UK Scholarships for African Postgraduate Students in September 2025
For African students aspiring to study a postgraduate degree in the UK, scholarships can provide essential financial support. Many universities in England and across the UK offer dedicated funding for African postgraduate students, with partial-scholarships ranging from a few thousand pounds to higher value awards.
Research by Scholarship Scanner has identified 15 UK universities offering scholarships for African students in the UK, specifically for postgraduate students. In this article, we summarise key scholarship opportunities, eligibility criteria, and important deadlines for postgraduate courses starting in September 2025.
How Much are UK Scholarships for African Postgraduate Students Worth?
UK Masters scholarships for African students typically range from £2,000 to £6,000, with some awards reaching £8,000. The most generous scholarship available for September 2025 is University of Nottingham’s Africa Postgraduate Excellence Award, which offers £8,000 towards tuition fees. This scholarship is a highly competitive opportunity for outstanding African students.
Which are the Highest Value UK Scholarships for African Students?
Below are some of the most valuable UK scholarships for African students pursuing postgraduate studies in September 2025:
University of Nottingham: £8,000
Cranfield University: £5,400 - £8,375
Northumbria University: £6,000
Queen’s University Belfast: £6,000
Most of the 20 scholarships identified by Scholarship Scanner are open to students from various African countries, while others specifically offer scholarships for Nigerian postgraduate students.
| University | Scholarship | Type | Maximum Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston University | African Scholarship Scheme | Automatic | £3,000 | Not specified |
| Bath Spa University | Africa Regional Office Scholarship | Application | £2,000 | 8 June 2025 |
| Cranfield University | Nigeria Scholarship (Environment, Agifood, Water and Energy) | Automatic | 30% of tuition fees (upto £8,375) | Not specified |
| Northumbria University | PGT International Scholarship for Nigerian Applicants | Automatic | £6,000 | None |
| Nottingham Trent University | Sub Saharan Africa High Achievers Award | Application | £3,000 | 18 June 2025 |
| Queen's University Belfast | Queen's Business School Scholarship for Sub Saharan Africa | Automatic | £6,000 | None |
| Swansea University | International Postgraduate Scholarships (Africa) | Application | £4,000 | 25 November 2024 |
| University of Dundee | Africa Community Scholarship | Automatic | £2,500 | 31 August 2025 |
| University of Dundee | Vice Chancellor's Africa Scholarship | Automatic | £4,000 | 31 August 2025 |
| University of Essex | Africa Postgraduate Scholarship (Nigeria) | Automatic | £4,500 | None |
| University of Exeter | Postgraduate Taught Scholarships 2025/26 for Nigeria | Automatic | £5,000 | 31 July 2025 |
| University of Hull | University of Hull Africa Studentship | Automatic | £2,000 | None |
| University of Lincoln | Nigeria Scholarship (£2,000) / (£4,000) / (£5,000) | Automatic | £5,000 | None |
| University of Lincoln | Africa Scholarship (£4,000) / (£5,000) | Automatic | £5,000 | None |
| University of Nottingham | Africa Postgraduate Excellence Award | Application | £8,000 | 14 May 2025 |
| University of Stirling | Postgraduate Nigeria Scholarship | Automatic | £4,000 | None |
| University of Sussex | Sussex Nigeria Scholarship | Automatic | £4,000 | 1 September 2025 |
Automatic vs. Application-Based UK Scholarships for African Students
The great news is that many UK scholarships for international students do not require a separate application. Most scholarships are awarded automatically based on your course application details, making the process easy and simple.
Automatic Scholarships: 16 of the scholarships for African students are granted automatically, based on academic performance or nationality.
Application-Based Scholarships: 4 of the scholarships for African require a separate application, often including a personal statement or additional documents.
To maximise your chances of securing a UK international student scholarship, read our blogs on submitting winning applications and on creating video applications - it could save you thousands of pounds.
Common Subject Areas - UK Scholarships for African Students (September 2025)
While many postgraduate scholarships for African nationals are open to students across all disciplines, some universities prioritise key subject areas such as:
Business
Law
Engineering
Energy
Sustainability
Health-related disciplines
Students interested in these fields may find a wider range of Masters scholarship options available.
Typical Deadlines for UK Scholarships for African Students (September 2025)
Most of the scholarships have application deadlines between May and September 2025. The earliest deadline is 14 May 2025 (University of Nottingham), while the latest is 1 September 2025 (University of Sussex). Prospective students should plan their applications accordingly to avoid missing key deadlines.
Common Eligibility Criteria
Scholarship eligibility varies by university, but some common requirements of UK scholarships for African students include:
A minimum academic performance standard (e.g., UK equivalent of a 2:1 or 2:2 degree classification)
Proof of nationality or residency in an African country
Meeting English language proficiency requirements
How Can I Secure a Fully Funded UK University Scholarship?
In addition to dedicated UK scholarships for Nigerian students and other African applicants identified by Scholarship Scanner, many UK universities offer international scholarships for UK students of all nationalities. For the September 2025 intake, some universities provide fully funded scholarships that cover 100% of tuition fees. However, these scholarships are highly competitive as they attract applicants from across the world.
To increase your chances, check out our blog on fully funded scholarships for postgraduate international students and learn how to craft a winning application.
Additionally, 102 universities provide partial UK scholarships for international students ranging from £500 to £26,000, helping students offset tuition costs. Scholarship Scanner provides a comprehensive list of scholarships, along with eligibility criteria, deadlines, and details on whether a separate application is required.
Take the Next Step
By planning ahead and researching available scholarships for international students in the UK, African students can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in the UK.
Scholarship Scanner offers expert advice on securing UK scholarships for international students. Writing a strong scholarship application could save you thousands of pounds, and our resources will help you stand out in the application process.
