About the MINDS Scholarship Program 2024
Launched in 2017, the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) Scholarship Program aims to cultivate the next generation of African leaders.
The program promotes continent-wide cooperation by nurturing individuals with a Pan-African perspective to drive broader development.
It focuses on preparing young African leaders to enhance regional unity, which is crucial for sustainable economic growth across the continent.
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The MINDS Scholarship Program allows African students to pursue postgraduate studies in another African country, giving them the opportunity to experience diverse cultures and communities within the continent.
The goal is to develop leaders with a deep understanding of the broader African context, who are capable of advancing a unified and integrated Africa.
Program Highlights
— Postgraduate Focus: Supports full-time, one- or two-year honors or master’s degree programs.
— Pan-African Approach: Recipients study in an African country other than their home nation, promoting cross-cultural exposure and collaboration.
— Leadership Development: Offers leadership training in addition to financial support to prepare future African leaders.
MINDS believes that a collaborative and integrated African economy is crucial for the continent’s accelerated development.
This scholarship empowers students to contribute to Africa’s vision of unity and progress.
What the Scholarship Covers
Depending on whether a full or partial scholarship is awarded, the MINDS Scholarship Program may cover:
— Tuition fees
— Accommodation and meals
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— One return flight ticket during the study period
— A fixed stipend for living expenses
The program does not specify a preferred field of study, allowing applicants to choose from a broad range of disciplines, as long as their studies align with the broader goal of African development.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MINDS Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of an African country and currently reside in any African nation.
- Postgraduate Admission: Candidates must have been formally accepted into a full-time honors or master’s program at one of the MINDS-preferred institutions outside their home country.
- Academic Performance: Applicants must have achieved at least a 70% average in each subject during their last two years of study.
- Leadership Potential: Applicants must demonstrate leadership potential as detailed in the scholarship application form.
- Application Completeness: All required documents must be submitted with a complete online application.
How to Apply for the MINDS Scholarship - Admission Requirement: First, secure admission to a postgraduate program at one of MINDS’ preferred institutions in an African country other than your own.
- Submit Application: After securing admission, submit a complete application through the official MINDS online portal. Be sure to include all required documents, such as academic transcripts, proof of acceptance, a CV, and letters of recommendation.
- Application Deadline: Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
Preferred Institutions
The MINDS Scholarship Program partners with a selection of universities across the continent known for their academic excellence and support for leadership development.
Applicants should review the list of MINDS-preferred institutions when selecting their postgraduate study options.
The MINDS Scholarship Program offers African students a unique opportunity to gain advanced academic knowledge while developing leadership skills crucial for Africa’s development.
If you’re dedicated to contributing to Africa’s growth and want to enhance your leadership potential, this program could be an ideal path for your postgraduate studies.