Funding Sources
Below are some potential sources of funding for African students to continue their data science skills learning. Please note that they are not affiliated to DARA Big Data and that deadlines to apply will vary for each one.
Commonwealth Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are offered to citizens from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. The majority of Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), with the aim of contributing to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth. Scholarships are offered for PhDs, Masters, distance learning and professional placements.
Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund
A scholarship fund to support full or part-time graduates who wish to study towards a doctorate in physics in the UK and are from groups that are currently under-represented in physics. The IOP and leading physicist Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell launched the Bell Burnell Graduate Scholarship Fund to encourage greater diversity in physics.
Chevening Scholarships offer fully-funded one year Masters places at Universities in the UK. They are funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and are aimed at developing global leaders. Chevening offers a unique opportunity for future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers from all over the world to develop professionally and academically, network extensively, experience UK culture, and build lasting positive relationships with the UK. All AVN countries are eligible as well as many other countries across Africa, see here for a full list.
This was created to recognize outstanding graduate students doing exceptional and innovative research in areas relevant to computer science and related fields. Fellowships support promising PhD candidates of all backgrounds who seek to influence the future of technology. Google’s mission is to foster inclusive research communities and encourages people of diverse backgrounds to apply. Fellowships are currently offered in Africa, Australia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, India, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and the United States.
Generation Google Scholarship: for women in computer science
The Generation Google Scholarship: for women in computer science was established to help aspiring computer scientists excel in technology and become leaders in the field. Selected students will receive a €7000 award (or local equivalent) for the 2021-2022 academic year. Scholarships will be awarded based on the strength of each candidate's impact on diversity, demonstrated leadership, and academic background. The program is open to qualified students who meet all the minimum qualifications. Women interested in computer science are strongly encouraged to apply.
Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships
International master’s degree and PhD scholarships for African students from Malawi, Zambia or Zimbabwe to study in the UK, Ireland or South Africa at a leading university. Applicants need to have been accepted into the university to be eligible for the Beit Trust scholarship.