Scholarships
Top 10 Best Scholarships for Burundian Students
Many Burundian students dream of studying abroad, but the high cost of tuition, travel, and living expenses often makes it difficult. Fortunately, a number of completely financed overseas scholarships exist to help offset these expenses. These scholarships provide financial assistance and allow you to explore other cultures, study at leading worldwide universities, and create a better future. This article emphasises the top 10 scholarships you may apply for if you are a Burundian student seeking chances to study abroad. Every scholarship described here offers straightforward and obvious information about eligibility, benefits, and application timelines to help you progress on your path.
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
A well-known award for dedicated and talented African students, including those from Burundi, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program Designed for those from financially underprivileged families who have demonstrated leadership potential, it is fully supported. This award pays for personal expenses like transportation, books, housing, tuition, and other related ones. The program collaborates with well-known universities in Canada, the United States, and Africa, including McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the University of Cape Town. Students have to first get accepted to one of the universities involved in the program before following the university’s particular scholarship application procedure.
Although the specific dates may vary by university, most Mastercard Foundation scholarships typically have an application period that runs from August to October. Applicants have to demonstrate excellent academic achievement, leadership skills, and a dedication to their Burundi communities’ return.
2. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Funded by the UK government, the Chevening Scholarship is a renowned prize for students wishing to undertake a one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Students from all around the world, including Burundi, are welcome. Chevening is a completely financed fellowship that covers visa fees, a monthly living allowance, travel expenses to and from the UK, and tuition costs. The scholarship is aimed at assisting future leaders; hence, candidates must demonstrate leadership potential and a definite vision of how their education would enable them to benefit their home nation.
Typically, the application window runs from August to early November. Applicants must already hold a bachelor’s degree, have at least two years of job experience (including internships and voluntary work), and show academic achievement and leadership potential to qualify.

3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD, provides a wide variety of scholarships to overseas students from underdeveloped nations, including Burundi. These scholarships are mostly for postgraduate students wishing to study in Germany. Popular fields of study are social sciences, public health, economics, and engineering. Covering tuition, travel expenses, health insurance, and a monthly living expense allowance, the scholarship fully funds all expenditures.
Though many open between August and October, the application timeline differs by program. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, at least two years of relevant professional experience, and a compelling motivation letter stating why they selected their course and how it would help their career and community.
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4. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme (France)
The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, run by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is aimed at top-performing overseas students who wish to pursue a master’s or PhD degree in France. Although the scholarship does not pay tuition costs, it does offer substantial cash for cultural events, medical insurance, international travel, and living expenses.
Usually, the application period runs from October to January. Students must first apply to a participating French university, which will then recommend them for the award. Applicants for a master’s degree must show exceptional academic achievement and be under 25; those for a PhD must be under 30.
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
As part of a joint program, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) provide a great chance for Burundian students to study in several European nations. Covering school costs, travel, installation expenses, and a monthly living stipend, these fully funded, highly competitive scholarships Students get degrees from at least two separate European institutions.
Most EMJMD program applications become available between October and January. Students with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline and proof of English language ability via tests such as IELTS or TOEFL may apply. Every program could have its own particular criteria; thus, it’s crucial to examine the specifics closely.
6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)
The U.S. government funds the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, a highly regarded grant, for students from all over the world, including Burundi. Covering tuition, flights, a living stipend, health insurance, and other associated expenses, it helps graduate-level research and study in the United States. The program fosters mutual understanding across countries by means of scholarly interaction.
Usually in February, applications for Fulbright open; they close by May. Applicants must have a finished bachelor’s degree and demonstrate significant academic success, leadership potential, and a desire to return and contribute to their home country after finishing their studies.
7. Sweden Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals
Students from certain countries, including Burundi, may apply for the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) if they wish to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden. The award includes alumni network membership, insurance, travel expenses, monthly living allowance, and full tuition fees. It seeks to create future leaders who will help their nations grow.
Starting in February, the application period runs until late February or early March. Before applying for the SISGP, candidates first seek a master’s degree from a Swedish university. Among the criteria are a bachelor’s degree, at least 3,000 hours of job experience (volunteering counts), and a compelling desire to effect change.
8. New Zealand Government Scholarships
For both undergraduate and postgraduate education, the New Zealand government provides complete scholarships to students from disadvantaged nations. Burundian students who want to study subjects connected to sustainable development, agriculture, education, and more may find these scholarships ideal. The program even offers a settling-in payment and covers medical insurance, airfare, living expenses, and tuition.
Typically, applications open in February and close in late March. Students have to fulfil the academic criteria for their selected program, show leadership skills, and be dedicated to applying their knowledge to assist in shaping Burundi in order to qualify.
9. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Managed by the China Scholarship Council (CSC), the Chinese Government Scholarship is open to Burundian students at undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate levels. It offers complete medical insurance, a monthly living allowance, housing, and full tuition cost coverage. Students may apply directly to Chinese universities that accept CSC scholarships or via the Chinese consulate in Burundi.
Usually, applications start in January and end by April. Depending on the school, requirements include academic transcripts, a personal statement or research proposal, recommendation letters, and confirmation of language competency in either English or Chinese.
10. Japanese MEXT Scholarship
Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) provides scholarships to foreign students wishing to study in Japan at the undergraduate, master’s, or PhD levels. The MEXT scholarship sometimes includes Japanese language study, covering tuition, travel, a monthly stipend, and other expenses. Students have to apply via the Japanese Embassy in Burundi; the selection procedure consists of a written test and interview.
Usually, applications start in April and finish in June. Students who have outstanding academic records, are in good health, and are willing to adjust to life in Japan, including learning the language as required, qualify.
FAQs on the Best Scholarship for Burundian Students
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Conclusion
Studying abroad is no longer just a dream for Burundian students; with the appropriate scholarship, it may be reality. These 10 foreign scholarships provide complete funding for tuition, living expenses, and even travel, so allowing you to concentrate on your education and future job. Whether your interests lie in Europe, North America, Asia, or Oceania, every one of these initiatives presents a special chance to develop both intellectually and personally. We kindly encourage you to apply early, keep track of deadlines, and begin your preparations now.
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