In our new ‘Ambassador Advice’ series, our Africademics Scholarship Ambassadors share their experience and advice for scholarship applicants in and from Africa. This week Sandra Brown Eduful from Ghana, a Master’s graduate in Social Work from the University of Ghana, introduces the MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development and shares valuable tips for future applicants.
About the Scholarship
This scholarship is offered by the Mandela Institute of Development Studies, South Africa (MINDS). The institute offers scholarships to Africans who wish to pursue post-graduate studies within Africa, outside of their home countries.
The scholarship coverage varies depending on whether a full or partial scholarship is awarded. It can cover tuition, accommodation and meals, one return ticket per duration of studies, and a fixed stipend. It also offers tailored leadership development training.
This scholarship is offered in a number of universities across the continent and funding is divided among the various continental blocks. Participating universities include the African Leadership University, the University of Cape Town, the University of Mauritius, the University of Witwatersrand, Carnegie Mellon University, Makerere University, Strathmore University, Al Akhawayn University, Université Cadi Ayyad, Université Mohammed V, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Trans-Atlantic University, and the University of Development Studies.
Eligibility and Application
To qualify for MINDS scholarship, firstly, you must be a national of an African country residing in any African country. You must have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution(s) outside of your country of citizenship and/ or residency. You must have been formally accepted by one or more of MINDS preferred institutions to pursue postgraduate studies within the following year.
You must have obtained at least 70% in each subject/ course in the last two completed years of study, fifthly, produce evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential guided by the questions/ requirements set out in the application form, and lastly, submit a complete online application form with the required supporting documentation.
The supporting documents are:
- 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
- this letter must be addressed to the applicant, state the degree which the applicant has been accepted to study, state the academic year at 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; this is an optional requirement
- 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.
The application process of MINDS scholarship commences after an acceptance letter has been received by the applicant from a preferred MINDS university. There is a hard criteria of age range between for prospective18 and 30 years for applicants. MINDS is currently receiving applications from students who commence their studies in 2018/2019 academic year. I encourage interested persons to apply.
This scholarship is offered on annual basis. For more information, visit the MINDS scholarship website https://minds-africa.org/scholarship-program-for-leadership-development/
