Applications Open for Learn Africa 2026: Over 70 scholarships to support women’s talent

Madrid, 30 March 2026 — In a turbulent and constantly changing global context, promoting access to quality higher education for African women has become an urgent priority. With this objective, the Mujeres por África Foundation is launching a new call for applications for the Learn Africa scholarship programme, a well-established initiative that, since its creation, has enabled 462 African women to gain access to real opportunities for education, research, and leadership.

The 2026–2027 edition marks a new milestone in the programme’s evolution, with the award of more than 100 scholarships, including 28 continuation scholarships. This approach not only broadens access for new applicants but also ensures the follow-up and consolidation of the talent already incorporated into the programme.

One of the key features of this call for applications is the expansion of the network of partner academic institutions, which reinforces their commitment to the programme and significantly broadens the academic offer. In this regard, the business school EADA is adding the Larsson-Torras scholarship to its usual participation.

Notably, the Planeta Formación y Universidades group has doubled its contribution, increasing the number of scholarships from 10 to 20, and has, for the first time, included programmes in the field of paramedicine through the Moroccan educational institution EDUMED.

The program continues to grow with the addition of new institutions, such as the FUNIBER group, which offers a master’s scholarship in Portuguese or French at the Universidad Europea del Atlántico, thereby expanding educational opportunities across the African continent’s diverse sociolinguistic contexts. Likewise, the Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS) is joining the program for the first time with an in-person research fellowship.

As regards fields of study, Learn Africa is reinforcing this year its commitment to strategic disciplines such as health and new technologies; while also consolidating its support for doctoral and master’s studies linked to Hispanic studies. The increase in the number of doctoral scholarships reflects a sustained commitment to research and advanced training as key tools for the continent’s development.

Beyond the figures, Learn Africa represents a growing network of talent, opportunity, knowledge, and collaboration between Africa and Spain. Each new edition contributes not only to expanding access to higher education, but also to training women equipped to lead, innovate, and create impact in their communities.

View the call for applications: 2026 Learn Africa open call