Asia is increasingly a strong destination for African students seeking fully funded study abroad opportunities. From government-backed scholarships to university-funded packages, there are many excellent options. Below are standout institutions and programmes spread across Asia that are open to international students, including Africans, and provide full funding (tuition + living costs, often airfare). Be sure to check eligibility and deadlines.

1. Peking University – Yenching Academy (China)

Scholarship: Yenching Scholarship
What it offers: A two-year fully funded master’s programme at Peking University covering tuition, accommodation, stipend, travel.
Why it’s strong for African students: It is open to “international students” globally, including African nationals, and aims to build global leadership.
Tip: Focus your application on global/inter-cultural leadership and community impact.

You may like: 7 Fully Funded International Undergraduate Scholarships for African Students

2. Tsinghua University – Schwarzman Scholars (China)

Scholarship: Schwarzman Scholars Program
What it offers: Full funding for a one-year master’s at Tsinghua, including tuition, accommodation, travel stipend.
Why it’s good: Prestigious, global community, strong exposure; good for high-achieving African students.
Tip: Ensure you have leadership experience on your CV and can commit to a one-year intensive programme.

3. Seoul National University (South Korea)

Scholarships: Various including the Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students (GSFS) and other fully funded programmes.
What it offers: For non-Korean applicants, full tuition plus living stipend in many cases.
Tip: Check whether the scholarship is for masters/PhD and whether your nationality is eligible (many scholarships specify all countries or “international students”).
Link to highlight: See the official SNU scholarship page via Global Korea Scholarship guidance.

4. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST, South Korea)

Scholarship: KAIST International Student Scholarship & other full-ride options.
What it offers: Full tuition waiver for international students (including undergrad) plus stipend, health insurance for many programmes.
Why it’s a top STEM choice: Excellent for students interested in science, engineering, research; globally ranked.
Tip: If you have a STEM background and strong grades, highlight research interests and achievements.

5. National University of Singapore (NUS, Singapore)

Scholarship: Various full-funded merit scholarships for international students (e.g., for undergraduates and research programmes).
What it offers: Full funding (tuition, living) for top international candidates at one of Asia’s top universities.
Tip: For African applicants, emphasise leadership and global outlook, not just academics.

6. King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM, Saudi Arabia)

Scholarship: Fully funded graduate programmes for international students (covering tuition, accommodation, stipend).
What it offers: Especially strong for engineering and science students; full funding plus support.
Tip: Saudi Arabia may have specific nationality or language requirements—check carefully.

7. Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (Indonesia)

Scholarship: International Priority Scholarships (IPS) – Fully funded for international students (Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD).
What it offers: Full funding including tuition, living allowance, travel for eligible students from developing countries.
Tip: Good option for African applicants seeking cost-effective study abroad in Asia with full support.

8. University of Tokyo (Japan)

Scholarship: MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government) via University Recommendation – fully funded.
What it offers: Tuition waiver, stipend, living costs; open to international students selected via Japanese universities.
Tip: Many programmes at U of Tokyo and other Japanese universities accept international students in English-taught courses—great for African applicants.

9. Zhejiang University / other China universities (via AFLSP)

Programme: Asian Future Leaders Scholarship Program – works with leading Asian universities (e.g., Zhejiang, Peking) providing full scholarships.
What it offers: Fully funded study for selected students at partner Asian universities.
Tip: Check which universities participate each year and ensure the slot is open for African students.

10. Tsinghua University / Other Major Chinese Universities (via Chinese Government Scholarship)

Scholarship: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) and related provincial/university fully funded scholarships.
What it offers: Tuition waiver, accommodation, monthly stipend; open to international students including Africans.
Tip: China has many scholarship slots for developing country students—research the CSC portal and partner universities.

How to Choose & Prepare

• Check level of study: Some scholarships are for undergraduates, others only for masters/PhD.
• Eligibility by nationality: Many scholarships say “open to all countries” or list eligible countries; confirm for your country.
• Application deadlines: These vary widely by country and university—it’s best to start ~9–12 months ahead.
• Strengthen your story: Many full-funded scholarships emphasise leadership, impact, and your home community.
• Language requirements: Some programmes may require English or host-country language (e.g., Korean, Japanese, Mandarin).
• Budget & visa logistics: Even fully funded scholarships may require you to arrange visa, travel early, or show supporting documents.