Top 10 Best Scholarships for Orphans in Africa 2026 (Fully Funded)
Being an orphan in Africa should never mean the end of your educational dreams. Yet for millions of young people across the continent who have lost one or both parents, the path to university can feel completely out of reach — not because of lack of ability or ambition, but simply because there is no one to pay the bills.
If you are an orphan or a vulnerable young person in Africa with big dreams but limited financial support, here is something powerful to know: there are scholarships out there that were created specifically with you in mind. Real, legitimate, fully funded scholarships that cover your tuition, your accommodation, your flights, and your living expenses — giving you everything you need to focus on your studies and build the future you deserve.
In this guide, we have put together the top 10 best scholarships for orphans in Africa in 2026 — covering who they are for, what they offer, who qualifies, and exactly where to apply. Read every single one carefully. One of these scholarships could change your life forever.
1. Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship
Type: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship Open To: Orphans from Sub-Saharan Africa (45 eligible countries) Study Destination: Top universities worldwide — Japan, USA, UK, France, and more Official Apply Link: https://www.ashinaga.org/en/our-work/ashinaga-africa-initiative/apply-to-the-aai/
If there is one scholarship in the world that was built exclusively for orphans, it is the Ashinaga Africa Initiative. Founded in Japan in 1963, Ashinaga is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting orphaned children, and the Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) — launched in 2014 — is their most powerful programme on the African continent.
Every year, Ashinaga searches for brilliant orphaned students from Sub-Saharan Africa who have the potential to change their countries but cannot afford to go to university without financial help. Selected students are invited to participate in a six-month residential study camp (called Kokorojuku) held in Uganda and Senegal, where they receive intensive preparation in academics and language before being placed at highly ranked universities around the world.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Full university tuition fees
- Accommodation costs (during term and vacation periods)
- Return flight ticket between home country and study country
- Monthly living stipend (amount varies by country — for example, €400 per month for students studying in France)
- Health insurance
- Installation and settling-in costs
- Leadership development and mentorship throughout the programme
Who Can Apply?
- Must have lost one or both parents
- Must be a citizen of one of the 45 eligible Sub-Saharan African countries (including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Senegal, and many more)
- Must have recently completed secondary school and received national examination results
- Must be born after 1st September 2002
- Must have no means to attend university abroad without external financial support
- Must be proficient in English, French, or Portuguese
- Must be committed to returning to Sub-Saharan Africa after graduation to contribute to development
Important Note for Anglophone Countries: Starting from August 2024, Ashinaga no longer opens direct applications for students from English-speaking (Anglophone) African countries. Instead, they partner with selected secondary schools in each Anglophone country to identify eligible students. If you are from an Anglophone country like Nigeria, Ghana, or Kenya, reach out to your school administration or monitor the Ashinaga website to find out if your school is a partner.
Students from Francophone and Lusophone countries can still apply directly through the official website.
The Ashinaga Africa Initiative selects approximately one student per eligible country each cycle — making it one of the most selective and prestigious scholarship opportunities for African orphans in the world.
2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Type: Fully Funded Undergraduate and Postgraduate Scholarship Open To: Economically disadvantaged young Africans (orphans and vulnerable youth highly prioritised) Study Destinations: Multiple universities in Africa and globally Official Apply Link: https://mastercardfdn.org/all/scholars/
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is one of the largest and most impactful scholarship initiatives in Africa. Since its launch in 2012, it has supported nearly 40,000 young Africans in pursuing secondary and tertiary education. Its stated mission is to ensure that every young person — whatever their background — has access to quality education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
While the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is open to all economically disadvantaged African students, orphans and vulnerable youth are explicitly prioritised in the selection process. The programme targets young people who face significant social and financial barriers — and that definition very much includes young people who have lost parents and lack family financial support.
The programme operates through partnerships with top universities across Africa and the world, including:
- Makerere University (Uganda)
- University of Pretoria (South Africa)
- University of Cape Town
- African Leadership University (Rwanda)
- University of Global Health Equity (Rwanda)
- Sciences Po (France)
- McGill University (Canada)
- University of Oxford (UK)
- And many more
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Travel costs
- Laptop and study materials
- Monthly living stipend
- Health insurance
- Leadership development programme
- Career mentorship and post-graduation support
Who Can Apply?
- Must be an African citizen or resident
- Must be academically talented but economically disadvantaged
- Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to Africa’s development
- Orphans, refugees, persons with disabilities, and women from rural communities are especially encouraged to apply
- Specific age and academic requirements vary by university partner — check the individual partner university’s page
To apply, visit the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program page and select the specific university partner whose programme best matches your academic level and goals.
3. Global Orphan Relief (GO!) Scholarship Program
Type: Partial to Full Scholarship (Primary, Secondary, and Higher Levels) Open To: Orphans in Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and other African countries Official Website: https://globalorphanrelief.org/projects/scholarships
The Global Orphan Relief (GO!) Scholarship Program was launched in 2015 with a simple but powerful mission: to make sure that no orphaned child in Africa misses school simply because no one can pay the fees. GO! currently supports hundreds of orphaned children across Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and other African countries, paying for school fees, uniforms, textbooks, and other necessary materials.
GO! currently supports over 485 children across multiple schools in Kenya and Zambia — including children in the Kayole slum of Nairobi, the village of Ulutya, and schools across Zambia’s Southern and North-Western Provinces. In Zambia alone, the organisation has invested over $250,000 in supporting orphaned children’s education.
What GO! Covers:
- School fees (primary and secondary)
- School uniforms
- Textbooks and school supplies
- Monthly care support for children in school
Who Can Apply?
- Must be an orphan (lost one or both parents)
- Must be based in one of GO!’s operational countries in Africa
- Priority is given to children who cannot otherwise afford schooling
GO! primarily identifies eligible children through its local partnerships and community networks in the countries where it operates. If you are from one of these countries and believe a child qualifies, reach out to GO! through their official website.
4. Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
Type: Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarship Open To: Young African graduates from all African countries Study Destination: South African universities (various) Official Apply Link: https://www.mandelarhodes.org/scholarship/application/
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is one of the most prestigious postgraduate scholarships available to young Africans. Founded in 2003 in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, the Foundation’s purpose is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa by finding, funding, and empowering the continent’s most promising young leaders.
While the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is not exclusively for orphans, it explicitly prioritises candidates from financially disadvantaged and socially vulnerable backgrounds — which includes orphans and young people who have overcome significant adversity. The scholarship is open to all African citizens and puts a premium on candidates whose personal stories reflect resilience, community service, and the determination to succeed against real odds.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Full tuition fees at a South African university
- Accommodation and living expenses
- Travel costs
- Leadership Development Programme (a series of residential workshops)
- Mentorship and alumni network access
- Post-graduation career support
Who Can Apply?
- Must be a citizen of an African country
- Must have completed an undergraduate degree
- Must be 29 years or younger at the time of application
- Must demonstrate academic excellence (typically a minimum 65% average or second-class upper degree)
- Must show leadership potential and commitment to contributing to Africa
- Strong preference given to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds
Application Period for 2026/2027: Applications typically open around January/February and close in April of each year. Monitor the Mandela Rhodes Foundation website for exact dates.
5. African Development Bank — Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS)
Type: Fully Funded Postgraduate Scholarship Open To: African professionals from African Development Bank member countries Study Destination: Top Japanese universities Official Apply Link: https://www.afdb.org/en/topics-and-sectors/initiatives-partnerships/japan-africa-dream-scholarship
The Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) programme is offered by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in partnership with the Japanese government. It provides fully funded scholarships for African graduates — including young professionals from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds — to pursue Master’s degree programmes at top Japanese universities.
The programme is designed to build human capital in Africa, and prioritises candidates who demonstrate financial need and the potential to contribute to their home country’s development after graduation. Orphans and young professionals who have overcome financial hardship to earn a degree are among those who strongly qualify.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living stipend
- Round-trip airfare to Japan
- Health insurance
- Accommodation support
Who Can Apply?
- Must be a national of an AfDB Regional Member Country (all African countries qualify)
- Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Must be under 35 years of age
- Must demonstrate financial need and commitment to returning to Africa
- Must be in good health
6. Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Type: Fully Funded Short-Course and Master’s Scholarships Open To: Citizens of Commonwealth countries in Africa (including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, and more) Study Destination: Universities across Commonwealth countries Official Apply Link: https://www.queensu.ca/gazette/scholarships/queen-elizabeth-commonwealth-scholarships
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) are offered by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and provide fully funded opportunities for young people from Commonwealth nations — the majority of which are African — to study at universities in other Commonwealth countries.
The scholarships specifically target candidates from low and middle-income countries with genuine financial need. Young people who are orphaned, care-leavers, or from very poor family backgrounds are among those who are actively encouraged to apply. The programme is built on the principle that high ability should be the entry ticket to great education — not family income or social status.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Return flights
- Monthly living allowance
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
- Study materials support
Who Can Apply?
- Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country in Africa
- Must have completed or be completing an undergraduate degree
- Must demonstrate financial need and personal commitment to community development
- Must not already hold a postgraduate qualification from a high-income country
7. Equity Bank Foundation Scholarship (Kenya and East Africa)
Type: Fully Funded Secondary and University Scholarships Open To: Orphans and vulnerable youth in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, and DRC Official Website: https://equitygroupfoundation.com/wings-to-fly
The Equity Group Foundation runs one of the most impactful scholarship programmes in East Africa — the Wings to Fly Scholarship — which has supported tens of thousands of young people from orphaned, poor, and vulnerable backgrounds to complete secondary and university education.
Wings to Fly is fully funded and covers every major cost of a young person’s education from secondary level through university. It is one of the most comprehensive scholarship programmes specifically for orphans and vulnerable children in Africa, and it has been life-changing for thousands of recipients across East Africa.
What Wings to Fly Covers:
- Full school fees (secondary and university)
- Accommodation at school
- Meals and nutrition
- School uniforms and supplies
- Mentorship and leadership training
- Psychosocial support
- University placement support after secondary school
Who Can Apply?
- Must be a pupil completing primary school in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Sudan, or DRC
- Must be an orphan or from a very poor and vulnerable family
- Must have demonstrated academic performance and potential
- Selection is done in partnership with local government and community leaders in each country
Applications are typically submitted through primary school teachers and local community leaders in each country. Monitor the Equity Group Foundation website for the current application cycle.
8. PEPEA Scholarship (Africa — Torrens University Australia)
Type: Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarship for Kenyan Students Open To: Orphans and vulnerable youth from Kenya Study Destination: Torrens University Australia Official Apply Link: https://www.torrens.edu.au/scholarships/pepea
The PEPEA Scholarship is offered by Torrens University Australia and is specifically designed for orphans and vulnerable youth from Kenya. PEPEA — which means “to soar” in Swahili — is a powerful and transformative programme that takes young Kenyans from disadvantaged backgrounds and funds their undergraduate education in Australia.
The PEPEA Scholarship is remarkable because it goes far beyond paying fees. It provides holistic support that includes emotional wellbeing, leadership development, work experience, and community engagement — giving scholars everything they need to succeed not just academically but in life and career.
What PEPEA Covers:
- Full tuition fees at Torrens University Australia
- Accommodation
- Monthly living stipend
- Return flights to and from Kenya
- Pre-departure orientation
- Mentorship and pastoral care throughout the programme
- Work placement and leadership development opportunities
Who Can Apply?
- Must be a Kenyan citizen
- Must be an orphan or from a highly vulnerable and financially disadvantaged background
- Must have completed secondary school (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) with strong grades
- Must demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to returning to Kenya to contribute to development
9. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Type: Partial to Full Postgraduate Scholarship (50% grant, 50% loan — loan may be waived based on performance) Open To: Exceptional students from developing countries in Africa and Asia who have no other means of support Study Destinations: Top universities worldwide Official Apply Link: https://www.akdn.org/our-agencies/aga-khan-foundation/international-scholarship-programme
The Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme provides postgraduate scholarships to talented individuals from developing countries who want to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees abroad but have absolutely no other means of funding their education.
While this scholarship is structured as a combination of a 50% grant and a 50% interest-free loan, many scholars from the most disadvantaged backgrounds — including orphans — find that the loan component may be reduced or forgiven based on their circumstances and post-graduation community service.
The Aga Khan Foundation specifically seeks out candidates who come from the most financially vulnerable backgrounds — those without family wealth, without institutional support, and without any realistic means of self-funding their graduate education. Orphans from Africa who have earned undergraduate degrees through determination and struggle are among the most compelling candidates for this programme.
What the Scholarship Covers:
- Tuition fees (as part of the grant and loan combined)
- Living expenses
- Travel costs
- Study materials
Who Can Apply?
- Must be a national of one of the eligible developing countries in Africa (check the AKF website for the current list of eligible countries)
- Must hold an outstanding undergraduate degree
- Must have been accepted into a postgraduate programme at a reputable university abroad
- Must demonstrate that you have absolutely no other means to fund your studies
- Must show commitment to returning to your home country and contributing to development
Applications open each year between January and March. Check the official AKF website for the current cycle’s deadline.
10. TotalEnergies Foundation Africa Scholarship
Type: Fully Funded University Scholarship Open To: Orphans and disadvantaged students in Africa (particularly in countries where TotalEnergies operates) Official Website: https://fondation.totalenergies.com/en
The TotalEnergies Foundation runs educational programmes and scholarship initiatives across Africa in countries where TotalEnergies operates — including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Angola, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and more. The foundation specifically focuses on supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and youth, including orphans, to access quality education.
The TotalEnergies Foundation partners with local educational institutions and community organisations to identify the most eligible orphaned and vulnerable candidates in each country. Their scholarships typically cover secondary and university-level education for recipients.
What the Foundation Covers:
- School and university tuition fees
- Educational materials and supplies
- In some countries, accommodation and boarding costs
- Career mentorship and professional development
Who Can Apply?
- Must be an orphan or a young person from a highly disadvantaged background
- Must be from a country in Africa where TotalEnergies operates
- Must demonstrate academic potential and a desire to contribute to their community
- Applications are typically submitted through local partner schools and organisations in each country
Visit the TotalEnergies Foundation website to find out which programmes are currently available in your country and how to reach the local partner organisation for nominations.
Quick Reference: Top 10 Scholarships for Orphans in Africa at a Glance
| # | Scholarship | Level | Coverage | Where to Study |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashinaga Africa Initiative | Undergraduate | Fully Funded | USA, UK, Japan, France, etc. |
| 2 | Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Undergraduate & Postgraduate | Fully Funded | Africa + Global |
| 3 | Global Orphan Relief (GO!) | Primary & Secondary | School fees, uniforms, books | Africa (Kenya, Zambia, etc.) |
| 4 | Mandela Rhodes Foundation | Postgraduate | Fully Funded | South Africa |
| 5 | AfDB Japan Africa Dream Scholarship | Postgraduate (Master’s) | Fully Funded | Japan |
| 6 | Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships | Postgraduate | Fully Funded | Commonwealth countries |
| 7 | Equity Bank Foundation (Wings to Fly) | Secondary & University | Fully Funded | East Africa |
| 8 | PEPEA Scholarship | Undergraduate | Fully Funded | Australia |
| 9 | Aga Khan Foundation International | Postgraduate | Grant + Loan | Top global universities |
| 10 | TotalEnergies Foundation | Secondary & University | School fees + support | Africa (operational countries) |
Important Tips for Orphans Applying for Scholarships in Africa
Here are practical tips to help you put together the strongest possible application for any of these scholarships:
Gather your proof of orphan status early. Almost every scholarship for orphans will ask for official documentation confirming that you have lost one or both parents. This could be a death certificate, a court declaration, or another official document. Get this document as early as possible because sourcing it can sometimes take time.
Tell your story honestly and powerfully. Scholarship committees are not looking for perfection — they are looking for real human stories of resilience, determination, and potential. Be honest about your background, the challenges you have faced, and the dreams you have for your future. A genuine, well-told personal story can be more powerful than a list of achievements.
Meet every requirement before applying. Do not apply to a scholarship if you do not meet the stated criteria. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and only apply if you clearly qualify. Applying when you do not meet the requirements wastes your time and weakens your application.
Apply for multiple scholarships at once. Most of these scholarships are very competitive. Applying to more than one increases your chances significantly. As long as you are eligible for a scholarship, there is no harm in applying — just make sure each application is complete, genuine, and tailored to that specific programme.
Prepare strong recommendation letters. Most of these scholarships ask for recommendation letters from teachers, community leaders, or other respected individuals who know you well. Approach your recommenders early, give them enough time to write thoughtful letters, and brief them on the scholarship you are applying for.
Start preparing months before the deadline. Scholarship applications take time — gathering documents, writing essays, getting recommendations, and filling out forms all take longer than most people expect. Start at least three to six months before the deadline.
Be wary of scams. Legitimate scholarships never ask you to pay a fee to apply. If anyone asks you for money in exchange for a scholarship placement, it is a scam. Only use official websites and official application channels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are there scholarships specifically for orphans in Africa? Yes. The most well-known scholarship exclusively for orphans is the Ashinaga Africa Initiative, which covers full tuition, accommodation, flights, and a monthly stipend for orphaned students from Sub-Saharan Africa to study at top universities worldwide.
Q2: Can an orphan in Nigeria apply for these scholarships? Yes. Nigeria is listed as one of the 45 eligible countries for the Ashinaga Africa Initiative. Nigerian students can also apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program through partner universities, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, and others listed in this guide.
Q3: Do I need to have lost both parents to qualify as an orphan for these scholarships? No. Most scholarships — including the Ashinaga Africa Initiative — accept candidates who have lost one or both parents. The loss of even one parent qualifies you to apply in most cases. Always check the specific criteria of each programme.
Q4: What documents do I typically need to prove I am an orphan? You will typically need one or more of the following: a death certificate or disappearance certificate for the deceased parent, a copy of your birth certificate, and sometimes a sworn affidavit or official court declaration confirming your orphan status.
Q5: Are all these scholarships fully funded? Most of the scholarships on this list are fully funded — meaning they cover tuition, accommodation, food, travel, and living expenses. The Aga Khan Foundation scholarship is structured as a 50% grant and 50% loan. The Global Orphan Relief and TotalEnergies Foundation programmes may vary in coverage depending on the country and programme level.
Q6: Can a non-orphan from a very poor background apply for these scholarships? Yes. Many of these scholarships — including the Mastercard Foundation and Wings to Fly — are open to all severely economically disadvantaged young people, not just orphans. Orphans are prioritised, but you do not need to have lost a parent to apply for every scholarship on this list.
Q7: How competitive are these scholarships? Scholarships like Ashinaga and Mastercard Foundation are among the most competitive in the world. Prepare your application thoroughly, be honest and compelling in your personal statement, get strong recommendations, and meet every single requirement. Applying early also helps.
Final Words
There are over 53 million orphaned children in Africa, according to UNICEF. And yet the number of people who know about the scholarships listed in this guide — scholarships that were created to give exactly those children a chance at a brighter future — is still far too small.
If you are an orphan in Africa with dreams bigger than your current circumstances, this guide was written for you. Every scholarship on this list is real, legitimate, and currently available. None of them require you to pay anything to apply.
Pick the one that fits your situation, gather your documents, write your story from the heart, and apply. The world has invested in these scholarships because people believe in the potential of young Africans — including you.
Your story is not over. In many ways, it is just beginning.
Share this article with every orphaned young person in Africa who you think needs to see it. You might just be the person who changes their life by sharing this information.
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