Top Best Scholarships for Nursing Students in Africa (2025)

Nursing is one of the most rewarding and in-demand professions in Africa and around the world. However, many aspiring nurses struggle to afford tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other training costs. Nursing scholarships are one of the best ways to reduce this financial burden and focus on your studies.

In 2025, more opportunities than ever are available for nursing students in Africa. These scholarships are offered by universities, governments, international NGOs, and healthcare organizations. Some are fully funded, covering tuition, living expenses, travel, and stipends, while others are partial scholarships that cover part of the costs.

In this article, you will learn:

• The top scholarships for nursing students in Africa in 2025

• Which scholarships are fully funded

• Eligibility requirements for each program

• How to apply successfully

• Key deadlines and tips to increase your chances of winning

Whether you are a nursing student in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, or any other African country, this article will guide you through the best options available.

Summary Table: Best Scholarships for Nursing Students in Africa (2025)

1. Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarships

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarships is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Africa. It supports postgraduate students, including those pursuing advanced nursing degrees, who show exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential.

Eligibility

• Must be a citizen of any African country

• Must hold an undergraduate degree with strong academic performance

• Must demonstrate leadership and commitment to service

Benefits

• Full tuition fees

• Accommodation and meals

• Stipend for living expenses

• Leadership development and mentorship programs

Application Tips

• Prepare strong recommendation letters

• Show community involvement, especially in healthcare or nursing

• Write a personal statement demonstrating leadership

Deadline: April – July 2025

2. Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)

The MMEG supports women from developing countries, including several African countries, who are pursuing higher education. Nursing students are eligible.

Eligibility

• Must be a woman from a developing African country

• Must be enrolled or accepted at an accredited university

• Should demonstrate financial need and a commitment to improving lives

Benefits

• Tuition and living allowance

• Some recipients receive full funding

Deadline: February 2025

3. DAAD In‑Country/In‑Region Scholarships for Africa

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded nursing scholarships for African students studying in Africa.

Eligibility

• Must be enrolled or accepted in a partner African university

• Undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students can apply

• Strong academic record required

Benefits

• Tuition fees

• Research costs

• Living stipend

• Travel allowance

Deadline: Varies by host university

4. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarships

The Aga Khan Foundation provides 50% grant and 50% loan scholarships for outstanding African students. Nursing students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility

• Must be a citizen of selected countries (e.g., Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar)

• Must demonstrate exceptional academic performance

• Must have genuine financial need

Benefits

• Tuition

• Living expenses

• Mentorship

Deadline: March 2025

5. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

These scholarships are funded by the UK government and are open to nursing students from African Commonwealth countries.

Eligibility

• Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country

• Must hold a first degree with good academic record

• Committed to returning home after studies

Benefits

• Full tuition fees

• Round‑trip airfare

• Stipend and book allowance

Deadline: December 2024 – February 2025

6. ICAP Nursing Scholarships (PEPFAR funded)

ICAP, supported by PEPFAR, provides scholarships to nurses and midwives in Southern and East Africa.

Eligibility

• Must be enrolled in a nursing or midwifery program

• Must demonstrate financial need and interest in public health

Benefits

• Covers tuition fees

• Clinical practice costs

• Professional mentorship

Deadline: Rolling applications (apply early)

7. Johnson & Johnson Global Nurse Scholarships

This scholarship aims to develop the nursing workforce across Africa and globally.

Eligibility

• Must be a nursing student or a registered nurse enrolled in further studies

• Must show leadership potential

Benefits

• Tuition support

• Access to professional development and networking

Deadline: May 2025

8. Florence Nightingale Foundation Scholarships

The Florence Nightingale Foundation offers scholarships to African nurses and nursing students for research and advanced clinical studies.

Eligibility

• Must be a nurse or nursing student with leadership skills

• Must propose a research or development project

Benefits

• Tuition

• Research costs

• Leadership training

Deadline: June 2025

9. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

This program partners with several African universities to provide fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students, including nursing students.

Eligibility

• Must be academically talented and from a disadvantaged background

• Must be accepted at a partner university

Benefits

• Tuition fees

• Accommodation and meals

• Monthly stipend

• Mentorship

Deadline: Varies by partner university

How to Apply for Nursing Scholarships in Africa (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Start early: Begin researching at least 6–12 months before the deadline.

2. Identify the right scholarships: Choose programs that match your level (undergraduate, postgraduate) and career goals.

3. Prepare your documents:

   • Academic transcripts

   • Identification documents

   • Recommendation letters

   • Personal statement

4. Highlight community service: Most scholarships prefer candidates who serve their communities.

5. Show leadership potential: Leadership in healthcare or community work adds weight.

6. Apply online or through partner universities: Follow instructions carefully.

7. Submit before the deadline: Late applications are usually rejected.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning a Nursing Scholarship

• Maintain excellent academic performance

• Volunteer or work in healthcare settings

• Write a compelling personal statement

• Obtain strong recommendation letters from lecturers or employers

• Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there fully funded nursing scholarships for African students?

Yes. Programs like the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, DAAD, and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program offer full funding.

2. Can diploma nursing students in Africa apply for scholarships?

Yes. Some scholarships cover diploma programs, but most are for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

3. Do I need IELTS to get a nursing scholarship in Africa?

No. Most African‑based scholarships do not require IELTS. However, scholarships for study abroad may require proof of English proficiency.

4. Can I apply if I am already working as a nurse?

Yes. Many scholarships support professional nurses pursuing further education.

5. Are nursing scholarships competitive?

Yes, but with strong academics, community service, and leadership, you can stand out.

6. Which countries offer the most nursing scholarships in Africa?

Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Tanzania have the largest number of scholarship opportunities.

7. Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?

Yes. Applying to multiple programs increases your chances.

8. What is the age limit for nursing scholarships in Africa?

It depends. Some scholarships are open to all ages, while others have a limit of 35 years for postgraduate studies.

9. Do scholarships cover living expenses?

Fully funded scholarships cover living expenses, accommodation, and books. Partial scholarships may only cover tuition.

10. Where can I find up-to-date nursing scholarships?

Check official university websites, scholarship portals, nursing councils, and social media pages of sponsors.

Conclusion: Take Action and Apply Early

Nursing scholarships are an excellent way for African students to advance their education without worrying about financial challenges. In 2025, opportunities from the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, DAAD, Commonwealth Scholarships, Aga Khan Foundation, and others can help you complete your nursing degree.

To increase your chances:

• Apply early

• Submit complete and accurate applications

• Build your leadership and community service record

• Seek guidance from lecturers or nursing mentors

If you take these steps, you can secure funding for your nursing studies and make a lasting impact on healthcare in Africa.