Top 40 International Scholarships for Women in Africa and Developing Countries

Top Scholarships for African and Developing Country Women

If societal advancement is to be achieved, academic upliftment of women must be given priority due to their pivotal role(s) in the society. However, ever increasing fees and scarce financial support make this a tough goal. Through scholarships, women can pursue higher education and research in diverse fields like the Sciences, Engineering, Information Technology, Computer Science, Business and Finance, and Peace and Development studies.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Study & Scholarships has updated its list of scholarships for women to help advance their careers and take up leadership roles for the benefit of their communities. The list cuts across various fields for undergraduate, graduate and research level. [also see our complete list of Women Scholarships; Or other Scholarship Lists.]

Top Scholarships for Developing Country Women

  1. Forte MBA Fellows Program for Women
    The Forté Fellows Program was created with the intention of increasing the number of women applying to and enrolling in MBA programs by offering fellowships to women pursuing a full-time, part-time or executive MBA education at sponsor business schools. In addition to the financial support provided through fellowships awarded by Forté member schools, fellows gain exposure to leading companies in the Forté network.

    OTHER MBA SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN:
    => HEC Foundation MBA Scholarships for African and Asian Women
    => Nestle MBA Scholarships for Women
    => ESMT Global Women’s Scholarship
    => University of Queensland MBA Women Students Scholarships

  2. UNESCO-L'Oreal Fellowships For Women in Science
    Each year, L’Oreal in partnership with UNESCO, awards fellowships to women researchers pursuing doctoral or post-doctoral research programs in various fields within the life sciences, such as neurobiology, genetics, ecology and biotechnology at recognized research institutions worldwide. Depending on the country, the Fellowships are worth $15,000-$60,000...read more.

  3. PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women
    The International Peace Scholarship Fund is a program which provides scholarships for selected women from other countries for graduate study in the United States and Canada. The maximum scholarship amount for one (1) year of study is $12,500, based upon need. Lesser amounts may be awarded according to individual need...read more.

  4. Hertha Firnberg Program for Highly Qualified Female Scientists
    The Austrian Science Fund offers extremely well qualified female scientists in any science discipline who are working towards a career in universities the chance of a two-stage funding for a total of six years. The length of sponsorship is 36 months (up to 12 months therefrom can be spent at research facilities abroad). The value is 63.510 € personnel costs per year plus 12,000 € p.a. for material, travel, assistance etc...read more.

  5. Young Women in Public Affairs Award
    The Young Women in Public Affairs Award recognizes young women, ages 16-19, who demonstrate superior leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life. District recipients receive US$1,000 each, while international recipients are selected from the district/region recipients and receive awards of US$4,000 each. Applications for the YWPA Award usually commence 1 August and deadlines are as assigned by the applicant's local Zonta club...read more.

  6. Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund for Women
    The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMMF) awards grants to women from developing and middle-income countries to further their education and strengthen the professional and leadership skills they need to improve the lives of women and children. Currently the MMMF manages education grants programs in three regions: US/Canada, South Africa and Latin America. An MMMF grant covers only a portion of the total costs for an academic year..

  7. Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships for Women
    The Faculty for the Future program, launched in 2004, awards fellowships to women from developing and emerging economies to pursue PhD or Post-doctorate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines at leading universities worldwide. The grants are based on actual study and living costs up to a maximum of $50,000 for PhDs and $40,000 for Post-doctoral study per year...read more.

  8. AAUW International Fellowships for Women
    AAUW (formerly known as the American Association of University Women) awards International Fellowships for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not United States citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate study at accredited institutions are supported. The scholarship values are $18,000 (Master’s/first Professional Fellowship), $20,000 (Doctorate Fellowship) and $30,000. Applications are open August 1 till December 1 (Postdoctoral Fellowship)...read more.

  9. WAAW Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships for African Women
    The WAAW Foundation aims to increase the number of African women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math related fields, and ensure that this talent is engaged in African innovation. WAAW offers its scholarship program for need-based female Africans admitted to any University, College or institute of higher learning in Africa. Scholarships are renewable annually following proof of continued academic performance. Applications typically start August 1 every year...read more.

  10. Australian Government Award Scholarships for Africans
    The Australia Awards in Africa is a pan-African program of development scholarships and fellowships offering 1,000 postgraduate scholarships to eligible Africans. It is a FULLY-sponsored award, thus covers full financial support for Masters, PhD and Short term professional training courses in various fields. Applications from women are strongly encouraged, and mechanisms are in place to support women applicants and awardees. Applications are typically accepted over a 4 month period from September to December each year...read more

  11. FINCAD Finance Scholarship for Women Worldwide
    The annual FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship encourages and supports outstanding women in the field of finance to pursue graduate-level masters or doctoral studies. Women of any age and from any country of the world may apply. The value of the scholarship is an award of US$10,000. Applications typically end first quarter of the year, usually February...read more.

  12. Professor De Winter Scholarships for Women
    The University of Twente offers the Professor De Winter Master’s Scholarships in Netherlands for Female Students of both Non-EU/EEA and EU/EEA Countries. Eligible courses have a duration of two years, and students receive additional scholarship amount equal to that in the first year to cover the expenses of the second year, if the students meet the requirement. The value is €7,500 per year...read more.

  13. Swansea University Eira Francis Davies Scholarship
    The Eira Francis Davies Scholarship is offered to female students who are admitted to pursue an undergraduate or a Taught Master’s postgraduate course within the College of Human and Health Sciences at Swansea University. They must be ordinarily resident in a qualifying developing country. The award is a full tuition fee scholarship, and applications typically end July...read more.

  14. Google Anita Borg Scholarships
    The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship targets female students from Europe, Middle East and Africa. Through the scholarship, Google aims to encourage women to excel in computing and technology, and become active role models and leaders. Recipients will each receive a financial aid scholarship. In addition, all finalists and scholarship recipients are invited to a retreat at at Google. Deadline to apply is usually within first quarter of the year, typically February 1...read more.

  15. Microsoft Research Graduate Women’s Fellowships
    The Microsoft Research Women’s Fellowship provides funding to a select list of academic universities that will each award a US$20,000 fellowship to one woman who is interested in pursuing a PhD and in need of financial assistance...read more.

    => Also Adobe Research Undergraduate Women in Technology Scholarship is open to undergraduate female students in any accredited university worldwide studying Computer science, Computer Engineering or a closely related technical field. The award includes a $10,000 award, a Creative Cloud subscription membership, an Adobe Research mentor, and an internship opportunity at Adobe.

  16. The Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowship
    The Dorothy Marchus Senesh Fellowship provides two biennial fellowships awarded to two women from the developing world for studies in the field of peace and development studies at any accredited institution around the world. The Fellowships provide $5,000 per year for two years, for a total of $10,000 each...read more.

  17. Oprah Winfrey African Women Public Service Fellowship
    The African Women Public Service Fellowship program offers postgraduate master and executive master level support to eligible women from Africa to attend the New York University Wagner Institution, which offers an exceptional program to help women expand their Public Service in their home countries. The award supports tuition, housing, travel to and from the USA and a small stipend to cover books and miscellaneous expenses...read more.

  18. MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at Wellesley College
    As part of the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, Wellesley College USA will provide a number of African women with comprehensive support that includes scholarships, mentoring, counseling, and internship opportunities. All courses offered at the College are eligible, and the scholarship is a FULL award covering the whole duration of the program...read more.

  19. OWSD Postgraduate Training Fellowships for Women Scientists
    The Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) instituted this fellowship for female applicants from Sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to pursue postgraduate training, leading to a PhD at centres of excellence in developing countries outside their own country. Each fellowship is offered for up to 3 years and cover travel expenses, monthly stipend for accommodation and meals, visa, medical insurance, international conference/training course and a workshop. Applications typically end May or July each year...read more.

  20. Amelia Earhart Fellowship for Women in Aerospace-related Sciences and Engineering
    Established in 1938 in honor of famed pilot and Zontian, Amelia Earhart, the Amelia Earhart Fellowship is awarded annually to 35 women pursuing Ph.D./doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering at any university or college offering accredited post-graduate courses and degrees in these fields. The fellowship is worth US$10,000...read more

  21. Campbell Fellowship for Women from Developing Nations
    The Campbell Fellowship is available for a female social scientist from a developing nation whose work addresses women’s economic and social empowerment in that nation. This is a 6-months fellowship with $4,500/month stipend and housing; office space on the SAR campus; travel, shipping, and library resource funds; health insurance; and support of a mentoring committee of established scholar-practitioners. Application deadline is November 1 each year...read more.

  22. INSEAD Alumni Fund Women's Scholarships
    The IAF Women's Scholarships support INSEAD's commitment to bring outstanding women professionals to the MBA Programme and to increase representation of women in leadership positions in the business community. Some 10 to 15 awards are made per class and most are allocated at the time of admission based on merit. The value of the scholarship award is up to € 15,000...read more

    => Also see the INSEAD MBA Class Reunion Scholarships. These Class Reunion Scholarships support INSEAD's commitment to bringing talented young men and women from emerging/developing countries to INSEAD, as well as endorsing the socio-economic diversity of the MBA programme. The value of the award is between €5,000 to €15,000...read more.

  23. Google Women Techmakers (Global Event Series)
    Women Techmakers is Google's global program and brand for women in technology. Kicking off in 2012, it is led by Women in Technology Advocate and a global team of Googlers who are passionate about empowering women in technology through increased visibility, community, and resources. Summits and meetups which cater to local communities of women in technology are arranged worldwide and feature hands-on coding workshops, inspiring speakers, and networking opportunities...read more.

  24. CCA Women's Mentorship Program
    The Canadian Co-operative Association offers the Women's Mentorship Program as an annual training event providing women credit union managers of overseas financial cooperatives with a unique opportunity for professional development. Participants are matched up with credit unions in Canada for 10 days during which they are immersed in the credit union; receiving general leadership training and learning the ins-and-outs of day to day operations. Canadian credit union managers volunteer time, training materials, transportation and accommodation for the overseas participants.

  25. Peace Corp Young Women's Scholarship Program
    The Young Women's Scholarship Program was created in an effort to help ease the financial burden of students with outstanding academic and leadership potential who are facing difficulties finding the money to stay in school because they have an international student visa, and are not allowed to seek outside employment to finance their education in the USA. The program provides financial support of $2000 to young women entering their junior or senior year at a participating school...read more.

    => Also see Nigerian Girls Scholarship Fund. This program provides financial assistance to needy girls entering senior secondary school in Kano and Katsina states of northern Nigeria, where the number of girls out of school is extremely high. The program supports the scholarship recipients until they graduate

  26. NWAG Scholarships in Nigeria for Female Students
    The Nigerian Women Association of Georgia awards 37 one-time scholarships, one per state of origin as well as one for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Nigerian female undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. The value of the award is in the amount of fifty thousand Naira each. Applications normally open in March, and should typically be received by end of May... read more.

    => Also see NWAG Scholarships in Georgia for Nigerian Undergraduate female students who are high school students living in the United States. The value of the award is five hundred dollars ($500.00) given to each successful applicant. Applications normally open in March, and should typically be received by end of May.

  27. SLA Accelerator Program for Female Nigerian Entrepreneurs
    The SLA Accelerator is a 3-month program designed to identify, support and fund the next generation of Nigeria’s brightest female entrepreneurs. The winner will receive a 2 million naira investment from She Leads Africa Fund. In addition, there will be media attention to raise your local and international profile, direct access to Nigeria’s best business minds and a 3-months of hands on support from a team of experts...read more.

  28. World Bank Scholarships for Female Nigerian Entrepreneurs
    The Women-x Programme offers women entrepreneurs in Nigeria the opportunity to learn further about the business playing field through online and in-class training. Participants will also be given the opportunity to join a solid female entrepreneurs network where they can be mentored...read more.

  29. Graca Machel Scholarships for Southern African Women
    The Graca Machel Scholarship helps provide the female human resources necessary for development in the Southern African region for an educated and skilled workforce that can benefit the wider community. It covers full tuition, stipend, mentoring and other support for Honours, masters and PhD study at universities in the UK and South Africa. Applications normally open in June and close in August for study in South Africa, or in December for study in the UK...read more.
    => [Applicants wishing to pursue graduate study in South Africa may also apply for a Canon Collins Scholarship open to both men and women]

  30. SAWISE Angus Scholarships for Sub-Saharan African Women
    Each year, the Association of South African Women in Science and Engineering (SAWISE) awards the Angus Scholarship to a Sub-Saharan black woman. Scholarships are for full time study at undergraduate level in Science or Engineering at any South African University. The value is R10 000 per annumn. Application deadline is 15 November every year...read more.

    => Also see the SAWISE Hope Scholarships. SAWISE and the Hope Network offers the SAWISE Hope scholarship to young South African women, preferably in the sciences and/or related field (medicals included). Preference will be given to a candidate experiencing financial difficulty or distress. The scholarship is for one year full time study, and recipient will receive R10,000. Applications close on 15 November each year.

  31. Wangari Maathai Scholarship for Female Kenyans
    The Wangari Maathai Scholarship Fund is an environmental innovations fund which will be awarded annually starting from the 2013 academic year and onwards. Every year, tertiary education scholarship will be awarded to a young woman aged 18 to 25 years, who has demonstrated passion and personal commitment to environmental conservation projects. The scholarship is limited to applicants who have enrolled in a Kenyan University...read more.

  32. Elise Richter Programme in Austria
    The Austrian Science Fund (FWF) is offering extremely well qualified female scientists who are working towards a career in universities the chance of a two-stage funding for a total of six years. Award covers personnel costs (€70000+) and project specific costs (up to €15000 per year) as outlined in the proposal. Deadline is in December...read more.

  33. The Maria Pia Gratton International Award
    The Maria Pia Gratton International Award is intended to enable a female graduate student from outside the USA to have an academic and cultural experience at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois). Preference is given to students who have limited opportunity to travel outside their home country. Award provides a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend for the academic year. Deadline is in February...read more.
Related: More International Scholarships for Women

3 comments:

  1. Nice article, Its really a very informative posting indeed.Resources like the one you mentioned here will be very useful to me!

    ReplyDelete
  2. What of for men, do men not have the opportunity of such scholarships?

    ReplyDelete