Mandela Institute MINDS Scholarship 2026: Are you an African student willing to pursue postgraduate studies within the continent if funded?
The Mandela Institute Scholarship for Leadership Development is a fully funded scholarship for young leaders with a development mindset for their countries especially for the African continent.
The entirety of the costs of your tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and daily meals during the corresponding academic period are covered by the MINDS scholarship.
MINDS, through its tailored leadership development initiatives, aspires to cultivate leaders with a continental development mindset, fostering collaboration and unity among African nations.
This article will provide with all the details of eligibility, requirements, benefits, and how to apply for the MINDS Scholarship. Read on if you are interested.
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Mandela Institute MINDS Scholarship 2026 Abstract
- Scholarship Host: Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)
- Category: Scholarships || Study Abroad || Study-In-Africa ||Â Postgraduate Scholarships || Masters ScholarshipsÂ
- Benefits: Full Scholarship
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Living Stipends
- Travel Costs
- Meals
- Eligibility: African Countries
- Deadline: Not Specified
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Mandela Institute MINDS Scholarship Details
The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa was successfully launched in 2017, bringing to realisation our vision of developing young leaders who have a continent-wide development mindset and leaders who can facilitate greater cooperation between African countries.
The Mandela Institute Scholarship 2026 Programme enables African students to study in an African country other than their home country and in this way immerse themselves in richness and diversity that the country and its communities has to offer.
By broadening access to education, we see the expansion of openness to ideas and the creation of a network of like-minded leaders who will help promote the performance and tangible progress of our continent.Â
Mandela Institute Scholarship 2026 Requirements
To be considered for a Mandela Institute Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a national of an African country, residing within the continent.
- Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s outside of your country of citizenship and/ or residency
- Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s to pursue postgraduate studies within the following year
- Attain a minimum of 70% in each subject/course in the last two completed years of study.
- Demonstrate leadership abilities or potential, responding to specified questions in the application form.
- Submit a comprehensive online application with the required supporting documents.
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Participating Universities for Mandela Institute Scholarship 2026
To be eligible to receive a Mandela Institute Scholarship 2026, an applicant must have been accepted to study at one of the following institutions:
EAST AFRICA
- African Leadership University, Rwanda
- Carnegie Mellon University in Rwanda, 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 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 of Development Studies, Ghana
MINDS Scholarships Benefits and Timeline
Number of Awardees
The number of MINDS scholarship awardees is not specified, providing an open opportunity for numerous deserving individuals to be part of this transformative program.
Value of Scholarship
The MINDS scholarship covers various expenses, depending on whether it’s a partial or full scholarship. It includes:
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation and meals.
- One return ticket per duration of studies.
- A fixed stipend to support living expenses.
Duration of Scholarship
MINDS scholarships apply to full-time studies for a one or two-year Honors or Master’s degree at MINDS preferred institutions. The list of these institutions can be found on the official program webpage.
Required Documents for Nelson Mandela Institute Scholarship 2026
While applying for the 2026 Nelson Mandela Institute Scholarship 2026, you will be required to submit the following documents;
- A copy of the data/ bio page of your passport.
- A certified academic transcript/ results slip of the last two years of study.
- A copy of the official acceptance letter from the university. The letter must:
- Be addressed to the applicant.
- State the degree to which the applicant has been accepted to study.
- State the academic year in which the degree will commence.
- State the duration of the course (e.g., one year).
- A copy of a valid study permit or visa, OR proof of application. (Optional)
- A detailed CV/ Resume of not more than four (4) single-sided pages.
- Two reference letters (of not more than 3 pages each) addressing the applicant’s demonstration of integrity, their competency and/or potential as a leader, and their commitment to the development of the African continent.
How To Apply for Mandela Institute MINDS Scholarship 2026
Follow these steps to kickstart your leadership journey with Mandela Institute MINDS Scholarship Program:
- Visit the MINDS scholarship webpage for detailed insights.
- Click on the provided link to submit your application.
- Prepare scanned copies of necessary documents in PDF format.
- Upload documents, including passport, academic transcripts, acceptance letter, study permit, CV, and reference letters.
