The year is not over yet, and several global opportunities for African students and young professionals are still accepting applications for 2027. For example, the University of Cape Town’s Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has applications open for eligible postgraduate applicants, with a 31 October 2026 deadline.
This means that you still have time to explore scholarships, fellowships, internships, training programmes and other funded opportunities for 2027. Beyond scholarships, fellowships will help you gain professional experience and mentorship, while internships, training programmes and accelerators helps strengthen your skills, network and CV.
In this article , you will find global opportunities still open to African students and young professionals in 2026, including what they offer, who can apply, their deadlines and how to apply.
Global Opportunities Still Open to African Students in 2026
The opportunities below span the UK, US, Europe, Africa and international organisations. Beyond funding, they provide you professional experience, mentorship, networking opportunities and practical skills that strengthen your CV and prepare you for your next academic or career move.
There are opportunities that match your qualification, experience and career goals. Here are global opportunities still open to African students and young professionals in 2026 that can help you pursue study, work and professional opportunities in 2027.
1. African Development Bank Internship Programme
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Internship Programme gives young graduates an opportunity to gain professional experience within a leading African development institution.
The 2027 Session 1 programme covers areas such as finance, economics, agriculture, energy, climate, IT, communications, governance and human resources. Depending on the role, interns may work remotely or at an AfDB office.
To be eligible, you must be 30 or younger by 31 December 2026, hold a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in a master’s programme or completed one within the previous year. You must also be a citizen of an AfDB member country. Prepare your CV, motivation letter and proof of enrolment or qualification before applying. Deadline: 12 October 2026. Apply HERE
2. Mandela Washington Fellowship
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, part of the US Government’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), supports young African leaders with demonstrated leadership and community impact.
The 2027 programme will bring about 550 young leaders to the United States for a six-week leadership programme focused on areas including business, technology and governance.
To be considered, you must be 25–35 years old, are a citizen and resident of an eligible sub-Saharan African country, have leadership or professional experience and meet the English-language requirement.
If awarded, you will receive support for travel, accommodation, meals and other programme-related costs. Deadline is 13 October 2026.If you have led a community project, business or initiative, clearly show the impact of that work in your application. Apply HERE.
3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships support students from eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, including several African countries, to pursue full-time master’s study in the UK. The scholarship is designed for talented candidates who may not otherwise be able to afford postgraduate study abroad.
If awarded, you will receive full tuition, airfare, a monthly living allowance and other approved allowances. You generally need a strong undergraduate degree and must meet the requirements of your nominated university and country. Deadline is 20 October 2026 at 16:00 BST.
You cannot submit an ordinary direct application to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. Check your country’s approved nominating agency and follow its application process HERE.
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4. African Leadership Academy
The African Leadership Academy (ALA) is one the global opportunities still open to African students in 2026. The program develops young African leaders through a two-year pre-university programme that combines academic study, leadership development and entrepreneurial training.
ALA receives thousands of applications each year and selects a limited number of students for each cohort. If you are applying, demonstrate more than strong grades. ALA looks for qualities such as intellectual readiness, courage, perseverance, ownership and interdependence, alongside evidence of leadership and a commitment to creating positive change in Africa.
Funding and financial-aid options depend on the applicant and admission outcome. Check HERE on how to apply.
5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town (UCT) supports academically talented African students who face significant financial or social barriers to higher education. It offers opportunities at undergraduate and selected postgraduate levels and combines financial support with academic and leadership development.
For the 2027 intake, postgraduate applications is still on and will close on 31 October 2026. Check HERE for more information on how to apply.
6. Princeton in Africa Fellowship
The Princeton in Africa Fellowship is another of the top global opportunities still open for African students in 2026. It connects talented graduates and young professionals with organisations working across Africa.
The year-long fellowship allows you to gain professional experience while contributing to projects in areas such as education, public health, development and community programmes.
To apply, you must be a young professional or an undergraduate graduating by June 2027 and meet the programme’s academic, age and language requirements.
Fellowship support include housing, living stipends, medical insurance, visa or work-permit support and partial travel assistance, depending on the placement. Deadline is 26 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m, check HERE on how to apply.
7. One Young World Leading Scholarship
The One Young World Leading Scholarship supports young leaders who are creating positive change in their communities and addressing important local or global challenges. Selected scholars attend the One Young World Summit, where they connect with young leaders, experts and organisations from around the world.
Apply if you are 18–35 years old and have a track record of leadership, innovative ideas and measurable impact.
Selected scholars receive full delegate access to the One Young World Summit in Cape Town, along with access to networking, mentoring and other Ambassador opportunities. Application deadline is 31 October 2026.
EXPLORE SCHOLARSHIPS
The year is not over, and there are still global opportunities for African students and young professionals in 2026. From Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships and the UCT Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program to the AfDB Internship, Mandela Washington Fellowship, Princeton in Africa and specialised research and training opportunities, the remaining months of 2026 still offer several routes to gain funding, international exposure, professional experience and valuable networks.
Do not wait until the final day to apply. Check the eligibility requirements, prepare your documents, confirm the deadline and submit through the official portal as early as possible. Also, do not limit yourself to one opportunity. Applying to several suitable scholarships, fellowships, internships or training programmes can give you more opportunities to secure funding, experience or an international opportunity for 2027.
Visit HERE to check out ongoing Scholarship opportunities across the world.
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