Title: Developing African Leaders: MINDS Scholarship Programme
Introduction: The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is a continental institute focused on addressing Africa’s development challenges in a holistic manner. Through its various programs, MINDS aims to foster cooperation, regional integration, and leadership development across the African continent. The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development, launched in 2017, aims to develop young leaders with a pan-African mindset and promote collaboration among African countries.
Scholarship Details:
Scholarship Provider: MINDS (Mandela Institute for Development Studies)
Fields of Study: Postgraduate (Honours or Master’s degree) studies in any field at approved institutions in Africa.
Scholarship Value: The scholarship covers partial or full expenses, including tuition fees, meals, accommodation, and one return ticket per duration of studies. Scholars also receive a fixed stipend determined based on various factors.
Eligibility Criteria:
Nationality: Applicants must be nationals of any African country.
Residence: Applicants must reside in any African country.
Approved Institutions: Applicants must have been accepted to study at one of the approved institutions outside their country of citizenship and/or residency.
Examples of approved institutions: University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand, African Leadership University, Carnegie Mellon University, Makerere University, and others (specific to each region).
Academic Qualifications: Applicants must have been accepted to pursue a full-time postgraduate qualification (Honours or Master’s degree) for the following year. A minimum result of 70% for each subject/course within the last two years of completed studies is required.
Leadership Potential: Applicants must demonstrate evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential as guided by the application questions and requirements.
Application Process:
- Application Method: Submit the application online through the MINDS Scholarship Application portal.
- Registration: Applicants need to register an account before logging in to apply.
- Supporting Documents: Submit clear copies (in PDF format, not exceeding 2MB) of required supporting documents, including passport bio page, academic transcripts/results, official university acceptance letter, curriculum vitae/resume, valid study permit or visa, and two letters of reference addressing leadership qualities and commitment to African development.
Notes:
Verification: In case the acceptance letter does not include certain information, applicants can upload copies of other official university documentation as proof. Missing or unverifiable information may result in disqualification.
Confirmation: Applicants will receive on-screen and email confirmations within 30 minutes of submitting the application.
Selection Process: MINDS will contact applicants within two months of application submission.
Preferred Institutions: MINDS selects preferred institutions based on university ranking, geographic coverage, cooperation among African countries, and historical significance.
Pan-African Outlook: MINDS seeks scholars with a pan-African outlook, strong leadership potential, and academic excellence.
Study Location: Applicants must study outside their country of citizenship and residence, excluding South Africa and Nigeria.
Closing Date: The scholarship has no specific closing date; applications are accepted throughout the year.
Contact Information: For inquiries regarding the MINDS Scholarship Programme, contact the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) directly:
- Email: info@minds-africa.org
Conclusion: The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development offers African students the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at approved institutions across Africa. With a focus on developing pan-African leaders and fostering cooperation among African countries, the scholarship provides financial support for tuition, accommodation, meals, and travel. Prospective applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria and submit their applications online. For further information, direct inquiries to the MINDS contact email provided.
