In many African countries, students struggle to pay fees, buy books, and survive university life. Some even drop out because of financial pressure. But what if you were told there are countries that not only offer free education, but also pay you a monthly stipend just to study?
This is not a rumour or a scholarship lottery. These are real, government-funded programs in countries that need international students to boost their economies and workforce. The sad part? Most Africans don’t know about them.
In this article, you’ll discover countries where you can study for free and get paid, how to apply, and what makes these opportunities so powerful.
1. Germany – Free Tuition + Monthly Allowance
Germany is one of the few countries in the world where public universities charge no tuition fees — even for international students.
Many universities offer programs in English, and the German government, through organizations like DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), gives out monthly stipends of €850 to €1,200 to help cover your living expenses.
What You Get:
- Free tuition at public universities
- Monthly allowance to cover rent, food, and transport
- High-quality education
- Opportunity to work part-time and stay after graduation
Who Can Apply:
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD students
- Students from developing countries, including most African nations
- People with good academic records
Most students never pay agents. They apply directly through DAAD or university websites.
2. Norway – Free Education + Government Support
Norway offers free education for all, including international students, at its public universities. Though it doesn’t offer stipends to all students, many programs are fully funded through Norwegian Quota Scheme and research grants for postgraduate students.
Master’s and PhD students in Norway can also earn while studying, and some are offered monthly stipends through funded research projects.
What You Get:
- No tuition fees at public universities
- Paid research or part-time teaching roles
- Full-time work rights after studies
Note: The cost of living in Norway is high, but the income and stipends balance it out for many.
3. Finland – Scholarships That Pay You
Finland recently introduced tuition fees for non-EU students, but many universities offer full scholarships that include a living allowance.
For example, the Finnish Government Scholarship Pool supports postgraduate studies with monthly stipends between €900 and €1,200 for international students.
What You Get:
- Full tuition scholarship
- Monthly allowance
- Access to world-class education and research
This is ideal for African students who want to do research or work in innovation, education, or healthcare.
4. Hungary – Stipendium Hungaricum (Fully Funded for Africans)
Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum is one of the most generous scholarship programs for international students, especially from Africa.
Offered by the Hungarian government, this scholarship covers:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation or housing allowance
- Monthly stipend
- Medical insurance
Thousands of African students have already benefited from this program, especially from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Applications open every year between November and January.
5. Turkey – Türkiye Burslari Scholarships
The Turkish government offers a fully funded scholarship for international students through its Türkiye Burslari program.
It includes:
- Tuition-free education
- Free dormitory housing
- Monthly stipend (ranges from $100–$400)
- Health insurance
- Turkish language training
Students can apply for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs, and no Turkish language is required at the start.
This program is well-known globally — but still underused in many African countries.
6. Russia – Government Scholarship with Monthly Payments
Russia offers over 15,000 scholarships annually to international students through its Ministry of Education.
These scholarships:
- Cover tuition
- Provide a monthly stipend
- Often include accommodation in university hostels
Even if you don’t speak Russian, many universities offer preparatory language programs that are also funded.
Popular fields include medicine, engineering, IT, and nuclear science.
7. France – Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
France has high tuition fees, but offers several fully-funded opportunities — especially the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for Master’s and PhD students.
The Eiffel Scholarship includes:
- Full tuition
- Monthly allowance of up to €1,700
- Return flight tickets
- Health insurance
- Cultural and social support
You must apply through your university, which will then recommend you for the scholarship.
Why Are These Countries Offering This?
Most of these countries are facing:
- Ageing populations
- Declining local student numbers
- A need to attract global talent for their economy and workforce
By funding international students, they’re investing in people who may:
- Stay and work after studies
- Bring innovation to their economy
- Strengthen global partnerships
In return, you get education, experience, and a fresh start.
What You Need to Apply
To benefit from these programs, here’s what you should prepare:
- A valid passport
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Motivation letter and CV
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL – not always required)
Most applications are done online, directly on official websites.
While many keep fighting for limited scholarships or going broke trying to pay for school, others are being paid to learn abroad — in safe, supportive environments with clear futures.
If you’re a student or graduate in Africa, this is your moment to plan smarter. Education can open doors but only if you know where.
Do your research. Apply early. Avoid agents. And take action.
Disclaimer: We are not a recruitment agency and do not directly offer jobs. Our goal is to share helpful news and opportunities from verified sources. Always do your own research before applying.