List of scholarship agencies in Zambia

In Zambia, several scholarship agencies and organizations work to provide financial aid and educational opportunities for students. The roles of scholarship agencies include mediating the funders and students who are looking for sponsorships. Zambian students can apply through these agencies for education funding.

scholarship agencies in Zambia
Image credit: Scholarships for Africans

Below are key agencies and institutions:

1. Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB)

  • The main government agency overseeing scholarships and student loans in Zambia.
  • Provides funding for Zambians studying locally and abroad through various programs.
  • Focuses on promoting equitable access to higher education.

2. Beit Trust

  • Offers postgraduate scholarships for studies in the UK or South Africa.
  • Collaborates with Zambian institutions to identify and support qualified candidates.

3. Zambian Scholarship Fund

  • A nonprofit organization offering scholarships for secondary and college-level education.
  • Focuses on students in rural and underserved areas.

4. Chevening Scholarships (UK Embassy in Zambia)

  • Administered by the British government, supporting one-year Master’s programs in the UK.
  • Collaborates with Zambian institutions and alumni networks.

5. DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)

  • Facilitates scholarships for Zambian students to study in Germany.
  • Focuses on postgraduate and research programs.

6. Mastercard Foundation

  • Partners with local and international universities to provide full scholarships for secondary, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies.
  • Aims to develop leaders committed to social and economic transformation.

7. Canon Collins Trust

  • Offers postgraduate scholarships for Southern African students, including Zambians.
  • Focuses on leadership and social justice initiatives.

8. Kucetekela Foundation

  • Supports talented but underprivileged students through scholarships for secondary education.
  • Provides mentorship and leadership development.

9. Mandela Rhodes Foundation

  • Focuses on leadership and academic excellence for postgraduate studies in Africa.
  • Targets students with strong community leadership skills.

How to Engage with These Agencies

  • Check the official websites of these agencies for application criteria and deadlines.
  • Reach out to local educational offices or embassies for assistance in understanding eligibility and required documents.
  • Prepare a strong application, including recommendation letters and personal statements.

These agencies provide diverse opportunities for Zambians to achieve higher education and personal development

Fully funded scholarships for Zambians

 Here is a list of fully funded scholarships available for Zambians:

International Scholarships

  1. Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford, UK)

    • Fully funded postgraduate scholarship covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
    • Focuses on academic excellence and leadership potential.

  2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

    • One-year master’s degree in the UK, covering tuition, living expenses, and airfare.
    • Requires leadership experience and commitment to public service.
    • Applications typically open annually.

  3. Commonwealth Scholarships

    • Master’s and PhD scholarships in Commonwealth countries.
    • Covers tuition, living expenses, and return airfare.

  4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

    • Provides funding for master’s and PhD studies, including tuition, living expenses, and travel.
    • Open to all academic disciplines.

  5. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

    • Supports undergraduate and graduate students from Africa.
    • Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

Regional and African Opportunities

  1. Mandela Rhodes Scholarships

    • Postgraduate scholarships emphasizing leadership in Africa.
    • Covers tuition, accommodation, and stipends.

  2. African Leadership University (ALU) Scholarships

    • Offers full funding, including tuition and living costs, for undergraduate students.
    • Leadership and entrepreneurship development included.

Specific Academic Fields

  1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

    • Fully funded opportunities for master’s and PhD students, primarily in technical and scientific fields.
    • Includes tuition, travel, and a monthly stipend.

  2. GSK Future Health Leaders Scholarship (UK)

Local and Government-Sponsored

  1. Beit Trust Scholarships

    • Funds postgraduate studies in the UK, South Africa, or other approved countries.

  2. Ministry of Technology and Science (Zambia)

    • Scholarships for STEM-related postgraduate studies.

For detailed eligibility, application deadlines, and procedures, visit the respective scholarship websites or contact local educational offices. Ensure to apply early as these programs are highly competitive


Which NGOs offers scholarships in Zambia?

Several NGOs offer scholarships and financial aid to students in Zambia to support their educational journeys. Here are key organizations:

1. Aga Khan Foundation

  • Provides scholarships for postgraduate studies to students with excellent academic records and financial need.
  • Focuses on building leadership and development capacity.

2. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

  • Partners with universities worldwide to provide scholarships for secondary, undergraduate, and graduate studies.
  • Aims to develop leaders committed to social change.

3. Kucetekela Foundation

  • Offers scholarships to academically talented but underprivileged Zambian students for secondary education.
  • Focuses on holistic development, including mentorship and leadership training.

4. Beit Trust Scholarships

  • Provides scholarships for postgraduate studies in the UK or South Africa.
  • Covers tuition, living expenses, and travel.

5. Zambian Scholarship Fund

  • Supports high school and college students through scholarships.
  • Focuses on creating access to education in underprivileged communities.

6. Mandela Rhodes Foundation

  • Offers postgraduate scholarships to students with a strong academic record and leadership potential.
  • Aims to develop young African leaders.

7. DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)

  • Though not an NGO, DAAD collaborates with organizations to offer scholarships for Zambian students in Germany, especially for postgraduate studies.

8. Canon Collins Trust

  • Provides scholarships for postgraduate studies to students from Southern Africa, including Zambia.
  • Focuses on leadership and advocacy for social justice.

Application Tips

  • Check specific eligibility requirements, which may include academic excellence, financial need, or a commitment to development.
  • Deadlines vary, so ensure early preparation of documents like transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal statements.

These NGOs and foundations play a crucial role in supporting Zambian students seeking educational advancement.