Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme 2027: Eligibility, Benefits and How to Apply

The Government of Mauritius runs the Mauritius-Africa Scholarship Scheme (MASS) for students from African countries. The 2027 edition pays toward tuition and living costs, plus a return economy flight, for full-time study at a public university or polytechnic in Mauritius. It covers diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, MPhil and PhD programmes. Taught master’s degrees are not included.

Status: Open for the 2027 intake. Your country’s nominating agency must send soft copies to Mauritius by 17 March 2027 and hard copies by 31 March 2027, and it will set its own earlier deadline for you. Nigeria and Kenya have listed agencies. Ghana does not appear on the 2027 list of nominating agencies, and Indian citizens are not eligible because the scheme is only for African countries (checked November 3, 2026).

What it covers

• Tuition and course fees of up to MUR 160,000 a year for students from outside SADC, which includes Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. That is about US$3,340 at the Ministry’s stated rate. Students from SADC countries get up to MUR 100,000 at local fee rates.
• A monthly living allowance of MUR 16,500, about US$345. The guidelines call this part support, so plan to add your own money.
• A return economy airfare. You buy the ticket first and claim a refund after you arrive.
• Free care at public hospitals in Mauritius.

You pay for anything above the fee cap, your accommodation, books, travel insurance and any resits. The Ministry also expects you to arrive with at least US$1,000 to cover your first three months.

Who can apply

• Resident citizens of active African Union member states or African Commonwealth countries.
• Diploma and bachelor’s applicants must be over 18 and must not reach their 26th birthday by 1 January 2028.
• MPhil and PhD applicants must not reach their 40th birthday by 1 January 2028.
• You must already have applied for a full-time, on-campus programme at a listed public institution for 2027. Part-time, distance and blended courses are not covered.
• If your schooling was not in English, you need proof such as IELTS 5.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79.

Key details

University application windows differ. The University of Mauritius is open from 28 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, and Université des Mascareignes closes on 22 January 2027. The University of Technology, Mauritius closes in January 2027. These dates are listed as tentative.

How to apply

1. Read the 2027 guidelines for applicants and pick a full-time programme at a listed public institution.
2. Apply to that institution. Keep the offer letter or the receipt for your application fee, which is refunded if you win.
3. Complete the MASS 2027 application form electronically, then print it.
4. Get a medical certificate and certified copies of your birth certificate, certificates and transcripts.
5. Find your agency on the 2027 list of nominating agencies, ask for its deadline, and submit through it. The Ministry does not accept applications sent directly.

Tips before you apply

• Start with your university application, because some windows close in January.
• Budget for rent and daily costs, since the allowance will not cover everything.
• If you leave your course to take a job, you must repay the full scholarship, including the airfare.
• If you are from Ghana, ask Ghana’s government scholarships office whether it will process MASS nominations before you prepare documents.

Full details and all forms are on the official MASS page, including the 2027 call for applications.

Related guides

• Medicine Scholarships for African Students 2027: 3 Routes to Check
• Western University Graduate Research Funding 2027: Eligibility and Deadlines
• AUC Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program 2027: Eligibility and Deadlines

Details are taken from the official Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research website, checked on November 3, 2026. Confirm the current rules there before you apply.