The Learn Africa Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, an initiative of the Women for Africa Foundation, is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. With over 13 years of experience, the programme has supported 445 scholarships for 403 African women from 36 countries. It aims to foster the advancement of African women in academia and research, contributing to their leadership roles in various sectors.
This edition of the programme continues its strong focus on doctoral studies, offering a record 5 PhD scholarships. In total, 68 new scholarships are available, along with 25 renewal scholarships, further supporting the growth of female talent in diverse academic fields.
Thanks to partnerships with institutions like Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), and companies such as GMV Innovating Solutions, the scholarship programme remains a vital opportunity for African women.
One of the most significant updates for 2025 is the introduction of new study areas aligned with global challenges. These include Veterinary Science, Computational Intelligence and the Internet of Things, Regenerative Biology, and Applied Psychology Research. Moreover, 36% of the scholarships are available in English or bilingual English-Spanish formats, broadening accessibility to a larger number of African countries.
The scholarship programme also emphasizes cultural and linguistic exchange, with many of the scholarships being in-person or blended formats. Recipients will have the opportunity to study in Spain, gaining international experience and exposure to different educational systems.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Learn Africa scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Gender and Residence: Applicants must be women, with nationality and residence in an African country.
- Academic Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree from an African university is required for postgraduate scholarships. The specific degree requirements may vary depending on the scholarship applied for.
- Language Proficiency: A high level of proficiency in the language of instruction (English or Spanish) is required. Applicants must provide an official language certificate or undergo an interview with the university to verify language skills.
- Technical and Academic Requirements: Applicants should meet the academic prerequisites listed for each scholarship. This includes ensuring that they have the necessary technical setup for online scholarships (e.g., computer, internet access).
Application Process
The application process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Applicants should:
- Prepare Required Documents: Documents such as a passport or national identity, CV, academic records, motivation letter, reference letters, and any additional documents specific to the scholarship are required.
- Submit the Application: Applications must be submitted via the official Learn Africa scholarship portal before the deadline. The final deadline is May 8, 2025 (Madrid time).
- Review Scholarship Options: The portal lists various scholarship options. Applicants should carefully read through each scholarship’s description and select the one that best suits their academic goals.
- Application Submission: Once documents are ready, applicants must log in, complete the application form, and submit it through the portal.
Scholarship Coverage
- Online Scholarships: These scholarships cover only tuition fees.
- In-person Scholarships: These scholarships cover tuition fees, round-trip travel, accommodation, meals, and health insurance. However, some specific scholarships, such as PLANETA scholarships, only cover tuition fees.
- Uncovered Expenses: Travel, visa-related costs, personal living expenses, and certain administrative fees are not covered by the scholarship. Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to cover these additional costs.
Selection Process
Applications are evaluated by a specialized committee. The selection process considers the following criteria:
- CV: The applicant’s academic and professional background.
- Reference Letter(s): Recommendations from academic or professional references.
- Motivation Letter: An explanation of the applicant’s goals and reasons for applying.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in the language of instruction.
- Project/Concept Note: If required, applicants must submit a proposal outlining their research or study plans.
The final selection is made in consultation with the partner universities, and the results will be published on the Women for Africa Foundation’s website by June 2025. Selected candidates will be notified by email, and they will have 7 working days to accept the scholarship offer. Failure to accept within this time frame will result in the scholarship being reassigned to another applicant.
Key Considerations
- One Application per Person: Applicants can only submit one application. It is crucial to choose the scholarship carefully, as changes after submission are not permitted.
- Required Documentation: All documents must be prepared ahead of time. For in-person scholarships, applicants should ensure their passport is valid for more than 6 months.
- Language Skills: Applicants should verify their language proficiency and ensure they meet the requirements for the scholarship they are applying for.
- Accepting the Scholarship: If selected, applicants must accept the scholarship offer within 7 days. Failure to do so may lead to the scholarship being reallocated.
- Expenses Not Covered: Certain costs, such as visa fees, translation of documents, and personal expenses, are the responsibility of the scholarship recipient.
Call to Action
The Learn Africa Scholarship Programme provides a unique opportunity for African women to pursue postgraduate education, particularly in areas critical to global challenges. By supporting women’s academic advancement, the programme helps strengthen their roles in development processes across the continent.
Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the scholarship details and ensure they meet all requirements before submitting their application.
This year’s edition promises to continue the foundation’s mission of opening doors, boosting careers, and advancing the role of African women in global development.
