AGRA Scholarships Africa 2026 – $40,000 Full Funding for Agricultural Masters & PhD (How to Apply & Win)

African agricultural students are securing fully-funded Master’s and PhD scholarships worth $15,000-$40,000 annually through AGRA programs, with 100% studying at African universities and 94% remaining in Africa’s agricultural sector post-graduation.

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa awarded 2,100+ scholarships between 2008-2025, with current annual intake of 180-220 students across 35 African universities in 15 countries, according to AGRA education division reports.

Why this matters. For talented Africans passionate about transforming the continent’s agriculture, AGRA scholarships provide world-class education without leaving Africa — building continental expertise, maintaining cultural connection, and establishing pan-African professional networks while avoiding the “brain drain” that plagues scholarships to Europe and North America.

What’s happening. AGRA operates Africa’s largest agricultural education scholarship program specifically designed to keep talent on the continent while building capacity in priority areas: plant breeding, agronomy, soil science, agricultural economics, and seed systems. Unlike scholarships sending Africans abroad, AGRA invests in strengthening African universities while training the next generation of agricultural leaders.

The scholarship landscape:

AGRA Master’s Scholarships

Value: $15,000-$25,000 per year (total package)
Annual awards: 120-150 Master’s scholarships across all disciplines
Duration: 24 months (standard African Master’s programs)
Eligible countries: All Sub-Saharan African nations

What’s covered:

Tuition and fees:

• Full tuition at partner African universities ($2,000-$8,000/year depending on institution)
• Registration and examination fees
• Student activity fees
• Library and laboratory fees
• Field trip costs for practical training

Living stipend:

• Monthly allowance: $400-$600/month (varies by country cost of living)
• Kenya/South Africa: $600/month
• Ghana/Nigeria/Tanzania: $500/month
• Uganda/Ethiopia/Malawi: $400/month
• Covers accommodation, food, local transport, personal expenses

Research support:

• Thesis research grant: $2,000-$4,000
• Fieldwork in rural areas (transport, accommodation, data collection)
• Laboratory consumables and analysis
• Statistical software and analysis support
• Thesis printing and binding

Additional benefits:

• Book allowance: $300/year
• Laptop loan program (return after graduation)
• Conference attendance (one regional conference during program)
• Mentorship from AGRA alumni and partners
• Professional development workshops (leadership, communication, proposal writing)

Total package value: $30,000-$50,000 over 24 months

What’s NOT covered:

• Personal laptop purchase (loan program available)
• Family expenses (scholarships for individual students only)
• International travel for holidays
• Luxury items or entertainment
• Private accommodation beyond stipend amount

Eligibility requirements:

Nationality:

• Citizen of any Sub-Saharan African country
• Preference for students from rural agricultural backgrounds
• Currently residing in Africa (not diaspora based in other continents)

Academic qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, biological sciences, environmental sciences, or related field
• Upper second class (2:1) minimum or equivalent (top 30% of class)
• Degree from recognized African, European, or North American university
• Recent graduates preferred (degree within past 5 years)

Development commitment:

• Demonstrated interest in African agricultural development
• Intention to work in Africa post-graduation
• Clear career vision addressing smallholder farming challenges
• Track record of community service or agricultural engagement (preferred)

Language proficiency:

• English or French depending on university language
• English programs: No formal test required if previous degree in English
• French programs: TCF or DELF if previous degree not in French

Age considerations:

• No strict age limit
• Typical successful candidates: 23-32 years
• Preference for early-career professionals

Work experience:

• NOT mandatory for Master’s scholarships
• 1-3 years relevant experience strengthens application
• Agricultural extension, research assistant, NGO work valued

Between the lines. AGRA explicitly prioritizes women (targeting 50%+ female scholars), rural backgrounds, and countries underrepresented in agricultural higher education — urban students from privileged backgrounds face higher bars despite strong academics, as AGRA seeks transformational impact through diversity.

AGRA PhD Scholarships

Value: $18,000-$30,000 per year
Annual awards: 60-70 PhD scholarships
Duration: 36-48 months (standard African PhD programs)

What’s covered (PhD-specific):

Tuition and registration:

• Full PhD tuition ($3,000-$10,000/year depending on institution)
• Annual registration and examination fees
• Research proposal development support

Living stipend:

• Monthly allowance: $700-$900/month (higher than Master’s)
• South Africa/Kenya: $900/month
• Ghana/Nigeria: $800/month
• Other countries: $700/month

Research funding:

• PhD research grant: $8,000-$15,000 (total over program)
• Multi-season fieldwork support
• Laboratory analysis (soil, plant tissue, molecular)
• Greenhouse and field trials
• Data collection assistants if needed
• Advanced statistical software licenses

Publication support:

• Open-access publication fees (up to $2,000)
• Journal submission costs
• English editing for manuscripts
• Conference presentations (2-3 over PhD duration)

Capacity building:

• Advanced training courses (biometrics, molecular techniques)
• Writing retreats and proposal development workshops
• Teaching assistantship training
• Science communication skills

Total package value: $60,000-$120,000 over 3-4 years

PhD-specific eligibility:

Academic requirements:

• Master’s degree in relevant agricultural discipline
• Strong academic record (minimum 3.5/5.0 or equivalent)
• Research experience demonstrated through Master’s thesis
• Publications or conference presentations advantageous

Research proposal:

• 3,000-4,000 word detailed proposal required at application
• Must address AGRA priority themes
• Alignment with African agricultural development challenges
• Feasibility within African university resource context
• Clear contribution to knowledge and practice

Supervisor identification:

• Must identify potential supervisor at African university
• Supervisor’s supporting letter required
• Demonstrated research capacity of supervisor (publications, funding)

Priority disciplines and thematic areas (2026):

Plant Breeding and Genetics (highest priority, 35% of scholarships):

Focus crops:

• Maize (drought tolerance, nitrogen use efficiency, disease resistance)
• Rice (NERICA varieties, submergence tolerance, nutritional quality)
• Cassava (virus resistance, nutritional biofortification, post-harvest quality)
• Cowpea (aphid resistance, heat tolerance, early maturity)
• Sorghum and millet (Striga resistance, grain quality, climate adaptation)
• Pulses (beans, groundnut, pigeon pea – nutrition and nitrogen fixation)
• Roots and tubers (sweet potato, yam – biofortification, disease resistance)

Methodologies:

• Conventional breeding (selection, hybridization, variety development)
• Molecular marker-assisted selection
• Genomic selection approaches
• Participatory variety selection with farmers
• Seed systems and variety release

Top universities:

• Makerere University (Uganda) – maize, beans
• University of Ghana – rice, cassava
• Sokoine University (Tanzania) – maize, pulses
• University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) – multiple crops
• Hawassa University (Ethiopia) – teff, pulses

Agronomy and Crop Production (25% of scholarships):

Research areas:

• Integrated soil fertility management
• Conservation agriculture and minimum tillage
• Precision nutrient management for smallholders
• Intercropping and crop diversification
• Irrigation and water management
• Climate-smart agriculture practices

Skills development:

• Field experimental design and management
• Soil and plant analysis
• Crop modeling and simulation
• Participatory on-farm research
• Farmer field school methodologies

Leading institutions:

• Egerton University (Kenya) – soil fertility
• Haramaya University (Ethiopia) – dryland agronomy
• University of Zimbabwe – conservation agriculture
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (Ghana)

Soil Science (15% of scholarships):

Priority topics:

• Soil health assessment and monitoring
• Integrated soil fertility management
• Soil carbon sequestration
• Soil-water conservation
• Micronutrient deficiencies
• Biological nitrogen fixation

Laboratory skills:

• Soil physical, chemical, biological analysis
• Greenhouse experimentation
• Isotope techniques (if available)
• GIS and spatial analysis of soil properties

Top programs:

• Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania)
• Makerere University (Uganda)
• University of Nairobi (Kenya)
• University of Zimbabwe

Agricultural Economics and Policy (15% of scholarships):

Focus areas:

• Smallholder market access and value chains
• Agricultural finance and risk management
• Technology adoption and diffusion
• Gender and social inclusion in agriculture
• Agricultural policy analysis
• Impact evaluation of interventions

Methodological training:

• Household surveys and data collection
• Econometric analysis (Stata, R, SPSS)
• Cost-benefit analysis
• Value chain analysis
• Participatory rural appraisal
• Monitoring and evaluation

Leading universities:

• University of Nairobi (Kenya) – agricultural economics
• Makerere University (Uganda) – development economics
• University of Pretoria (South Africa) – agricultural economics
• Egerton University (Kenya) – agribusiness

Seed Systems and Technology Dissemination (10% of scholarships):

Research topics:

• Seed production systems
• Seed quality control and certification
• Farmer seed systems and informal markets
• Agricultural extension and advisory services
• ICT for agricultural development
• Scaling agricultural innovations

Skills:

• Seed science and technology
• Extension methodologies
• Innovation systems analysis
• Communication and farmer engagement

What’s changing in 2026:

New priority areas:

• Digital agriculture and ICT applications
• Youth engagement in agriculture
• Climate change adaptation breeding
• Nutrition-sensitive agriculture
• Agroecology and sustainable intensification

Geographic expansion:

• Increased Sahel region focus (climate-fragile states)
• Lusophone Africa emphasis (Mozambique, Angola)
• Conflict-affected states consideration (special provisions)

Partnership evolution:

• Private sector engagement requirements
• Industry internships for PhD students
• Policy maker engagement for economics students
• Farmer organization collaboration for agronomy students

Gender initiatives:

• 50% female target (up from 40% historically)
• Women in science mentorship program
• Safe accommodation guarantees for female students
• Maternity provisions (6-month extension if needed)

The numbers that matter:

Application statistics:

• Total applications: 1,800-2,200 annually
• Master’s scholarships awarded: 120-150
• PhD scholarships awarded: 60-70
• Overall success rate: 8-12% (competitive but better than international scholarships)
• Variation by country: 5-20% (depends on applicant quality and national quotas)

Applicant profiles (Master’s):

• Average age: 26 years (range 22-35)
• Female applicants: 45% (AGRA actively recruits women)
• Rural background: 42% of applicants, 55% of awardees (deliberate targeting)
• Work experience: 52% have 1+ years experience
• First-generation university: 38% (AGRA values educational mobility)

Applicant profiles (PhD):

• Average age: 31 years (range 26-42)
• Publications at application: Average 0.8 (not required, but helpful)
• Work experience: Average 4.2 years
• Government employment: 38%
• NGO/development sector: 28%
• University positions: 22%
• Private sector: 12%

Geographic distribution (2024-2025 awards):

• East Africa: 38% (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia)
• West Africa: 32% (Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Mali)
• Southern Africa: 20% (Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique)
• Central Africa: 10% (Cameroon, Rwanda, DRC)

Completion rates:

• Successfully complete degree: 91% (Master’s), 87% (PhD)
• Extension beyond normal duration: 12% (Master’s), 28% (PhD)
• Dropout rate: 9% (Master’s), 13% (PhD) – mostly family/health emergencies
• Average completion time: 25 months (Master’s), 46 months (PhD)

Post-scholarship outcomes (tracked 5 years):

• Working in Africa: 94%
• Agricultural development sector: 88%
• Government agricultural research/extension: 34%
• University faculty positions: 28%
• CGIAR centers (Africa-based): 12%
• International NGOs (Africa offices): 10%
• Private sector (agribusiness, seed companies): 8%
• Further studies (PhD after Master’s): 18%

What students need to know:

Application strategy for maximum success:

12-18 months before:

• Research AGRA partner universities and programs
• Identify specific Master’s/PhD programs aligned with interests
• Contact potential supervisors at universities (PhD especially)
• Assess academic records (request transcripts)

9-12 months before:

• Apply to African universities for admission
• Most universities: March-June deadlines for August/September intake
• Some universities accept AGRA applications as admission applications
• Secure conditional or unconditional offer

6-9 months before:

• Gather all required documents (transcripts, certificates, references)
• Draft personal statement and development impact essay
• For PhD: Develop research proposal with supervisor input
• Request reference letters from professors/supervisors

AGRA application opens (typically April-May):

• Online application through AGRA scholarship portal
• Deadline: June 30 annually (strict, no extensions)
• All documents uploaded as PDFs
• Confirmation email received upon submission

Application components:

Personal Statement (1,000-1,500 words, critical):

Must address:

1. Background and motivation (300-400 words):
   • Personal story connecting you to agriculture
   • Rural/farming background if applicable
   • Academic journey and achievements
   • Why agricultural development matters to you personally

Example opening: “I grew up in rural Machakos County, Kenya, where my family’s maize yields declined 40% over my childhood due to soil degradation and erratic rains. Watching my mother struggle to feed seven children on half-acre depleted land ignited my passion for agricultural science. My Bachelor’s in crop science at Egerton University revealed that solutions exist—improved varieties, soil amendments, water harvesting—but rarely reach smallholder farmers like my family. This gap between agricultural knowledge and farmer practice drives my commitment to becoming a plant breeder developing drought-tolerant crops for Kenya’s drylands.”

2. Why this program and university (250-350 words):
   • Specific courses relevant to your goals
   • Faculty expertise aligning with interests
   • University facilities and resources
   • Why studying in Africa (not abroad) matters to you

Example: “Makerere University’s MSc Plant Breeding and Seed Systems uniquely combines molecular breeding techniques with farmer participatory variety selection—essential for developing crops smallholders will actually adopt. Courses in marker-assisted selection and genomic tools provide cutting-edge skills, while participatory plant breeding modules ensure community engagement. Professor Karim’s research on drought tolerance mechanisms in maize directly aligns with my interest in developing climate-resilient varieties for Eastern Kenya’s semi-arid regions. Studying at Makerere—Africa’s leading plant breeding program—means access to regional germplasm, understanding African soil and climate contexts, and building networks with fellow African scientists who share my development commitment, advantages unavailable in Western universities.”

3. Career goals and development impact (400-500 words):
   • Specific position/role after graduation
   • Concrete activities and research you’ll pursue
   • Beneficiaries (farmers, communities, regions)
   • How you’ll multiply impact beyond your direct work
   • Why Africa needs your contribution

Example: “Upon completing my Master’s, I will join Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) as a maize breeder focusing on drought-prone arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) covering 80% of Kenya and home to 14 million people. My research will develop early-maturing, drought-tolerant maize varieties adapted to Machakos, Kitui, and Makueni counties where 800,000 farming households face chronic food insecurity. Using Makerere training in marker-assisted selection, I will accelerate variety development from 10 years to 5-6 years, incorporating farmer-preferred traits (grain quality, storability, cooking characteristics) through participatory breeding approaches.

Beyond direct research, I will train 25 KALRO junior scientists and agricultural extension officers in modern breeding methods, building national capacity. I will establish on-farm trial networks with 150 farmer groups, engaging 3,000 smallholders in variety testing and selection, ensuring developed varieties match real farmer needs and constraints. By year 5, I target three released varieties adopted by 50,000 households, increasing yields 30-40% under drought stress and improving food security for 250,000 people.

This work addresses Kenya’s paradox: we import 40% of our maize despite adequate land and rainfall, because varieties don’t match farmer conditions. AGRA training will equip me to change this, developing crops that thrive in marginal lands most Kenyans farm.”

4. Why AGRA should invest in you (200-300 words):
   • What makes you different from other applicants
   • Evidence of leadership and initiative
   • Commitment to returning knowledge to communities
   • How you embody AGRA’s mission

Red flags that kill AGRA applications:

• Urban elite background with no connection to rural agriculture
• Plans to pursue PhD abroad immediately after Master’s
• Career goals in international organizations based outside Africa
• No community service or agricultural engagement before university
• Focus on personal advancement rather than farmer impact
• Generic statements not specific to AGRA mission

Winning characteristics:

• Authentic rural or farming community connection
• Specific villages, districts, farmer groups named as beneficiaries
• Quantified impact targets (realistic but ambitious)
• Evidence of prior agricultural engagement (farm work, extension volunteering, youth agricultural clubs)
• Deep knowledge of home country agricultural challenges
• Passion evident throughout (not formulaic)

Development Impact Essay (500 words, required for all applicants):

Prompt: “Describe a specific agricultural development challenge in your community and how your proposed studies will help address it.”

Structure:

Problem description (150 words):

• Specific challenge (not generic “low yields”)
• Geographic scope and affected population
• Root causes (technical, social, economic, policy)
• Current situation and consequences

Your proposed solution (200 words):

• How your studies provide knowledge/skills to address challenge
• Specific methodologies, approaches, technologies you’ll learn
• Why these approaches appropriate for your context
• Realistic assessment of what’s achievable

Implementation plan (150 words):

• Timeline and phases
• Key stakeholders and partnerships
• Resources needed and availability
• Sustainability beyond your direct involvement

Research proposal (PhD applicants only, 3,000-4,000 words):

Structure:

Background and literature review (800-1,000 words):

• Agricultural development context
• Current knowledge and gaps
• Why this research important for Africa
• Research questions (2-4 specific questions)

Methodology (1,200-1,500 words):

• Research design (experimental, survey, modeling, mixed)
• Study sites and selection criteria
• Sampling and sample size
• Data collection methods and tools
• Analysis approach (statistical, qualitative)
• Timeline with milestones (36-48 months)

Expected outcomes and impact (600-800 words):

• Scientific contribution to field
• Practical applications for farmers
• Policy implications
• Capacity building (who you’ll train)
• Publications and dissemination plan
• Pathways to impact

References (200-300 words):

• 25-40 recent references (past 10 years)
• Mix of international journals and African research
• Demonstrate knowledge of field

CV requirements (no page limit, 3-5 pages typical):

Essential sections:

• Personal details (name, nationality, contact, gender, date of birth)
• Education (all degrees, institutions, dates, grades, thesis titles)
• Work experience (if any – positions, dates, responsibilities, achievements)
• Research experience (projects, methodologies, outputs)
• Community service and agricultural engagement
• Publications (if any – peer-reviewed, reports, extension materials)
• Presentations and training delivered
• Awards and recognition
• Technical skills (laboratory, field, software)
• Languages (specify proficiency levels)
• References (3 names, positions, contacts)

AGRA-specific emphasis:

• Rural background and community connections
• Agricultural fieldwork and farmer engagement
• Training or mentorship provided to others
• Overcoming disadvantages (if applicable)
• Women in science achievements (for female applicants)

Reference letters (3 required):

Ideal referees:

• Academic supervisor or professor (essential – must speak to academic ability)
• Employer or internship supervisor (if work experience)
• Community leader or NGO supervisor (demonstrating development commitment)

References must address:

• Academic performance and potential
• Research aptitude and skills
• Commitment to agricultural development
• Leadership and initiative
• Character and integrity
• Likelihood of completing program successfully
• Potential for future impact in Africa

Supporting documents:

Academic transcripts:

• Complete transcripts for all degrees
• Certified copies (university registrar seal)
• Grading scale explanation if non-standard

Degree certificates:

• Bachelor’s certificate (certified copy)
• Master’s certificate for PhD applicants
• National examination certificates if applicable

University admission:

• Offer letter from African university (conditional or unconditional)
• OR proof of application if admission pending
• AGRA coordinates with partner universities

Birth certificate or national ID:

• Proof of age and nationality
• Certified copy

Selection process timeline:

April-June (application period):

• Applications open early April
• Deadline June 30 (strict)
• Online submission only
• Confirmation within 48 hours

July-August (initial screening):

• AGRA staff review for eligibility
• Academic qualifications verified
• Development impact essays assessed
• Incomplete applications eliminated

September (expert review):

• Discipline-specific panels (plant breeding, agronomy, economics, etc.)
• Academic quality scored
• Research potential evaluated (PhD)
• Development commitment assessed

October (interviews – shortlisted candidates):

• Top 30-35% invited to interview
• Regional centers (Nairobi, Accra, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa)
• OR virtual interviews for remote candidates
• 30-minute structured interview
• Questions: motivation, development vision, academic preparation, research plans

November (final selection):

• Interview scores combined with application
• Country and gender quotas considered
• Final offers decided
• Reserve list established

December (notifications):

• Successful candidates notified
• Award letters with conditions sent
• Unsuccessful candidates informed
• Reserve list contacted if offers declined

January-August (pre-studies):

• University registration completed
• Accommodation arrangements
• Pre-program orientation (virtual)
• AGRA scholars’ induction
• Academic program preparation

August/September (program start):

• University term begins
• AGRA welcome orientation
• Mentor matching
• Academic studies commence

Partner universities (Top 20 AGRA institutions):

East Africa:

Makerere University (Uganda):

• MSc/PhD Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
• MSc/PhD Agricultural and Applied Economics
• MSc Crop Science
• AGRA scholars: 15-20 annually
• Strengths: Plant breeding, seed systems

Egerton University (Kenya):

• MSc/PhD Agronomy
• MSc/PhD Soil Science
• MSc Agricultural Economics
• AGRA scholars: 12-18 annually
• Strengths: Soil fertility, agronomy

Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania):

• MSc/PhD Crop Science and Production
• MSc/PhD Soil and Water Management
• MSc Agricultural Economics
• AGRA scholars: 10-15 annually
• Strengths: Comprehensive agricultural sciences

Haramaya University (Ethiopia):

• MSc/PhD Plant Sciences
• MSc Rural Development and Agricultural Extension
• AGRA scholars: 8-12 annually
• Strengths: Dryland agriculture

University of Nairobi (Kenya):

• MSc/PhD Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
• MSc Agricultural and Resource Economics
• AGRA scholars: 8-12 annually
• Strengths: Research facilities, faculty quality

West Africa:

University of Ghana (Ghana):

• MPhil/PhD Crop Science
• MPhil/PhD Soil Science
• MPhil Agricultural Economics
• AGRA scholars: 10-15 annually
• Strengths: Crop improvement, economics

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (Ghana):

• MSc/PhD Agronomy
• MSc Crop Protection
• AGRA scholars: 8-10 annually

Ahmadu Bello University (Nigeria):

• MSc/PhD Agronomy
• MSc/PhD Plant Science
• AGRA scholars: 6-10 annually
• Strengths: Large student body, regional coverage

Southern Africa:

University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa):

• MSc/PhD Plant Pathology
• MSc/PhD Crop Science
• MSc Agricultural Economics
• AGRA scholars: 8-12 annually
• Strengths: Research quality, facilities

University of Pretoria (South Africa):

• MSc/PhD Plant Production and Soil Science
• MSc Agricultural Economics
• AGRA scholars: 6-10 annually
• Strengths: Advanced research, industry links

University of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe):

• MSc/PhD Crop Science
• MSc Soil Science
• AGRA scholars: 6-8 annually (limited by country situation)

What’s unclear:

• Whether AGRA will expand to North Africa (currently Sub-Saharan only)
• If funding levels will increase to match African inflation
• How political instability in some countries affects program operations
• Whether virtual learning options will be developed for conflict zones

The big picture. AGRA scholarships uniquely prioritize keeping African talent in Africa — the 94% continental retention rate reflects deliberate design choices: African universities, African supervisors, African research contexts, and African career pathways. Unlike scholarships to Europe/America with 60-70% return rates, AGRA builds pan-African networks and prevents brain drain while strengthening African institutions.

Living as an AGRA scholar in Africa:

Advantages:

• Cultural familiarity and language comfort
• Lower cost of living (stipend goes further)
• Proximity to home (affordable visits to family)
• Research directly relevant to African contexts
• Pan-African networks (classmates from across continent)
• Avoiding visa complications and discrimination abroad

Challenges:

• Limited laboratory equipment at some universities
• Electricity and internet interruptions in some locations
• Academic strikes (common in West African universities)
• Research funding constraints (less than Western universities)
• Publication support less robust
• Library access limited (journal subscriptions expensive)

Quality of education:

• Top African universities (Makerere, University of Ghana, Pretoria) rival international standards in agriculture
• Faculty often Western-trained but with African research experience
• Practical orientation (field-based learning emphasized)
• Smaller cohorts (closer faculty-student relationships)

Alternative pathways if not selected:

AGRA reapplication:

• Can reapply annually
• Strengthen application: research experience, publications, community engagement
• Many successful candidates apply 2-3 times
• No penalty for reapplication

RUFORUM scholarships:

• Regional Universities Forum (Eastern and Southern Africa)
• Similar African focus
• Different application process and deadlines

African Union scholarships:

• Pan-African University programs
• Continental exchange programs
• Limited agriculture focus

National programs:

• Many African countries offer agricultural scholarships
• Check home country higher education commission
• Often less competitive than AGRA

CGIAR scholarships:

• IRRI, IITA, ICRISAT, CIMMYT
• Often combined with African university degrees
• Research-intensive programs

Bottom line. AGRA scholarships represent Africa’s commitment to solving its own agricultural challenges through homegrown talent — selection prioritizes rural backgrounds, women, and demonstrated development commitment over pure academic metrics. The 8-12% acceptance rate is competitive but significantly better than international scholarships (1-4%), while African university focus ensures culturally relevant research and 94% continental retention creating genuine agricultural transformation.

Verification essential: Apply only through official AGRA website at agra.org (education section), never through agents claiming to “guarantee” scholarships. Verify university partnership status on AGRA website before applying as partnerships occasionally change. Contact AGRA country offices for application support in home country.

Application portal access: AGRA scholarship applications open early April annually through online portal at agra.org/education/scholarships, with June 30 deadline (no extensions), requiring online submission of personal statement (1,000-1,500 words), development impact essay (500 words), research proposal (PhD only, 3,000-4,000 words), CV, academic transcripts, degree certificates, 3 reference letters, university admission proof, and birth certificate/national ID, with all documents in PDF format.