Here’s a comprehensive guide on STEM Scholarships for African Students in the USA, covering top fully funded and partial opportunities for undergraduate and graduate programs:
STEM Scholarships for African Students in the USA
African students are increasingly pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degrees in the United States due to the strong academic programs, research infrastructure, and abundant scholarship options. Several U.S. universities, foundations, and government programs specifically support talented African students.
🎓 Top Fully Funded & Major STEM Scholarships for African Students
1. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program (Partner Universities)
- Level: Undergraduate and Master’s
- Eligibility: Academically talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa
- Fields Covered: Varies by institution, including Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences, etc.
- Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, travel, living expenses, leadership training
- U.S. Partners Include:
- University of California, Berkeley
- Arizona State University
- How to Apply: Through the university’s admissions process + additional MCF application
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
- Level: Graduate (Master’s or PhD)
- Eligibility: Citizens of African countries with a bachelor’s degree and strong academic background
- Fields Covered: All STEM fields
- Benefits: Full tuition, airfare, stipend, health insurance
- Deadline: Varies by country (typically Feb–May)
- Apply Through: U.S. Embassy or Fulbright Commission in your country
3. African Women in STEM Scholarships (Zawadi Africa)
- Level: Undergraduate
- Eligibility: Young women from East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, etc.)
- Fields Covered: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
- Benefits: Full scholarships in partnership with U.S. universities
- Note: For high-performing students from disadvantaged backgrounds
4. Stanford University – Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- Level: Graduate (MS, PhD)
- Eligibility: Students from all countries, including Africa
- Fields Covered: All graduate STEM programs at Stanford (Engineering, Data Science, Medicine, etc.)
- Benefits: Full tuition, stipend, travel grant, leadership training
- Deadline: October 2024 (for 2025 entry)
- Note: Must apply separately to the Stanford degree program
5. AIMS – Mastercard Foundation Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University Africa (CMU-Africa)
- Level: Master’s (Tech-focused)
- Eligibility: African students with a background in STEM
- Fields Covered: Electrical & Computer Engineering, IT, Data Science
- Location: CMU Africa (Rwanda), but access to U.S. networks and research
- Benefits: Full scholarship, stipend, and leadership development
6. Schlumberger Foundation – Faculty for the Future (for Women)
- Level: PhD and Postdoctoral
- Eligibility: Women from developing countries, including Africa, pursuing advanced degrees in STEM
- Fields Covered: Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, etc.
- Benefits: Full funding (tuition, travel, living expenses, research)
- Deadline: Annually (late fall)
7. MIT – Empowering the Teachers Fellowship (ETT)
- Level: Short-Term Professional/Research Fellowship
- Eligibility: African faculty in STEM from Nigerian universities
- Fields Covered: Engineering, Computer Science, and other technical disciplines
- Benefits: Fully funded semester-long teaching and research residency at MIT
- Goal: Train future faculty in African institutions
🏫 University-Specific Need-Based Aid (Including African Students)
Many top U.S. universities offer need-blind or need-based financial aid to international students, including those from Africa. You must apply for both admission and financial aid by the university deadlines.
Examples:
- Harvard University – Meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students.
- MIT – Offers generous need-based aid to international undergraduates in STEM.
- Yale University – Fully funded financial aid packages for eligible students.
- Columbia University – Offers the Columbia Engineering International Student Scholarship.
🧾 How to Apply
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Identify Target Programs
Choose universities with strong STEM departments and funding for international students. - Meet Academic Requirements
Excellent grades in science/maths and strong letters of recommendation are essential. - Prepare Standardized Test Scores (if required)
- TOEFL/IELTS for English proficiency
- SAT/ACT (some schools are test-optional)
- GRE (for graduate programs, though many have dropped it)
- Apply for Admission + Scholarships/Financial Aid
- Fill out the Common Application or university-specific form
- Submit CSS Profile or institutional financial aid forms
- Submit Scholarship Essays & Personal Statements
Tailor your writing to highlight your STEM passion, goals, and community impact. - Track Deadlines
Most undergraduate applications are due between November–January. Graduate scholarships vary from October–April.
✔️ Final Tips for Success
- Start Early: Prepare at least 12 months in advance of your intended intake.
- Focus on Leadership & Impact: Most scholarships seek future leaders who will use STEM to address real-world challenges.
- Get Help if Needed: Reach out to EducationUSA offices or university advisors in your country for application support.
Would you like a filtered list based on your level of study (undergrad vs. graduate) or help writing your application essays or research proposal?