The Ashinaga Africa Initiative (AAI) is a transformative program offering fully funded scholarships for African students committed to contributing to the development of their home countries.
Launched in 2014, this prestigious initiative targets bright yet underprivileged students from sub-Saharan Africa, empowering them to pursue higher education at top universities around the world.
Opportunity Summary:
- Fully funded undergraduate scholarship
- For orphaned students who have lost one or both parents
- Open to students from 48 sub-Saharan African countries
- Covers tuition, living expenses, travel costs, and more
- Includes leadership training and support
- Deadline to apply is December 31, 2024
About the Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship
Ashinaga is a Japan-based non-profit that has supported the education of over 100,000 orphaned students in the last 54 years.
The AAI program, started in 2014, is specifically focused on cultivating the next generation of leaders from sub-Saharan Africa.
The AAI provides comprehensive financial support for Scholars to pursue undergraduate degrees at leading universities around the world, including in the U.S., Europe, Japan, and Brazil.
But the program goes beyond just funding education. Scholars receive extensive leadership training, career guidance, and mentorship to help them develop into compassionate changemakers committed to driving development in Africa.
Courses Available
AAI Scholars can study a wide range of subjects, with a focus on areas that can contribute to African development. Some of the supported fields of study include:
- Engineering
- Computer Science & IT
- Business & Entrepreneurship
- International Relations
- Agriculture
- Public Health
Note that the AAI does not support degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science or pharmacy. Candidates applying for engineering should also have strong relevant high school grades.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025 AAI Scholarship, applicants must:
- Have lost one or both parents
- Have completed secondary school and received final exam results in the last 2 years (any date after August 2, 2023) or will complete secondary school before February 28, 2025
- Have citizenship and have completed secondary school in one of the 48 eligible sub-Saharan African countries
- Be born after September 1, 2002 (under 23 years old)
- Be proficient in English, French, or Portuguese
- Have consistently ranked in the top 10% of their class in the last 2-3 years of secondary school
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have no dependents who could interfere with academic progress
- Be in good health and able to study abroad
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is an incredible opportunity for high-achieving, motivated African students who have experienced the loss of a parent.
If you are a top student in your class, passionate about driving change and development in your community and Africa as a whole, and in need of financial support for your university education, you are strongly encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants will demonstrate not only academic excellence, but leadership potential, a commitment to giving back to Africa, and the vision to identify and tackle challenges facing their communities.
If this sounds like you, start preparing your application today!
Scholarship Benefits
The AAI scholarship is fully funded and very comprehensive.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fees for a 3-5 year undergraduate degree program
- Accommodation/housing fees
- Monthly living stipend (amount varies by country)
- Travel costs between your home country and study destination
- Basic medical insurance
- Settling-in/start-up costs
In addition to financial support, AAI Scholars benefit from:
- Extensive leadership training before and during degree program
- Career guidance and mentorship from expert advisors
- Networking opportunities with other African student leaders
- Personal development and soft skills training
- Support in developing and implementing social impact projects in Africa
The total value and benefits of this scholarship are truly remarkable, making it one of the most comprehensive programs available for African students.
How to Apply
The application process for the AAI Scholarship involves two key steps:
- Eligibility check & registration – Interested students first complete an online form to confirm they meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants will then receive a link to the full application form. There is no fee to apply.
- Full application – Applicants complete the full online application, including uploading key documents, by the December 31, 2024 deadline. Required documents include:Passport photo
- Copy of passport, national ID, or birth certificate
- Proof of parent’s death (death certificate or alternative)
- Secondary school transcripts/term reports from last 2-3 years
- Final secondary exam results certificate
- Academic transcripts from university (if applicable)
- Letter of recommendation from school principal or teacher
- Certificates of extracurricular achievements (if applicable)
It is important to note that all applications must be completed online via the AAI portal. There are no paper forms or email applications.
Applicants should also never pay any fee or individual to apply on their behalf, as the process is completely free of charge.
Click here to start your application for the AAI Scholarship and begin your journey to becoming a changemaker for Africa!
Application Deadline
The application window for the 2025 AAI Scholarship is now open! But don’t wait –apply now!
The deadline to submit your complete application is: December 31, 2024 at 23:59 GMT
Students from all 48 eligible sub-Saharan African countries are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to maximize their chances of being selected for this life-changing opportunity.
For more details on the Ashinaga Africa Initiative and the application process, please visit the official AAI website.
If you have any difficulties completing the online application, you can contact the AAI team.
Don’t miss your chance to join the global network of AAI Scholars and become a future leader for Africa!
Check your eligibility and apply today for the 2025 fully funded scholarship program.
Also Read:
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2025 WAAW Foundation Scholarship: Advancing African Women in Technology and Science
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