voluntary work.
- Applying to ineligible programs. Distance learning, part-time, and programs longer than 12 months are not eligible for many UK scholarships. Always check.
- Choosing referees who don’t know you well. A reference letter from a well-known professor is not as helpful as a strong, enthusiastic letter from someone who truly understands your work.
- Not applying to enough universities. If your target scholarship requires three university course choices (like Chevening), actually apply to all three. Don’t leave opportunities on the table.
- Underestimating the competition. Even exceptional candidates get rejected. Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously to improve your chances.
- Waiting for a scholarship before applying to universities. For most UK scholarships, you should be admitted to a university course, or at least be applying for one, before or at the same time as you apply for the scholarship. Apply for both together, not one after the other.
FAQs: About Fully Funded Masters in UK for African Students
Q: Can I apply for multiple UK scholarships at the same time?
Yes, you should definitely apply for several scholarships at the same time. If you get more than one offer, just choose the one that fits you best and let the others know you won’t be accepting.
Q: Do I need an IELTS score for UK scholarships?
It varies. Chevening does not ask for an English language test when you apply for the scholarship, but your chosen UK university will require one. Gates Cambridge and Commonwealth Scholarships use the language rules set by the university you apply to. Make sure to check the specific requirements for each university.
Q: Is there an age limit for UK scholarship applicants?
Most UK scholarships, such as Chevening and Gates Cambridge, do not have an upper age limit. Selection focuses on merit, experience, and potential, not age.
Q: Do I need to have a master’s degree to apply?
No, most fully funded master’s scholarships in the UK are available to students with a bachelor’s degree. If you already have a master’s degree, you can still apply for many programs, but it’s important to review the specific rules for each scholarship.
Q: What happens if my scholarship doesn’t cover all my expenses?
Some scholarships pay for tuition but not living expenses, so you may need to cover those costs yourself. You can look into extra grants from your home government, university bursaries, or work part-time in the UK (up to 20 hours a week during term time) if your student visa allows it.
Q: When should I start preparing my scholarship application?
It’s best to start preparing 6 to 12 months before your application deadline. This way, you’ll have enough time to find referees, write your essays, gather documents, and apply to UK universities.
Conclusion: On Fully Funded Masters in UK For African Students
It has never been easier for African students to find a clear path to a fully funded master’s degree in the UK. The scholarships in this guide are not rare opportunities for only a select few. They are real, well-organized, and well-funded programs that have already changed the lives of tens of thousands of African graduates, from Lagos to Nairobi and Accra to Johannesburg.
The difference between scholars who are accepted and those who aren’t often isn’t about intelligence or having a perfect GPA. It comes down to being prepared, having clear goals, and sharing an honest, engaging story about yourself, your experiences, and your ambitions.
Begin your applications as soon as you can. Apply for several scholarships. Make sure your essays reflect your unique experiences. If you face rejection, keep trying. Many successful Chevening and Gates Cambridge scholars applied more than once before they were chosen.
You really do have the chance to study at Oxford, Cambridge, Glasgow, or another top UK university with full funding. Go for it.
For the most up-to-date scholarship listings and application portals, always check official sources directly. keep an eye here for the latest scholarships updates and alerts.