Every year, thousands of African students miss out on scholarships—not because they’re unqualified, but because they’ve been told the wrong things. Myths circulate in classrooms, WhatsApp groups, and even from well-meaning relatives. Let’s clear the air.

Here are 15 common scholarship myths—plus the truth, real examples, and where these ideas often come from.

1. “Only top-A students get scholarships.”

This myth comes from how we often narrowly define intelligence, linking it only to school grades. But intelligence also shows in leadership, creativity, and persistence.

Truth: Many scholarships value more than academic excellence. For example, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program looks for leadership and community service, not just top grades.

Myth source: School gossip, teachers emphasizing grades only, or seeing only top students celebrated publicly.

Tip: Use your essays to highlight impact and purpose, not just marks.

2. “Scholarships are only for the very poor”

Many Africans hear this from relatives who assume scholarships are charity.

Truth: Some scholarships are need-based, but many, like Chevening Scholarships, are merit-based and open to all qualified applicants, regardless of income.

Myth source: Families who associate scholarships with “financial aid” only.

Tip: Focus on eligibility criteria, not assumptions.

3. “Only science or business students qualify”

In some schools, science students are seen as the “smart” ones—leading to this myth.

Truth: The DAAD Helmut-Schmidt Programme targets students in public policy, governance, and social sciences. Arts, humanities, and education students have countless options too.

Myth source: Misleading career talks or focus on STEM in national education systems.

Tip: Search for scholarships in your field—you’ll find more than you expect.

4. “It’s too much effort to apply.”

Many students drop out halfway through the application process after hearing others complain.

Truth: Yes, it takes effort—but that effort pays off. Most successful scholars applied to many programs before winning one.Example: Recipients of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship often mention applying several times before success.

Myth source: Peer discouragement, fear of failure.

Tip: Break the process into steps—research, draft essays, review, submit.

5. “Scholarships are only for university students”

Truth: There are scholarships for every stage—high school, vocational training, undergraduate, and postgraduate.Example: United World Colleges (UWC) gives full scholarships to high school students.

Myth source: Focus on university-level opportunities in media and ads.

Tip: Search by education level on platforms like Scholarships.af.

6. “Scholarships are easy to get”

Truth: They’re competitive, but not impossible. Each strong application increases your chances.Example: The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship receives thousands of applicants but selects those who show clarity, values, and leadership potential—not perfection.

Myth source: Social media posts showing winners without sharing the hard work behind them.

Tip: Prepare early and seek mentorship.

7. “I’m too old to apply”

Truth: Many scholarships welcome mature applicants. The Australian Awards Scholarships often fund professionals in their 30s and 40s.

Myth source: Cultural bias equating “student” with “young.”

Tip: Highlight your experience and community impact—it can set you apart.

8. “Winning a scholarship is about luck”

Truth: Committees don’t draw names from a hat—they assess effort and alignment with their goals.Example: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s winners are chosen based on motivation and clarity of career purpose.

Myth source: People who applied poorly once and concluded “it’s luck.”

Tip: Research the program’s mission and show how you fit it.

9. “Scholarships are one-time awards”

Truth: Many renew annually if you maintain grades or meet program requirements. Example: The Ashinaga Africa Initiative supports students through their entire undergraduate degree.

Myth source: Lack of follow-up information from past recipients.

Tip: Ask about renewal terms before applying.

10. “My grades aren’t good enough, so why bother?”

Truth: GPA helps, but heart and vision win scholarships too.Example: The Obama Foundation Scholars Program looks for leadership and community service impact, not academic perfection.

Myth source: Peer pressure or past rejection stories.

Tip: Use your essays to show personal growth and purpose.

11. “You must know someone inside to win”

Truth: Legitimate scholarships have transparent processes.Example: The Fulbright Program runs a fair, public selection process open to all qualified applicants.

Myth source: Corruption concerns or informal “who you know” networks in local systems.

Tip: Stick to verified websites—avoid scams that promise “connections.”

12. “Scholarships only cover tuition”

Truth: Many cover full costs—tuition, housing, travel, and living expenses.Example: The Gates Cambridge Scholarship funds full study costs at the University of Cambridge.

Myth source: Outdated info from older students or local scholarships with partial funding.

Tip: Always check the benefits section carefully.

13. “International scholarships don’t favor Africans”

Truth: Many prioritize African applicants!Examples: Chevening (UK), DAAD (Germany), and Mandela Washington Fellowship (USA) all target African leaders.

Myth source: Colonial-era stereotypes or pessimism about fairness.

Tip: Focus on programs designed for “developing countries” or “African scholars.”

14. “I’ll apply when I’m fully ready”

Truth: There’s no perfect time—deadlines won’t wait for your confidence to catch up.Example: Many Commonwealth Scholarship winners started with imperfect essays, then refined over time.

Myth source: Fear of rejection or imposter syndrome.

Tip: Apply, learn, improve, repeat. Every attempt builds experience.

15. “Only big, famous scholarships are worth it”

Truth: Smaller or local scholarships can be easier to win—and sometimes stackable.Example: Local university and NGO scholarships (like Jim Ovia Foundation Scholarship) have less competition.

Myth source: Overexposure of big brands like Chevening or Fulbright in the media.

Tip: Don’t ignore community-based or institutional scholarships—they add up.

Scholarships are not mysterious prizes for a lucky few—they’re structured opportunities for committed, prepared applicants.The key is to look past the rumors and research the facts.

Stay curious, keep applying, and remember: someone will win—it could be you.

👉 For current and verified opportunities, visit Africa Offer Hub—your source for the latest scholarships, fellowships, and volunteering roles across Africa.