Welcome to the Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS), an Africa-wide think tank and leadership platform dedicated to strengthening governance, advancing dialogue, and cultivating the next generation of African leaders.
Established in 2010, MINDS has empowered scholars and connected leaders across Africa, building a pan-African network committed to cooperation, dialogue, and institutional growth.
Our programmes respond to Africa’s needs to deliver sustainable and scalable impact through research, leadership development, and youth-driven dialogue.
Developing leaders for continental impact
Strengthening youth engagement in democracy
Integrating culture and policy
Advancing African cooperation
Uniting youth leaders across Africa.
The MINDS Scholarship Program is open throughout the year. We are seeking individuals with a pan-African outlook, demonstrated leadership ability, and an excellent academic record who wish to pursue postgraduate studies on the African continent, outside their country of origin.
VOICES FROM OUR PROGRAMS
THE DECADE AHEAD
Dr Nkosana Moyo reflects on 15 years of MINDS and its impact across Africa.
RECENT UPDATES
Recent updates and conversations from across our work.
Our Blog
This first section confirms your citizenship and current place of residence. MINDS Scholarships are open to African nationals residing on the continent.
1. Are you a national of an African country?
2. Are you currently residing in an African country?
We now assess your university acceptance. You must have secured admission to a MINDS preferred institution outside your home country.
3. Have you been formally accepted to study at a MINDS preferred institution?
4. Is the institution located outside your country of citizenship and/or residence?
Next, we confirm your study timeline and academic results. Applicants must commence postgraduate studies in the upcoming academic year and meet the minimum academic threshold.
5. Will you begin postgraduate studies in the upcoming academic year?
6. Did you achieve at least 70% in each subject/course during your last two years of study?
Finally, we consider leadership potential and your preparedness to submit a complete application with all supporting documentation.
7. Can you provide evidence of demonstrated leadership ability or clear leadership potential?
8. Are you prepared to submit a complete application with all required supporting documents?
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