In 2022, we piloted the Shakira Choonara Young African Scholarship Award. The scholarship is an investment in young people a thriving Africa and African excellence. The first awardee, Ms Goitsemodimo Ditsele graduated with a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Botswana in 2022.
The Shakira Choonara Young African Scholarship Award will be awarded each year to a deserving final year student at either the undergraduate or postgraduate level (Honors, Masters, PhD). The scholarship supports final year tuition fees for a disadvantaged student. The student must be pursuing a university degree and have a track record of academic excellence (70% or more in the current and previous years of study). Studies in the broader development field will be supported, desirable fields include health sciences and gender studies.
University of Botswana Information
Established in 1964, University of Botswana is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Gaborone (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants). This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Francistown, Maun. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Botswana, University of Botswana (UB) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Botswana (UB) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details.
Eligibility Criteria
- Youth between the ages of 21-35 years-old
- The applicant must be a citizen of any of the 54 African states
- The applicant must be in the final year of studies (undergraduate or postgraduate) at an African university
- Demonstrate financial need i.e. require the scholarship to settle final year tuition fees in order to complete their academic degree
- A proven track record of academic excellence
We strongly encourage young women and youth from marginalized populations to apply. Only online applications will be accepted, incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The student must be pursuing a university degree and have a track record of academic excellence (70% or more in the current and previous years of study). Studies in the broader development field will be supported, desirable fields include health sciences and gender studies.
Offered Benefits
The scholarship supports final year tuition fees for a disadvantaged student.