Benianh Foundation (Ivory Coast) - Benianh Foundation Scholarships

What the Benianh Foundation scholarship gives you

You will receive up to 4,000,000 FCFA (about 6,000 EUR) for one year to study at a prestigious international university or Grande École abroad. For studies in North and South America, the maximum amount increases to 5,000,000 FCFA (approximately 7,000 EUR). The funding mainly covers your tuition fees and will be paid directly to your university. If you are attending a public institution with lower fees, you may receive additional funding for books and research costs. The scholarship is valid for one year only and is not automatically renewed. It is awarded by the Fondation Benianh International in Abidjan, which has been running this programme since 1996.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You are a citizen of the Ivory Coast.
• Age: You are 35 years old.
• Level of study: You are starting a Master’s degree, an MBA, a doctoral programme or a PhD (at least at BAC+4 level).
• Admission: You have already been offered a place or provisional admission at a prestigious international university or Grande École.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• Grades: You’ve had top marks ever since you finished school and are among the best in your year group. It’s your marks that count, not financial need.
• Return plan: You undertake in writing to return to the Ivory Coast upon completion of your studies.

How to apply

Please submit your complete application documents to the Foundation’s office in Abidjan (Cocody – Riviera Bonoumin). The application period begins in early March each year and ends on 15 June. Along with your application documents, you must pay a processing fee of 20,000 FCFA. A panel comprising professors, lawyers and business leaders will review each application and assess the coherence of your career plan. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview. The scholarships are awarded to the best applicants, although the number of places is limited.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is awarded on a highly selective basis. You must be an Ivorian national, under the age of 35, already admitted to a leading international institution, and rank amongst the very best in your year group. Whilst this means the pool of eligible applicants is small, selection is based solely on merit, and places are limited, so the best applicants are competing directly with one another. If you clearly meet the criteria and submit a coherent study and career plan, your prospects are good, particularly if you apply well in advance of the June deadline.