Scholarships Closing Soon: 2027 Deadlines Ghanaian Students Should Not Miss

Most fully funded scholarships for study starting in 2027 close between October 2026 and February 2027. Many Ghanaian students miss them, not because they are not qualified, but because they start preparing too late. References, transcripts, English test results and strong essays all take time.

Below is a deadline calendar of major scholarships open to Ghanaian (and most African) applicants, arranged from the earliest deadline. Bookmark this page, pick two or three that fit your goals, and start today.

Scholarship deadline calendar (2027 intake)

Deadlines are taken from the official scholarship pages at the time of writing. Always confirm on the official website before applying, as dates and eligibility can change.

1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh

What it covers: full funding for one-year taught master’s degrees for talented African students who show leadership potential and commitment to giving back to their communities.

Key dates (2027/28): applications open on 13 October 2026; the Applicant Declaration Form closes on 19 October 2026 at 5pm UK time (it may close earlier if a limit is reached); the main application closes on 19 November 2026. Note that Edinburgh required applicants to attend an information session between 15 and 24 September 2026, so check the official page to confirm whether you are still eligible this cycle.

Who should apply: citizens and residents of African countries (including refugees) with strong academic records and a clear plan to contribute to Africa’s development.

See also: Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at Cambridge and Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UCT.

2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (UK)

What it covers: airfare to and from the UK, full tuition fees, a monthly stipend (£1,712, or £2,000 in the London area at current rates), a study travel grant and, for some single parents, a child allowance.

Deadline: the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s closing date is 16:00 BST on Tuesday 20 October 2026, for study in the 2027/28 academic year. Applications are made through the CSC’s online system, CSC Central, but you must be nominated by a national nominating agency. The CSC does not accept direct applications. In Ghana, check the Ghana Scholarships Authority (scholarships.gov.gh) for the local nomination process and any earlier deadline.

Full guide: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship 2027/2028.

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

What it covers: full cost of study at the University of Cambridge for a postgraduate degree, for outstanding applicants from outside the UK.

Deadline: for international applicants, either Tuesday 8 December 2026 or Wednesday 6 January 2027, depending on your course. Check your course’s entry in the Cambridge course directory. You apply through the University’s postgraduate application and tick the Gates Cambridge box. You will need a Gates Cambridge reference in addition to your two academic references.

4. KTH Scholarship (Sweden)

What it covers: the full tuition fee for a one- or two-year master’s programme at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. It does not cover living costs, so plan for that.

Deadline: the scholarship window runs from 1 December 2026 to 15 January 2027. You must first apply for a KTH master’s programme as your first priority through universityadmissions.se and pay the application fee. Competition is tough: in 2026, about 9% of admitted scholarship applicants were nominated.

5. Radboud Scholarship Programme (Netherlands)

What it covers: a reduction of the tuition fee to the lower EU/EEA rate, plus costs such as visa, residence permit and insurance, for talented non-EU/EEA students in English-taught master’s programmes at Radboud University. Check the official page for the exact package.

Deadline: submit your master’s application in Radboud’s OSIRIS system by 31 January 2027 (23:59 CET), and make sure it is complete by 14 February 2027. You need a non-EU/EEA passport and a bachelor’s degree from outside the Netherlands.

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s scholarships

What it covers: for selected students, tuition, travel and a monthly allowance while studying in two or more European countries.

Deadline: each programme sets its own date, usually between October and January. Read my guide to Erasmus Mundus scholarships 2027, then go to the catalogue and shortlist programmes in your field.

Already closed this cycle (plan for next year)

• Chevening Scholarship 2027–2028: closed on 6 October 2026 for Ghanaian applicants. The next cycle usually opens around August.

How to apply on time: a 6-week plan

1. Week 1: shortlist. Pick 3–5 scholarships whose eligibility you clearly meet. Read the official page twice.
2. Week 1: request references. Email your lecturers or employers now. Give them your CV, the scholarship criteria and the deadline.
3. Week 2: documents. Request transcripts and certificates. Check if you need an English test (IELTS/TOEFL) or a waiver letter.
4. Weeks 2–4: essays. Write your personal statement and leadership essays. Use real examples with results (numbers, outcomes), not general claims.
5. Week 5: review. Ask two people to read your essays. Cut anything that does not show impact, leadership or a clear plan.
6. Week 6: submit early. Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Portals crash on the last day.

What makes a winning application

• Clear goals: what you will study, why it matters, and what you will do afterwards in Ghana or Africa.
• Evidence of leadership: projects, volunteering, community work or initiatives you started.
• A consistent personal brand: your CV, LinkedIn and essays should tell the same story. My guide to professional branding explains how.
• Strong references from people who know your work well.

Frequently asked questions

Which scholarships close in October 2026?

The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (20 October 2026 for the CSC deadline; your nominator may close earlier) and the first stage of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh (19 October 2026).

Do I need IELTS for scholarships in the UK?

It depends on the university. Many UK universities accept proof that your previous degree was taught in English. Check the English language requirements for your specific course.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes. You can usually apply for several scholarships in the same year, as long as you meet each one’s eligibility rules. Tailor each application; do not copy and paste the same essay.

Where can I find government scholarships in Ghana?

The Ghana Scholarships Authority publishes local and foreign scholarship opportunities and nomination processes at scholarships.gov.gh.

Need help telling your story in a scholarship essay or building a professional profile that stands out? See my professional branding service, or browse more opportunities in the top fully funded opportunities for youth.