Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship 2027 supports orphaned students from sub-Saharan Africa by providing full financial support to study at a university abroad. The Ashinaga Africa Initiative funds tuition, accommodation, travel costs, and other necessary fees for students committed to returning to contribute to African society.
The programme is run by Ashinaga and began in 2014 to increase access to higher education abroad for orphaned students. Applications are open for Francophone and Lusophone countries, with Anglophone country students now selected via partner high schools rather than open application rounds.
Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship Benefits
- Ashinaga support covers tuition
- accommodation
- travel costs
- other necessary fees
Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Have lost one or both parents.
- Are citizens of one of the following countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Comoros, Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa), Ivory Coast, Djibouti, Gabon, Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Seychelles, Chad and Togo.
- Have obtained their bachelor’s degree or are currently in L3 (and will have done so by June at the latest).
- Do not have the financial means to do a Master’s degree in France.
- Are fluent in French.
- Have obtained an average of over 14/20 in the baccalauréat or over 75% in the state exam.
- Have obtained excellent marks in their bachelor’s degree.
- Can participate in the online sessions organized as part of the Orientation Program from October to December. This means that the student has access to a computer and a stable connection for a few hours a week.
- Are committed tò returning home or elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa, to actively contribute to African society after graduation.
- Have no dependents to interfere with their studies.
- Are in good health́ and able to study internationally.
Required Documents for Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship
- A photo or scanned copy of at least one of the following documents: national identity card, passport or birth certificate/extract.
- A photo or scanned copy of the last school report/transcript from your last year in high school (last quarter or semester, or the annual report).
- A photo or scanned copy of the baccalaureate certificate or any other proof of completion of secondary studies (if applicable).
- Grades obtained at university to date, if applicable.
How to Apply for Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship?
- Applications for the AAI are only done online. If you have difficulties filling out our forms, please email us at [email protected].
- There is no application fee, and you must never pay anyone to apply or to apply on your behalf.
- STEP1 Gather all the required documents.
- STEP2 Scan or take photos of the required documents in either PDF or JPG format.
- STEP3 Apply online
- STEP4 Application complete
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, selection, deadlines, and how to apply.
How many students do you select per country?
Ashinaga selects a small number of students and aims to invest significant resources in each accepted scholar. As a result, the organisation typically selects about one student per country per year and cannot guarantee a selection from every country annually.
Why is the Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship only for orphans?
Ashinaga focuses on supporting young orphans inspired by the founder’s personal history. The organisation’s mission is to provide educational opportunities specifically to those who have lost one or both parents, reflecting its longstanding commitment to orphan education.
Can exceptions be made to the eligibility criteria?
No. The programme maintains strict eligibility criteria to ensure fairness and consistency. All applicants must meet the published requirements to be considered for the Ashinaga Africa Initiative, and exceptions are not made to these standards.
How will my university in France be decided?
University placement in France is decided during the Ashinaga Study Camp for selected students. The decision is made together with the student but the final choice rests with Ashinaga, based on academic grades and the availability of the desired course of study.
If I applied last year, can I apply again?
Yes. If you still satisfy the published requirements, you are welcome to apply again in a subsequent application round. Previous application does not disqualify you, provided eligibility and other criteria remain met.
I do not have one of the required documents. What should I do?
All required documents are necessary, especially proof of age and proof of parental death. If you lack a death certificate, alternative official documents such as a court record, affidavit, or an official letter from a local government official may be considered.
What is the registration form for?
The registration form registers applicants in Ashinaga’s system and is used to determine whether applicants meet eligibility criteria and have a strong academic record. Only applicants deemed eligible after registration are invited to complete the Full Application.
What is assessed during the Ashinaga interview?
Applicants are assessed on knowledge and aptitude, challenges faced, future planning and initiative. Assessment includes an examination and interviews to evaluate academic potential and commitment to contributing to sub-Saharan Africa after graduation.
Can I combine another scholarship with Ashinaga financial support?
No. Ashinaga’s financial support cannot be combined with other similar scholarships. If you already have a scholarship covering living expenses equivalent to or greater than Ashinaga’s, the organisation can only offer leadership support instead of full financial support.
I have an admission offer in France for September. Can I still apply?
Yes. You can apply if you have an admission offer from a French university that provides tuition fee exemption. In such cases, Ashinaga encourages applicants to apply, as this may fit the programme’s placement and funding provisions.
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