Advance Africa Scholarship South Africa 2026

There is no fixed closing date for the Advance Africa Scholarship. 

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so you should apply as soon as you have your documents ready. 

This fully digital programme is ideal for STEM graduates or motivated learners across Africa looking to enhance tech skills and boost employability.

About the Organisation

The Advance Africa Scholarship is a joint initiative between Access Bank and Udacity, designed to equip young Africans with future-ready tech expertise. 

The program emphasizes practical learning and industry relevance, targeting skills in high demand across digital sectors.

Fields of Study Funded

Advance Africa supports digital and IT training in the following areas:

• App or Web Development
  
• Data Science & Analytics
  
• Cybersecurity
  
• Cloud Computing
  
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
  
• Digital Marketing & E-Commerce
  
• Product Management
  Each field reflects growing industry demand.

Benefits for Recipients

Successful applicants gain access to:

• Tuition-free access to Udacity tech courses and nanodegrees
  
• Expert-led mentorship and real-world project work
  
• A certificate and digital badge for LinkedIn showcasing completion
  The programme equips participants with practical, employable skills and industry recognition.

Eligibility Criteria 

You are eligible if you meet every requirement:

• Be a citizen of any African country, including South Africa
  
• Be aged 20–30 years old†
  
• Be a STEM graduate or show strong interest in IT/digital careers (with supporting documentation)
  
• Have reliable access to a laptop, data connection, and electricity
  
• Commit to completing the required hours and phases of the programme
  
• Consent to Udacity sharing your data with Access Bank for evaluation
  Applications may be closed for those outside these criteria.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Advance Africa website at advance‑africa.org.
   
2. Create an account and complete the online application form.
   
3. Upload all required documents in one session.
   
4. Submit your application; it will be reviewed continuously.
   There is no closing date, but spaces fill quickly—apply early.

Required Documents

Ensure you upload:

• Official ID or passport showing African nationality
  
• Academic transcripts or qualification proof (for STEM or IT interest)
  
• Stable internet access confirmation (e.g. screenshot, plan)
  
• Statement of commitment to time and course completion
  Your application may be rejected if documents are missing or insufficient.

Selection Process

Advance Africa uses a phased selection model:

1. Challenge Phase – applicants complete a short online problem-solving course over 5–6 weeks
   
2. Nanodegree Phase – high performers from the Challenge Phase are invited to access full nanodegree training (~2 months)
   Top performers earn full scholarships and recognition.

Contact Details

For technical assistance or questions:

• Contact form or support links on the official Advance Africa website
  Always use official channels via advance‑africa.org to confirm application details or access support.