Are you an African student aspiring to go to a film school but looking for financial assistance through scholarships? Set your worries at ease because you just bumped into the solution to your worries. Stay with me as we explore all the film scholarships for African students that you can lay your hands on.
Scholarships exist to help students who are not financially capable of funding themselves to go through school, and some of these scholarships are supported by the government of a country, like the Aikyashree Scholarship and Vivekananda Scholarship which are provided by the government of Bengal in India.
Other scholarships are funded by private organizations like Unigo, which provides thousands of scholarships like the superpower scholarship, zombie apocalypse scholarship, and lots of other scholarships that you can find on our scholarship website.
African students are not left out, as there are scholarships for African women and UNICEF scholarships for African students. There are lots of other scholarship opportunities for African students, and this article will dwell on one of them.
For someone who is interested and has a passion for acting, getting an education in a movie school is the best option you have because film schools will offer you the resources and platform you need to take a step further in your career.
You will learn firsthand from industry professionals, be exposed to both modern and ancient filming techniques, practice in labs, facilities, and equipment, and gradually begin to make a name for yourself.
However, most students cannot make headway in pursuing this career due to limited sources of funds and sponsorship. This article has been written to enlighten you on the film scholarships for African students that are available.
Table of Contents
Film Scholarships for African students
All available film scholarships for African students are mentioned and discussed here. So sit right and read through.
- Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU Africa
- Black Women Film Network Scholarship
- Stellenbosch University Masters Scholarship
- Pan African University Scholarships
- WeMakeScholars Scholarships
- Women in Film Scholarship Program
- National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Scholarships
- Alliance for Women in Media Dallas/Ft. Worth Scholarships
- Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship
- Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Fund
- Kozakov Foundation Fellowship for Creatives
1. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa
United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) has partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in its global Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. This initiative will offer academically talented youth from Africa facing financial, gender, displacement, or disability constraints an opportunity to access world-class university education.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa provides full-cost scholarships to young Africans who are first-time undergraduate degree-seeking applicants. By completion of their studies, Scholars will be required to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the continent, having been equipped with internationally recognized and locally applicable qualifications. The scholarship is made available for 13 approved undergraduate degree programs, including the Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Directing.
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must;
- Be a youth not exceeding 29 years old in the following categories qualify:
- Young women and men.
- Refugees and displaced youth (age limit is 32 years);
- Youth with disabilities (age limit is 32 years);
2. Black Women Film Network Scholarship
Established in 1997, the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) was founded to prepare black women for careers in film and television. They offer a scholarship to support aspiring young women of color pursuing careers in these fields. Applicants need to submit two letters of recommendation and an official college transcript to be eligible for the scholarship.
3. Stellenbosch University Masters Scholarship
The Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarship Programme (PSP) is one of their flagship scholarship programmes. It aims to support the school’s vision of becoming a leading research-intensive University by supporting a pool of emerging research talent amongst our postgraduate students.
All scholarship awards will be made on the condition that the applicant meets all the scholarship requirements and the admission requirements of the relevant degree programme. This program fully funds African students to pursue a master’s degree at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
4. Pan African University Scholarships
The Pan African University is an initiative of the Heads of State and Government of the African Union. It is a Premier continental university network whose mission is to provide quality postgraduate education geared towards achieving a prosperous, integrated and peaceful Africa. This initiative offers financial aid for various undergraduate and graduate programs, including fields related to film and media.
5. WeMakeScholars Scholarships
This is an online platform that lists numerous scholarships available in countries like Kenya and South Africa specifically for film and theatre studies. It provides access to hundreds of film scholarships for African students.
6. Women in Film Scholarship Program
WIF is committed to advancing the careers of women, nonbinary, and trans people in the entertainment industry. The organization provides scholarships to women studying film at major film schools to maintain a strong female voice in the industry.
7. National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) Scholarships
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is a professional association dedicated to the advancement of television and related electronic media and is best known for its Emmy Awards, which recognize excellence in several categories. The Academy also sponsors programs, seminars, and scholarships for high schools and colleges in cities served by the 19 local chapters.
In addition, through its non-profit Foundation, the National Organization awards scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who intend to pursue a baccalaureate degree in communications with an emphasis on any aspect of the television industry. The organization awards $10,000 scholarships to high school seniors pursuing careers in film and television.
8. Alliance for Women in Media Dallas/Ft. Worth Scholarships
Each year, The Dallas Area Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, Inc. will award three scholarships totalling $12,500; scholarships are in the name of Irene Runnels, a distinguished and respected Dallas broadcaster and Paula McStay, a former Fort Worth advertising executive.
One $2000 Essay scholarship is in the name of Judy Miller, who was an outstanding and treasured advertising executive that served in the DFW Metroplex. These scholarships are awarded at the Awards of Excellence Gala on May 2nd, 2024. Scholarships are directly paid to the University Financial Aid Office and must be applied toward undergraduate or graduate tuition only. Offers scholarships to students studying film and other media-related fields in Texas.
9. Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship
The Helen Lansdowne Resor (HLR) Scholarship is an international opportunity that aims to amplify historically marginalized voices in the creative industry. It provides female and non-binary college students the opportunities and support they need to successfully join the advertising industry’s creative ranks.
The global scholarship, established with the 4A’s Foundation, will award four recipients $10,000 towards their creative journey, plus a paid internship at a VML office in their respective region, a mentor from VML and a “first look” placement consideration upon graduation.
10. Gucci Changemakers Scholarship Fund
The Scholars program will award 12 students a one-year scholarship for up to $20,000 based on their financial needs. Students with at least two semesters left at the start of the 2024 Fall Semester at an accredited community college or four-year university, including graduating high school seniors, will be eligible to apply. Students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and diverse students studying fashion, design, art, business, merchandising, law, film, music, and other creative or business-oriented programs within the 12 Changemakers focus cities and beyond are strongly encouraged to apply.
11. Kozakov Foundation Fellowship for Creatives
The fellowship takes place annually and grants a selected group of prospective and current students with tuition grants, financial literacy resources, and invitations to programming. They offers scholarships to undergraduate students pursuing careers in film or theater.
Conclusion
These scholarships offer a variety of opportunities for African students interested in pursuing film studies both within Africa and internationally. Visiting the respective scholarship websites is recommended for more detailed information and application processes.
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