Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme 2026: Comprehensive Overview for Nigerian Applicants
The Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme (MASS) represents a significant opportunity for Nigerian students seeking international education. This fully funded program, sponsored by the Government of Mauritius, enables eligible candidates to pursue undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees at public Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Mauritius. The scholarship comprehensively covers tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend for living expenses, and includes return airfare. All applications must be submitted through Nigeria's Federal Scholarship Board, ensuring a structured and official process for Nigerian nationals.
Key Benefits and Financial Support of the MASS Scholarship
The Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme offers a robust support package designed to alleviate financial burdens for African students. Key benefits include:
- Tuition Coverage: Full payment of tuition and related fees at public Mauritian institutions, up to an annual limit of approximately MUR 100,000.
- Monthly Stipend: A regular allowance to cover accommodation, food, and personal expenses throughout the study period.
- Travel Assistance: Return economy class airfare via the most cost-effective route from Nigeria to Mauritius and back upon program completion.
- Academic Diversity: Access to a wide range of fields such as Engineering, Actuarial Science, Finance, Accounting, Computer Science, Tourism, and Education.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for the entire duration of the study program.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for the 2026 Scheme
To qualify for the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria set by the Mauritian government and participating universities. These requirements ensure that only committed and academically proficient students are selected. Key eligibility points include:
- Applicants must be citizens of Nigeria, which is a member of the African Union and Commonwealth African countries.
- All candidates must apply for at least one full-time, on-campus program at a public HEI in Mauritius.
- Undergraduate applicants must be at least 18 years old and not exceed 26 years by 1 January 2027.
- Postgraduate applicants must not have reached 40 years of age by 1 January 2027.
- Undergraduates need excellent WAEC or NECO results, supported by an A-level certificate.
- Master's and PhD applicants must hold a minimum of a Second Class Upper (2:1) degree or a CPA/GPA above 60%.
- A health certificate from a recognized government hospital is mandatory.
Required Documentation for Application Submission
Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive set of documents to support their scholarship application. These include:
- A completed scholarship application form downloaded from the Mauritius Ministry of Education or Higher Education Mauritius website.
- Certified copies of educational certificates and transcripts.
- Copy of a conditional offer letter or acknowledgement notice from a Mauritian public HEI.
- Copy of the biodata page of the passport.
- Certified copy of the birth certificate.
- Medical certificate and recommendation letters.
If academic documents are not in English or French, certified translations must be included. Originals must be presented within two weeks of arrival in Mauritius for verification.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure for Nigerian Students
The application process for the Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme 2026 involves multiple steps and must be completed through the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB) in Abuja. Follow this guide to navigate the procedure successfully:
- Download the official application form from the Mauritius Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology or the Higher Education Commission, Mauritius.
- Complete the form electronically, print it out, and sign it.
- Apply to at least one full-time, on-campus program at a Mauritian public university and provide proof of payment for the application fee, which is refundable upon scholarship award.
- Attach a conditional offer letter or acknowledgement notice confirming your application and fee payment.
- Prepare certified copies of all required documents, including birth certificate, academic certificates, and transcripts.
- Submit the entire application package through Nigeria's Federal Scholarship Board in Abuja. Direct submissions to Mauritius are not accepted.
- The FSB reviews and nominates candidates, forwarding them to Mauritius for final selection. Successful applicants are announced via the Ministry of Education and FSB.
- Selected students sign a Scholarship Agreement Form and, upon arrival in Mauritius, present original certificates for verification within two weeks to finalize enrollment.
Deadline, Eligibility, and Participating Institutions
Application Deadline: The deadline for the 2026 Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme was 27 March 2026. Prospective applicants should monitor official channels for future deadlines.
Eligibility Scope: The scheme is open to citizens of African Union member states and Commonwealth African countries, including Nigeria. Age limits are 18-26 for undergraduate studies and under 40 for postgraduate programs.
Participating Universities: Scholarship recipients can study at any public higher education institution in Mauritius, such as the University of Technology, Mauritius (UTM), Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI), and University of Mauritius (UoM). These institutions offer diverse academic programs aligned with the scholarship's objectives.
The Mauritius Africa Scholarship Scheme provides a fully funded pathway for Nigerian students to advance their education in Mauritius, covering essential costs and facilitating academic growth. By adhering to the application guidelines and leveraging the support of Nigeria's Federal Scholarship Board, eligible candidates can seize this valuable opportunity for international study.
