What scholarships are available for Malawian students?
Scholarships for Malawian students exist, but competition is stiff. The key is applying to multiple programs and starting well before deadlines. Most international scholarships close 6-12 months before the academic year starts.
Here are the main options.
Government scholarships
The National Education Board (NEB) offers scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate study. These are mostly for students attending public universities in Malawi.
- Undergraduate bursaries — covers tuition and living allowance at University of Malawi, MZUNI, and other public institutions
- Postgraduate scholarships — for Master’s and PhD programs, often with study-abroad components
Apply through your university’s financial aid office. Deadlines are usually announced in January/February for the September intake.
Foreign embassy scholarships
Several countries offer scholarships specifically for Malawians:
- Chinese Government Scholarship — covers full tuition, accommodation, and stipend. Apply through the Chinese Embassy in Lilongwe. Deadline: typically March-April.
- Chevening Scholarships (UK) — fully funded Master’s in the UK. Application opens in August, closes in November. chevening.org
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany) — for postgraduate study in Germany. Covers tuition and living costs. daad.de
- US Embassy Scholarships — varies by year, check usembassy.gov.mw
International organizations
- African Development Bank (AfDB) scholarships — for Master’s programs in development-related fields
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program — full scholarships at partner universities for young Africans
- UNESCO scholarships — for specific fields like education and science
University-specific funding
- University of Malawi — offers internal bursaries and fee waivers based on performance
- University of Livingstonia — has partnerships with international donors for student funding
- ACAL (Africa College of Leadership and Research) — short courses and leadership programs
Tips for stronger applications
- Apply early — most scholarships have strict deadlines and don’t accept late applications
- Get strong reference letters — ask lecturers or employers who know your work, not just your name
- Write a clear personal statement — explain why you want the scholarship and what you’ll do with the education
- Check eligibility carefully — some scholarships are for specific fields, age groups, or regions
Where to find new scholarships
- Scholars Portal Africa — scholarsportal.org
- Opportunities for Youth — lists scholarships and internships for young Africans
- University notice boards — many scholarships are announced internally before going public