Emerging Global Scholarships Zimbabwean Students Should Apply for in 2025

Zimbabwe continues to produce high achievers through A‑Levels, ZIMSEC, and HEXCO. Yet many students still miss emerging global scholarships that offer full funding and targeted support in STEM, leadership, and development. Unlike heavyweight awards like Rhodes or Chevening, these programs are less competitive, widely accessible, and often tailored for African applicants.

This post highlights scholarships that are open or closing very soon, updated for August 2025, still accepting Zimbabwean candidates.

1. Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme 2025

Fully funded scholarships for Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD studies at public universities in Mauritius.
📅 Deadline: Electronic forms by 23 April 2025, final hard copies by 30 April 2025 (some flexibility may allow late endorsement)
Eligibility:

• Zimbabwean citizen, 18–26 yrs for UG; under 40 for postgraduate by 1 Jan 2026

• Admission or application to a public HEI in Mauritius before applying

Benefits:

• Full tuition and related costs (up to MUR 100,000)

• Monthly stipend (≈ MUR 12,500–16,500)

• Return airfare and basic public healthcare coverage(helsb.gov.zm)

Why apply now: Still open to endorsement via national Ministry. Lower competition than UK‑based scholarships.

2. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship

Accepting applications for UG, Master’s, and PhD levels for Zimbabwean applicants from IsDB member countries. Usually reopens late in the year.
📅 Next Window: Opens around Nov–Dec 2025 for the next cycle (opens annually)

Eligibility:

• Zimbabwean citizen; outstanding academic and leadership credentials

• Strong connection to development goals in home country

Coverage:

• Full tuition, living costs, and Oxford's Leadership Programme

Why this matters: Only around 35 scholars selected globally per year ~ high ROI for a standout application.

4. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (South Africa)

Prestigious postgraduate programme for African citizens, including Zimbabweans. Covers 2 years study in South Africa.
📅 Application deadline typically around May–June each year ~ watch for 2026 cycle.

Eligibility:

• African citizen under 30, postgraduate level entry

• Demonstrated leadership, reconciliation values, and academic excellence

Benefits:

• Tuition, accommodation, meals, books, travel, and leadership training

Why apply: Strong continental credibility and leadership network across Africa.

5. EDISS Double Degree Scholarships (Europe)

Fully funded Master's programs across Finland, Spain, Italy & Sweden. 2025 intake window is now closed, but 2026 applications open in October–November 2025.

Eligibility:

• Open globally, including Zimbabwean candidates

• Admission into an eligible double‑degree Master's program

Benefits:

• Full scholarship + €1,400 monthly stipend

• International academic experience across four European universities

Why keep on radar: Early planning gives you edge when window opens.

Comparison Table (Updated Aug 2025)

• Get endorsed early: Especially for Mauritius—interact with your Ministry or nominating agency before hard deadlines.

• Personalize essays: Align your goals with each scholarship’s mission—whether development, innovation, or leadership.

• Track with precision: Use a spreadsheet to monitor deadlines, required documents, submission status, and follow-up.

• Use alumni insights: Search LinkedIn or Scholarz Gate alumni network for previous Zimbabwean awardees—ask for guidance.

• Apply to emerging programs: These typically attract fewer applicants, so preparing strong, early applications gives you an edge.

Final Word

While some classic scholarships like Commonwealth or Chevening remain highly competitive, the emerging opportunities listed here offer targeted, accessible gateways with full funding for Zimbabwean students. As of August 2025, only Mauritius’ scheme is actively open, while others are worth preparing for imminent cycles.

Start building your application today. For detailed ,utter-by-step guides, prompts, or template essays, stay connected with Scholarz Gate—where opportunity meets preparation.