Scholarships
Top 10 Best Scholarships for Botswanan Students
Are you a student from Botswana hoping to study abroad but concerned about the expenses? Great news! Many foreign scholarships exist to enable you to reach your educational goals free of financial concern. Offered by universities and governments all around, these scholarships span many levels of study including undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. This article will look at the top ten scholarships Botswanan students can apply for, including their qualifying requirements, and application timeline.
1. Chevening Scholarship (UK)
A renowned UK government initiative, the Chevening Scholarship fully funds a one-year master’s degree at any UK university. It includes travel charges, living costs, education fees, and other items. Applicants have to show leadership ability and have at least two years of job experience. Usually, the application window opens in August and runs until early November every year. Applications for the academic year 2025–2026 are anticipated to open in August.
2. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (South Africa)
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship helps African students seeking postgraduate study (Honours or Master’s degrees) at accredited South African universities. It includes a personal allowance, meals, lodging, and tuition. Applicants should be under 30 years old, have a good academic record, and demonstrate leadership qualities. There is also a leadership development program included with the scholarship. Applications are expected to open in March and close in April.
3. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship fully funds master’s and PhD study in the UK. Including Botswana, it is available to Commonwealth country nationals. The scholarship provides a living allowance, flights, and tuition costs. Academic excellence and the potential to contribute to the growth of their home country are key factors in guiding applicant selection. Though application deadlines differ, applications are anticipated to open in September and close in December.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The Fulbright Program funds graduate study in the United States. It includes health insurance, a living allowance, travel expenses, and tuition. Applicants should show leadership ability and have a solid academic background. The application is anticipated to commence in February and close in October.

5. Australia Awards Scholarships
These scholarships, funded by the Australian government, enable students from impoverished nations, including Botswana, to study in Australia for undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. They provide a living allowance, travel expenses, and full tuition prices. Applications are anticipated to commence in February and close in April.
6. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program (Canada)
Students from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Botswana, may study at partner universities in Canada under this program’s all-encompassing scholarships. It includes additional costs, books, housing, and tuition. Among the participating universities are the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia. Though they differ by school, application deadlines usually range between October and November for the academic year.
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7. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (Australia)
High-achieving domestic and foreign students doing graduate research at the University of Melbourne can apply for these scholarships. They include health insurance, a living stipend, relocation assistance, and tuition costs. With certain deadlines depending on the program, applications are available all year.
8. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
SINGA provides PhD education in English at Singapore’s premier universities. It covers flights, a monthly stipend, and whole tuition costs. The program welcomes overseas students, including those from Botswana. Expected application deadline for the January 2026 intake is June 1, 2025.
9. University of Edinburgh Southern African Scholarships (UK)
To students from several Southern African nations, including Botswana, the University of Edinburgh provides scholarships for postgraduate Master’s studies. The scholarship pays for one academic year’s university housing and foreign tuition charge. Though application deadlines differ, for the academic year, applications are anticipated to open in early.
10. Community Leadership Education Fund (CLEF)
Students from rural areas in Botswana and other African nations get some financing from CLEF. It encourages tertiary education in any area of knowledge at a university of the student’s preference. Renewable yearly, the award depends on academic achievement. Application deadlines differ, hence interested students may contact the Africa Foundation for particular dates.
Conclusion
Studying overseas is a major move; for Botswanan students, these scholarships can help to close that gap. Every scholarship has its own criteria and deadlines, hence it’s crucial to study and get your applications ready early. Your academic aspirations can come true with will and the appropriate help.
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