Togo is a narrow Francophone country on the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso. The University of Lomé has produced graduates who go on to win European and North American scholarships in growing numbers. France remains the dominant destination for Togolese postgraduate students, but the UK's Chevening Scholarship and Germany's DAAD program have both seen increased Togolese applications. Togo's position between Anglophone Ghana and Francophone West Africa means many Togolese students are effectively bilingual, which strengthens applications to both Francophone and Anglophone programs. The African Development Bank's Japan Africa Dream Scholarship, administered from Abidjan, is accessible to Togolese students in infrastructure and development fields.
Why Study Abroad as a Togolese Student?
International scholarships give Togolese students access to world-class research infrastructure, global professional networks, and degrees that are recognised by employers across Africa and beyond. The scholarship programs listed on this page are all fully funded — meaning they cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, health insurance, and in most cases, return airfare. The cost to you is time, preparation, and a compelling application.
Popular destinations for Togolese students include France, Ghana, UK, Germany. Language of instruction in Togo is primarily French, which gives you a natural advantage in scholarship programs that operate in those languages. However, English-language programs are fully accessible with IELTS or TOEFL — and several German, Dutch, and Swedish universities offer tuition-free Master's programs in English that are open to all African nationalities.
Top Scholarships for Togolese Students
The scholarships below are verified, currently active, and open to Togolese nationals. Use the cards to view full details, official deadlines, and the direct application link for each program.
How to Apply as a Togolese Student: 7-Step Process
- Choose a scholarship and read the eligibility criteria in full. Confirm your nationality, degree level, field of study, and age (some programs have upper age limits) all meet the criteria before investing time in the application.
- Prepare your academic transcripts. Request official transcripts from your university or the Ministry of Higher Education well in advance — processing can take 2–6 weeks. Togolese academic documents are issued by the Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche. Togo is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention; apostilles are available through the Ministry of Justice in Lomé. For UK Chevening applications, English-translated transcripts with a certified translator's stamp are required — the apostille on the original French document does not substitute for translation.
- Sit the required language test. Most English-language programs require IELTS (minimum 6.0–6.5) or TOEFL iBT (minimum 80–90). French-language programs may require DALF/TCF. Book your test date at least 3 months before the scholarship deadline.
- Secure two or three academic/professional references. Contact referees early — give them at least 4 weeks and provide them with your CV, personal statement, and a summary of the scholarship's aims so their letters are targeted and relevant.
- Write your personal statement and motivation letter. This is the most critical document in most scholarship applications. Address why you need the scholarship, what you will study, what your career goals are, and specifically what you will contribute to Togo's development. Be specific — avoid generic language.
- Submit before the deadline — never on the day. Scholarship portals frequently slow down or crash under load on closing day. Submit at least 48 hours early. Keep a PDF copy of your submitted application.
- Prepare for the interview. Chevening, Fulbright, and Mastercard Foundation all include selection interviews. Research the scholarship's values, prepare answers to common questions, and practice with a mock interview partner or alumni.
Required Documents for Togolese Scholarship Applicants
- Valid passport (at least 18 months remaining validity at time of application)
- Academic transcripts (all years, certified/official copies)
- Degree certificate(s) — Bachelor's or Master's as applicable
- Language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, DALF, or TCF depending on destination)
- Two or three academic/professional reference letters
- Personal statement or motivation letter (usually 500–1000 words)
- Curriculum vitae / résumé
- Proof of Togon citizenship (national ID or birth certificate)
- Research proposal (for PhD programs and research-focused scholarships)
- Medical certificate (required by some programs, including MEXT Japan)
Document legalization note: Togolese academic documents are issued by the Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche. Togo is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention; apostilles are available through the Ministry of Justice in Lomé. For UK Chevening applications, English-translated transcripts with a certified translator's stamp are required — the apostille on the original French document does not substitute for translation.
Tips for Togolese Applicants
Togolese applicants to Chevening should engage with the British High Commission in Accra (Ghana) since there is no dedicated British mission in Lomé — the Accra office manages Togolese Chevening applications. For DAAD, the Goethe Institut in Lomé offers German language courses and DAAD application preparation workshops. Togolese students in economics and finance should research the IMF's West Africa Regional Technical Assistance Center (AFRITAC West), which offers attachment and training programs relevant to young professionals.
Additionally, do not overlook scholarships from South-South cooperation programs. Morocco's AMCI scholarships, Algeria's bilateral programs, and Senegal's CAMES frameworks are often under-subscribed by students who focus exclusively on European or North American programs. Proximity, lower living costs, and cultural familiarity can make these an excellent fit — particularly for undergraduate and first Master's degrees.
Finally, subscribe to Scholar Africa's free alerts to receive deadline reminders for the scholarships listed on this page. Missing a deadline by one day means waiting 12 months for the next cycle.