Education is a powerful tool that empowers an individual and helps them develop their personal and professional abilities. Scholarships enable students worldwide to dream and chase such opportunities breaking the financial barrier that often stands in the way. This article outline 9 scholarships available to Cameroonian citizens at various levels to study either at Cameroon or abroad for the chance to expand their career prospects and broaden cultural experiences. In addition to that, two scholarship resource platforms tailored to Cameroonian citizens are listed. They focus on Cameroonian students and study opportunities available to them both locally and internationally.
Chevening fully funded scholarship
- Level: Master’s degree
- Study location: UK
- Application deadline: Usually closes around November
Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partner organisations, the Chevening scholarship annually offers awards to study in the UK for one year on a fully funded master’s degree course. The chevening scholarship is a great option for any Cameroon undergraduates looking to take their studies to the next step. It is open to anyone who doesn’t hold a UK citizenship. Winning this scholarship means you get to study in any one out of 3 universities in the UK of your choice with fully funded tuition fees, access to some of the best quality education in the world, exclusive networking opportunities, and much more. Aside from being an international student you must also have applied to 3 universities and have an offer to 1 at least one in order to be eligible. Applications are expected to open in August 2025, so you have the time to prepare your application materials in advance.
TrustAfrica scholarships
- Level: Any level
- Study location: Any country
- Application deadline: Varies
TrustAfrica is a Pan African foundation headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. TrustAfrica does not just provide scholarships but they also are committed to strengthening African agencies in addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges. Among other things, TrustAfrica has focused on strengthening democracy and democratic governance, promoting equitable development, and advancing African philanthropy. Over $80 million in support of African civil society, awarding more than 600 grants to organizations in 34 African countries has been awarded. Students can benefit from TrustAfrica’s generosity through scholarships like:
- TAGDev 2.0: University of Bamenda
- Loughborough University: Development TrustAfrica scholarship
They are both scholarships offered yearly by two individuals partnered with TrustAfrica. The Loughborough University Development Trust Africa scholarship is designed for a one year taught master’s degree to any talented African nationals. It covers 100% of tuition fees. TAGDev 2.0: University of Bamenda provides coverage for tuition, living expenses and more to Cameroonian nationals at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Visit the TrustAfrica website for more details.
IASTE Cameroon scholarship program
- Level: All levels
- Study location: India and Europe
- Application deadline: Currently open – deadline not specified
IAESTE is a global exchange organization established in 1948 that provides internships abroad for students from technical and scientific fields. The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experiences (IAESTE) Cameroon is headquartered in Yaounde, Cameroon and is primarily designed for students enrolled at Cameroon universities or ambitious and talented Cameroonians aiming to study abroad. Visit the IASTE Cameroon scholarship program website for more details.
Mandela Rhodes scholarship
- Level: Postgraduate
- Study location: South Africa
- Application deadline: Closed
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is one of Nelson Mandela’s three official legacy organisations, founded in 2003 in partnership with The Rhodes Trust with the aim to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. Every year the foundation provides a scholarship to citizens of any African country who demonstrate strong academic achievements, leadership abilities, entrepreneurial skills, and a commitment to reconciliation.
The Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, meals, a book allowance, and a travel allowance for each Scholar-in-Residence. Aside from all those benefits, scholars get the unique opportunity of a series of supplementary courses that are run throughout first year in residence. These workshops focus on personal development, leadership development, and address key social issues such as reconciliation. As this programme expands, leading experts in the fields of poverty alleviation, environmental issues and leadership will be invited to share their knowledge, insight and experiences with the Scholars. The 2025 applications are now closed but they usually re-open mid March so start preparing ahead of time for a chance to apply for this prestigious scholarship!
University of Sydney: International stipend scholarship
- Level: Postgraduate
- Study location: Sydney, Australia
- Application deadline: Varies
The University of Sydney is a public research university in Sydney, Australia. Founded in 1850, it is the oldest university in both Australia and Oceania. It was one of the world’s first universities to admit students solely on academic merit, and opened its doors to women on the same basis as men. The university provides a scholarship amount of $40,000 payable for one year in two equal installments on a yearly basis to international students at master’s or PhD level. To be considered for the scholarship, an application for admission to your research degree must be submitted.
Joint Japan/World bank scholarship program
- Level: Master’s degree
- Study location: Various countries
- Application deadline: Closed
Funded by the Government of Japan and administered by the World Bank, the Joint Japan/World Bank graduate scholarship (JJ/WBGSP) is a program dedicated to supporting future leaders who are committed to addressing the pressing challenges in their home countries. Applicants must be from selected developing countries going for a master’s studies in development-related fields, On top of financial support, JJ/WBGSP fosters a network of professionals equipped to drive change in sectors such as economic policy, infrastructure, health, and education. The first window for application usually opens mid January and lasts a bit over a month.
Presidential grant of excellence for Cameroon
- Level: Undergraduate
- Study location: Cameroon
- Application deadline: Not specified
The presidential excellence grant in cameroon is a government funded award initiated by the president of the republic designed to recognize and support outstanding academic performance among students in the national examinations:
- Brevet de Technicien Superieur (BTS)
- Higher national diploma (HND)
No formal application is required as top performers in the national exams will automatically be awarded with a grant amount of CFAF 50,000. Visit the Presidential grant of excellence for Cameroon official for more details.
Italian government scholarship for foreign students
- Level:
- Study location: Italy
- Application deadline: Closed
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) offers annual grants to foreign citizens not residing In Italy and Italian citizens living abroad (IRE) with the aim to foster international cultural, scientific and technological cooperation, to promote Italian language and culture and to support Italy’s economic system in the world. Grants are offered to pursue study, training, and/or research programs at Italian Higher Education Institutes – both public and legally recognized. The grant amounts to 9,000 euros, paid in three separate installments to the personal current account, opened in his/her name, with an Italian banking institution. For Italian language and culture courses, the grant is 3,000 euros paid in a single installment. The scholarship duration can be 3-9 months depending on the type of course.
Ashinaga Africa initiative
- Level: Undergraduate
- Study location: Various countries
- Application deadline: Not specified – Applications are currently open
The Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) is an international leadership program that offers financial support to orphaned students from sub-Saharan Africa to pursue undergraduate studies abroad. It was established in 2014 by the japanese non-profit organization Ashinaga with the aim to empower and encourage young students to contribute to the development of their home countries. As well as a fully funded scholarship, the AAI provides leadership training, and support to develop scholars into compassionate change-makers. Go to the Ashinaga Africa initiative as they are currently accepting applications from eligible students!
Cameroon ministry of higher education scholarships
- Level: All levels
- Study location: Cameroon or abroad
- Application deadline: Varies
The Cameroon Ministry of Higher Education (MINESUP) is a government ministry and acts as a central platform for publishing and announcing scholarship opportunities available to Cameroon students. Students should refer to the official Cameroon ministry of higher education website or contact the ministry directly for the most up to date information on scholarship applications details.
DAAD Information Centre Yaoundé
- Level: Master’s degree
- Study location: Germany
- Application deadline: Varies
The DAAD Information Centre created in 2009 serves Cameroon entirely. It’s role is to represent the DAAD, which is an association of German institutes of higher education, in Cameroon. The Information Centre mainly informs students, lecturers and Cameroonian researchers on German universities and scientific institutions. They also make DAAD scholarship programmes available in Cameroon and guide candidates during the application process. They assist German students, academics and academic or research institutions at establishing contacts with Cameroon in the domains of internships, research or study visits and partnerships. Establishing new partnerships between Cameroonian and German universities and research institutions remains a main goal of their activity. Visit the DAAD Information Centre Yaoundé website to never miss up to date scholarship information.
In conclusion, there are many annual grants available to Cameroonians and students should take full advantage of the support available to them by applying early and preparing well for these opportunities. Put in the effort and take the chance because scholarships open doors to strong willed and ambitious students and enables them to pursue their academic goals and aspirations and contribute meaningfully to their home free from financial stress.
