MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development 2023

The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa was successfully launched in 2017, bringing to realisation our vision of developing young leaders who have a continent-wide development mindset and leaders who can facilitate greater cooperation between African countries.

The Scholarship Programme enables African students to study in an African country other than their home country and in this way immerse themselves in richness and diversity that the country and its communities has to offer. By broadening access to education, we see the expansion of openness to ideas and the creation of a network of like-minded leaders who will help promote the performance and tangible progress of our continent. There is no doubt that a more integrated African economy of global scale will accelerate growth, generate positive outcomes and benefit all its communities.

• Table of Content
• About Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)
• Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development
• Aim and Benefits of Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development
• Requirements for Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS)

The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is an Africa-wide think tank which provides an inclusive platform for dialogue, information dissemination and networking. Our programmes are underpinned by rigorous research into all aspects of African Heritage, in order to shape policy and practice on critical issues of governance, integrated economic development and the evolution of African institutions. Through our programmes we seek to address the short, medium, and long-term developmental challenges facing Africa in a holistic and comprehensive manner.... continue reading

Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development

Aim and Benefits of Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development

The MINDS Scholarship Programme aims to nurture leaders who have a continental development mindset; leaders who will facilitate greater cohesion and cooperation between African countries.

The Scholarship will cover some or all of the expenses below, depending on whether a partial or full scholarship is awarded:

• Tuition
• Accommodation and meals
• One return ticket per duration of studies
• A fixed stipend.

Requirements for Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development Qualification

MINDS Scholarships are awarded to meritorious applicants following a rigorous selection process.  To be considered for a MINDS Scholarship, you must:

• Be a national of an African country, residing in any African country
• Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s outside of your country of citizenship and/ or residency
• Have been formally accepted by one or more MINDS preferred institution/s to pursue postgraduate studies within the following year
• Have obtained at least 70% in each subject/ course in the last two completed years of study
• Produce evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential guided by the questions/ requirements set out in the application form
• Submit a complete online application form (see below) with the required supporting documentation.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

MINDS is currently receiving applications from students who commence their studies in 2018/2019. Interested individuals are invited to submit applications as soon as they receive official acceptance from a MINDS preferred university at which they wish to study. Applications will be processed in the order they are received.

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, you can submit your application by clicking on the link below. Please have the following documents scanned, saved and ready for uploading. All documents uploaded must be in PDF format. Each attachment should not exceed 2MB in size.

• A copy of the data/ bio page of your passport.
• A certified academic transcript/ results slip of the last two years of study.
• A copy of the official acceptance letter from the university. The letter must:
  • Be addressed to the applicant.
  • State the degree which the applicant has been accepted to study.
  • State the academic year at which the degree will commence.
  • State the duration of the course (e.g. one year).
• A copy of a valid study permit or visa OR proof of application. (Optional)
• A detailed CV/ Resume of not more than four (4) single sided pages.
• Two reference letters (of not more than 3 pages each) addressing the applicant’s demonstration of integrity, their competency and/or potential as a leader and their commitment to the development of the African continen

For more details, visit MINDS website.