The 2026–2027 application cycle has officially opened for a wide range of prestigious and fully funded global scholarships for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies. These competitive scholarships offer exceptional opportunities for academically talented students, especially those from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities, to study at world-class institutions across North America, Europe, and Africa.
From the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to elite doctoral training initiatives in the UK and beyond, these scholarships not only cover full tuition but often include travel, accommodation, living stipends, and leadership development.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of currently open scholarship opportunities for each study level:
1. McGill University – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
📍 Canada
This program targets academically gifted young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa. It supports undergraduate studies in a wide range of disciplines and includes mentorship and career development opportunities.
🔗 Apply Here
2. Earth University – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
📍 Costa Rica
Focused on agricultural sciences and sustainable development, Earth University offers a hands-on, globally focused curriculum with strong leadership training.
🔗 Apply Here
3. African Leadership University (ALU) – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
📍 Rwanda
ALU is known for its innovative learning model centered on real-world problem-solving and entrepreneurship. The program targets future African changemakers.
🔗 Apply Here
1. BackPack-Excellence Scholarship for Women
📍 Switzerland
Offered exclusively to women, this fully funded scholarship supports future female leaders pursuing master’s studies.
🔗 Apply Here
2. Carnegie Mellon University Africa – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
📍 Rwanda
This program supports tech and engineering master’s degrees with an emphasis on Africa’s digital transformation.
🔗 Apply Here
3. University of Oxford – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
📍 United Kingdom
One of the world’s leading universities offers full scholarships to talented African students with a commitment to social impact.
🔗 Apply Here
4. McGill University – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
📍 Canada
Also available at the master’s level, this scholarship supports African students in diverse fields.
🔗 Apply Here
5. University of California, Berkeley – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
📍 United States
Berkeley’s program integrates rigorous academics with leadership development and social entrepreneurship training.
🔗 Apply Here
6. McDonnell International Scholars Academy – Washington University in St. Louis
📍 United States
The McDonnell Academy supports global graduate students and fosters cross-disciplinary leadership through research and community engagement.
🔗 Apply Here
7. Arizona State University – Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
📍 United States
This program combines ASU’s innovative education model with Mastercard’s vision of empowering Africa’s next leaders.
🔗 Apply Here
1. Arizona State University
📍 United States
ASU offers a variety of fully funded PhD programs with a focus on research, innovation, and global collaboration.
🔗 Apply Here
2. American University of Beirut
📍 Lebanon
PhD programs at AUB offer rigorous academic training in various fields, with full funding available.
🔗 Apply Here
3. University of Cambridge – CAM-DTP (School of Humanities and Social Sciences)
📍 United Kingdom
The CAM-DTP is a doctoral training partnership offering full PhD funding in social sciences and humanities.
🔗 Apply Here
4. University of Helsinki – Doctoral Research Programs
📍 Finland
Known for cutting-edge research and innovation, Helsinki’s doctoral programs are open to international applicants across multiple disciplines.
🔗 Apply Here
5. Midlands Graduate School ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership
📍 United Kingdom
This UK-wide initiative brings together multiple universities to provide PhD funding in the social sciences.
🔗 Apply Here
6. Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership
📍 United Kingdom
Another collaborative doctoral program offering scholarships in the social sciences and interdisciplinary research.
🔗 Apply Here
7. Princeton University – Visiting Research Scholars Program
📍 United States
While not a traditional PhD, this prestigious research opportunity is designed for early-career scholars pursuing advanced studies.
🔗 Apply Here
8. McDonnell International Scholars Academy – Washington University in St. Louis
📍 United States
Also available to doctoral students, the program supports global leaders through academic collaboration and research excellence.
🔗 Apply Here
These scholarships represent more than just financial aid — they are gateways to academic excellence, leadership development, and global networks. Many of the programs are highly competitive and require early preparation, so applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria and application deadlines promptly.
For students across Africa and the world, the 2026–2027 academic year could be a transformational chapter — and these fully funded opportunities could be the key to opening it.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
.

Global South Opportunities is a one stop-digital platform addressing opportunity imbalances by sharing verified global prospects like jobs, scholarships, and grants to empower often marginalized communities, particularly in the Global South.

Through the Global South Indaba, we produce impactful video content on key topics like the SDGs, promoting positive change and advocating for the resilient Global South in their fight against poverty, hunger, and climate change.

Our Opinion Articles section amplifies diverse voices and expert insights, fostering meaningful global discussions.

[email protected]

source