From GPA to Global: Your Weekly Scholarship Roundup

Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost?

 

You’re not alone. While international education opens doors to world-class teaching, diverse cultures, and global careers, the price tag often feels out of reach. That’s why we’ve put together this list of top international scholarships open to African students in 2025.

 

Whether you’re eyeing a PhD in the UK or a Master’s in Europe, these scholarships could cover your tuition, living costs, and more—giving you a real shot at your academic goals.

 

Let’s start with one of the most competitive UK-based opportunities for postgraduate research students:

1. Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

Category: PhD | Professional Doctorate

Reward: Partial Scholarship (tuition fee reduction)

Deadline: July 15, 2025

Apply: Apply Now for SUIPRES

 

If you’re aiming for a PhD or professional doctorate in the UK, Swansea University offers one of the most competitive scholarship options for international students. The SUIPRES scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and research potential.

 

What makes it worth applying for?

• It offsets a portion of your tuition fees
• It’s open to applicants from all countries
• It’s tied to a wide range of eligible PhD and doctorate programs
• You don’t need to secure full external sponsorship to apply

 

Eligibility criteria:

• Must apply for an eligible PhD or Professional Doctorate at Swansea
• Hold a 1st Class or 2:1 UK degree (or international equivalent)
• OR a Distinction in a UK Master’s (or international equivalent)
• International student status
• Strong research potential beyond academic excellence 

 

Key tip:

When submitting your application, clearly indicate that you wish to be considered for the SUIPRES scholarship. Also, invest time in crafting a strong personal statement and research proposal as this scholarship looks beyond your GPA.

2. Study at Telkom University in Indonesia – Scholarships and Admission Guide

Category: Bachelor’s and Master’s

Reward: Partial or Full Scholarships

Deadline: Varies by program and intake

Apply here: Telkom University Online Registration

 

Looking to study abroad in Asia? Telkom University, Indonesia offers affordable, tech-focused degrees with multiple scholarship options for international students—including those with National Diplomas (ND) and Higher National Diplomas (HND).

 

Programs Available:

• Bachelor’s: 4 years
• Master’s: 2 years
• Fields include Engineering, Computing, Business, Communication, Creative Industries, and Applied Sciences

Admission Requirements

For Bachelor’s:

• Senior high school certificate
• Age: Max. 23
• English language skills
• Documents: passport, transcripts (English), photos, motivation letter, insurance, application form & fee

 

For Master’s:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum GPA 3.0 (4.0 scale)
• Age: Max 35
• Similar documents plus CV and 2 recommendation letters

 

Tuition Fees

• Bachelor’s: USD 1,100 – 2,500/year
• Master’s: USD 1,000 – 2,100/year

 

Scholarships Available:

• Telkom University Scholarship (for all internationals)
• KNB Scholarship (Indonesian government for students from developing countries)
• Telkomcel X Telkom Scholarship (for Timor Leste citizens)

 

Visa & Immigration

• Requires a Limited Stay Visa (C316) and a Study Permit
• Documents include LoA, passport, academic records, financial proof, and a health certificate

 

Accommodation & Support

• On-campus dorms and off-campus housing in Bandung
• Student services include academic advising, orientation, and career support

 

Timeline:

• September (Odd Semester) or February (Even Semester) intake
• Application Fee: USD 50
• Interviews or tests may apply
• Offers and scholarships are communicated via email/LoA

3. University of Pretoria LLM Scholarship for Africans

Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships

Eligible Countries: African Countries

Reward: Full scholarship worth $15,000 | Accommodation

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Apply: LLM Human Rights Scholarship Portal  

 

This is a one-year intensive Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa offered by the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria.

 

Selected students spend six months in South Africa and another six months at a partner university elsewhere in Africa. Perfect for students who love to explore and learn from other parts of our illustrious continent.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of an African country
• Have a law degree (LLB or equivalent), or an Honours degree related to human rights
• Strong commitment to human rights work
• Show potential for impact in your country after graduation
• Applications are encouraged from women and marginalized groups (e.g. persons with disabilities, LGBTI, indigenous communities)

Scholarship Benefits:

• Up to 25 full scholarships awarded yearly
• Covers tuition, accommodation, and official activities
• Partial or self-funded options available if you meet entry criteria but don’t receive a scholarship

 

Required Documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Passport bio-data page
• Recent passport-style photo
• English proficiency results (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.) if applicable

 

How to Apply:

1. Go to the official application page
2. Click “Click Here to Submit”
3. Complete and submit your form
4. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to write an essay or send a video/audio response within 24 hours
5. Final selection by the Admissions Committee
6. Results are out by September 30, 2025

4. Qassim University Scholarship 2025 in Saudi Arabia

Category: Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Master’s Scholarships

Eligible Countries: All Countries

Reward: Full Scholarship | Stipend | Accommodation | Flight Tickets

No IELTS Required

Deadlines:

Undergraduate: June 14, 2025

Postgraduate: October 31, 2025

Apply: Visit Study in Saudi Portal Now

 

Qassim University offers full scholarships for international students to study for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Saudi Arabia.

Students get a chance to explore Saudi culture while earning a globally recognized degree.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• High school (for BSc) or university degree (for MSc/PhD) from a recognized institution
• Minimum GPA of 4.50 (theoretical majors) or 4.25 (applied majors)
• Under 30 years of age
• Meet the language requirement of your chosen course
• Must apply through the official Study in Saudi portal

 

Scholarship Benefits:

• Full tuition coverage
• Monthly living stipend
• Free on-campus accommodation
• Free annual round-trip flight
• Free medical care
• Up to 60 days paid annual vacation
• Research or teaching assistant opportunities

 

How to Apply:

1. Go to https://studyinsaudi.moe.gov.sa
2. Create an account and complete your student profile
3. Select Qassim University and your preferred course
4. Upload all required documents
5. Submit your application before the deadline

 

Selection Factors:

• Strong academic background
• Research interests
• Good character and personal achievements

5. Ashesi-ETH Mechatronic Engineering Scholarship 2026

Category: Postgraduate | Master’s Scholarships

Eligible Countries: African Countries

Reward: Full Scholarship | Stipend | Travel | Internship | Job Offer

No IELTS Required

Deadline: Not Specified

Apply: Submit Your Ashesi-ETH Application

 

This scholarship offers a joint Master’s degree from Ashesi University in Ghana and ETH Zurich in Switzerland.

It combines African and European academic experience with hands-on training from global industry partners.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a citizen of any African country
• Hold a BSc or MSc in Electrical, Electronic, Computer, Mechanical, Process, or Mechatronics Engineering
• Graduate with at least a Second Class Upper
• Show strong English language skills

 

Scholarship Benefits:

• Full tuition and fees
• Free laptop and course equipment
• Monthly stipend and free accommodation
• Health insurance and one annual trip home
• Mentorship and hands-on internships
• Job placement support after graduation

 

You’ll earn two degrees:

• Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) from ETH Zurich
• MSc from Ashesi University

 

Selection is based on:

• Academic performance
• CV and relevant experience
• Extracurricular involvement
• Career motivation

 

How to Apply:

1. Visit the Ashesi-ETH scholarship page
2. Create an account on Ashesi’s application portal
3. Complete and submit your application with all required documents

 

Ready to take the next step?

These scholarships offer more than just a tuition-free ride. They open doors to international careers, global connections, and a future built on your own terms.

 

But here’s the truth: most of these scholarships require a high GPA—we’re talking First Class or strong Second Class Upper.

 

So before you hit Apply, hit the books.

 

And Distinction helps you do just that:

• Create flashcards
• Set study reminders
• Track your progress
• Stay organized and focused

 

Whether you’re aiming for Qassim or Ashesi, it starts with better grades.

Looking to land one of these scholarships?

Start by boosting your GPA and staying organized.

 

Distinction helps you track your academic progress, so you’re always one step ahead when opportunities come up.

 

Stay ready—use Distinction.