South Sudan is the world's youngest country, having gained independence in 2011, and one of the few African nations where English is the primary official language — a significant advantage when applying to scholarships at English-medium universities worldwide. The country's limited domestic higher education infrastructure means that demand for international scholarships is exceptionally high relative to population. Humanitarian-focused funding bodies give South Sudan priority status: UNHCR, DAFI scholarships (for refugees and conflict-affected youth), the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, and various UN agency fellowships are all strong options. The UK's Chevening Scholarship, US government programs (Fulbright, Humphrey Fellowship), DAAD (Germany), and the African Leadership University Scholarship are accessible to South Sudanese applicants. The African Development Bank and World Bank frequently list South Sudan as a priority country for development-linked education programs. Peace-building, public administration, medicine, engineering, and agriculture are the most sought-after fields. This 2026 guide covers every verified scholarship pathway available to South Sudanese students, including conflict-affected applicant provisions. ## How Many Scholarships Are Available for South Sudanese Students in 2026? This page tracks 18 verified scholarships eligible to South Sudanese applicants. All have been cross-checked against official provider sources and confirmed open for the 2026/2027 academic year. ## Top Scholarships for South Sudanese Students The scholarships listed below span undergraduate, masters, PhD, and postdoctoral levels across host destinations including the UK, Germany, France, USA, Canada, China, South Korea, and Japan. ## How to Apply as a South Sudanese Student 1. Identify scholarships you're eligible for (use the list below) 2. Check exact deadlines on each provider's official site 3. Gather required documents (transcripts, passport, ID) 4. Take English/French proficiency tests if required 5. Request letters of recommendation 6. Write a strong personal statement specific to each program 7. Submit before deadline through official portal ## Required Documents Most scholarships request: official transcripts (with translation if needed), passport copy, English (IELTS/TOEFL) or French (DELF/DALF) proficiency, 2-3 letters of recommendation, personal statement/motivation letter, study plan, CV/resume. South Sudanese applicants should note that some documents may require apostille certification. ## Tips for South Sudanese Applicants - Apply early and to multiple scholarships simultaneously - Highlight unique perspective as a South Sudanese student in your personal statement - Use diaspora networks where possible for letters of support - Target Francophone programs if French is your strong language