The Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) offered by Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is a distinguished initiative that provides talented and motivated African students the opportunity to pursue a two-year Master’s degree in the Netherlands. This scholarship program is part of Wageningen University’s broader effort to support capacity building in Africa by nurturing future leaders, researchers, and professionals who are committed to addressing key challenges in sustainable development, food security, and environmental conservation across the continent.
Wageningen University, recognized globally for its excellence in agricultural and environmental sciences, established the Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) to:
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Promote Knowledge Exchange:
Facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between Africa and the Netherlands, contributing to innovative solutions for Africa’s pressing socio-economic and environmental issues.
Support Capacity Building:
Equip talented students with advanced academic and research skills to enhance their contributions to local communities and sectors upon their return to Africa.
Encourage Sustainable Development:
Encourage scholarship recipients to focus on critical fields such as sustainable agriculture, food technology, environmental sciences, rural development, and agricultural economics, which are pivotal for Africa’s sustainable growth and prosperity.
Foster Diversity and Inclusivity:
Create a diverse academic environment by welcoming students from various African countries, enriching the learning experience for all and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Key Benefits of the Africa Scholarship Programme
The Wageningen University Africa Scholarship provides comprehensive support to enable students to focus on their studies without financial constraints. The scholarship package includes:
Travel Expenses:
Round-trip airfare to and from the Netherlands.
Living Allowance:
A living allowance sufficient to cover accommodation and living costs for the full duration of the two-year Master’s program.
Full Tuition Fee Waiver:
Coverage of the entire tuition fee for the Master’s program at Wageningen University.
Visa and Health Insurance Costs:
Financial support for visa processing and health insurance, ensuring that scholars have access to healthcare and comply with Dutch regulations.
Conference and Seminar Budget:
A dedicated budget for attending one seminar or conference in Europe during the course of the program. This allows students to expand their professional networks and gain exposure to international research and practices in their field.
Professional Development Support:
Participation in the ‘Reach Your Full Potential’ program, a mentorship and skills development initiative that focuses on enhancing personal and professional growth.
Eligibility Requirements for the Africa Scholarship Programme
To be eligible for the Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
African Citizenship:
Applicants must hold citizenship of an African country.
Application to a Wageningen Master’s Program:
Candidates must have applied for a Master’s program at Wageningen University before the given deadline (February 1, 2025). For more details on how to apply for a Master’s program, visit the WUR Master’s Programs Page.
Unconditional Admission:
The applicant must be unconditionally admitted to one of Wageningen’s Master’s programs. This implies that all entry requirements, including academic qualifications and language proficiency, have been met.
Outstanding Academic Record:
Applicants must be top-performing students with a First-Class Honours degree or equivalent.
Candidates should have a minimum GPA of 80% or higher in their Bachelor’s degree.
Only the top 5% of students from their graduating class are eligible to apply.
English Language Proficiency:
Applicants must meet the English language requirements set by Wageningen University for their chosen Master’s program.
If a candidate does not meet any one of the above criteria, they will not be eligible for the Africa Scholarship Programme, and they will not be invited for the selection procedure.
Selection Process
The selection process for the Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme is based on invitation only. It involves multiple stages to ensure that the most deserving candidates are selected. The key stages of the selection process include:
Initial Screening and Shortlisting:
All candidates who have applied for a Master’s program at Wageningen University by the February 1, 2025 deadline are reviewed.
Approximately 40 candidates will be shortlisted based on their academic performance, motivation, and alignment with the scholarship’s objectives.
Assignment Submission:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited on March 21, 2025, to complete an assignment as part of the second round of the selection process.
The assignment must be submitted by April 4, 2025.
Interview Invitation:
Around 20 candidates will be selected for online interviews based on the quality of their assignment.
Interview invitations will be communicated by April 17, 2025.
Online Interviews:
The interviews will be conducted via MS Teams between April 23 – May 3, 2025. This stage will assess the candidates’ motivation, goals, and potential to contribute to capacity building in Africa.
Final Decision:
The results of the selection process will be announced on May 13, 2025
Required Documents for Application
When applying for the Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme, candidates must ensure they have the following documents:
Bachelor’s Degree Certificate:
A certified copy of the Bachelor’s degree certificate.
Transcript of Academic Records:
Complete academic transcripts showing all courses taken, grades received, and overall GPA.
Proof of English Proficiency:
Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English certificate meeting the program’s language requirements.
Curriculum Vitae (CV):
A comprehensive CV outlining academic background, professional experience, and any relevant extracurricular activities.
Personal Statement (Optional):
A brief statement detailing the applicant’s previous education, motivation for applying, and career aspirations.
Application Process
To apply for the Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme, follow these steps:
Check Eligibility:
Verify that you meet all the eligibility requirements for the Africa Scholarship Programme.
Apply for a Master’s Program:
Submit an application for one of Wageningen University’s English-taught Master’s programs by February 1, 2025.
Selection for the Scholarship:
Candidates who meet the criteria will be invited to participate in the further selection process beginning on March 21, 2025.
Online Interviews and Final Selection:
Participate in the interview stage if shortlisted, and await the final decision on May 13, 2025.
Important Dates to Remember
February 1, 2025: Application deadline for the Master’s program.
March 21, 2025: Invitation for the further selection process.
April 4, 2025: Assignment submission deadline.
April 17, 2025: Decision on interview invitations.
April 23 – May 3, 2025: Online interviews.
May 13, 2025: Final selection results announced.
Final Thoughts
The Wageningen University Africa Scholarship Programme is an outstanding opportunity for talented African students to gain a world-class education in the Netherlands. By providing financial support, mentorship, and professional development, the scholarship equips recipients with the knowledge and skills to address critical challenges in their home countries and make a lasting impact on sustainable development in Africa.
