Namibia Study Abroad Scholarships

Explore the Challenges that Face a Developing Country

Are you looking for a study abroad opportunity that most people will never have explored, or perhaps even heard of? The challenge and reward of Namibia’s unpredictable social system and remote territories may be for you. The African destination country sits along the southwestern coast, along the Atlantic Ocean. For its medium size (about twice the size of California), the country remains startlingly unpopulated. Although there is much work to be done in terms of political documentation and research, sustainable development programming, and cultural exploration, students will not find an abundance of programs in Namibia. But there are a few, mostly focusing on curriculum related to the comparatively frail socio-political climate, which is sensitive to the changing global scene. Other programs direct student interest towards the country’s health problems, especially the incessant starvation and recent problems with such diseases as polio, once thought to be all but entirely eradicated. There is much work to be done here for the history, political, or medical student who is up to the task.

For the fully dedicated pursuer, there is funding at the few-and-far-between Namibian programs, and you will not find a huge amount of competition. But your interests and planned research or study must be intentional and made clear to your benefactor. Moreover, there is the opportunity – if it is available at your school – to create your own study abroad scholarship for such a remote country and build a program to serve your specific needs. Get in touch with the study abroad office of your university to inquire about the possibility of that. Otherwise, you will find several scholarships in place that may interest you below, both from federal funding sources and private colleges.

Government Scholarships

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are given to undergraduates whose financial need is outstanding as demonstrated by their eligibility for the Pell Grant. Applicants are welcome from undergraduate populations that have traditionally been underserved by study abroad programs. Hundreds of Gilman Scholars head overseas each academic year to such exotic destinations as Namibia. Up to $7,000 may be earned per scholarship.

David L. Boren Scholarships

The National Security Education Program funds the David L. Boren Scholarships, the primary purpose of which is to recruit next generation Americans for high-level security jobs. These candidates will be funded for innovative and challenging overseas study in non-traditional locations in countries of high interest to the U.S., including Namibia. These highly competitive scholarships come at a 1-1 price—a year of scholarship money for a year of work in national security. Preference is given to those with a career interest in the national security arena. Awards are between $20,000 and $25,000. This award would be of particular interest to students wishing to go to Namibia, as the political climate, like that of many developing African nations, is unstable.

Fulbright Scholarships

Fulbright Scholarships are among the most incredibly competitive, yet equally generous. The program welcomes Ph.D. applicants for Fulbrights to Namibia and other remote destinations. Disciplines are open, but candidates are expected to align themselves with a local university, such as the University of Namibia, or a research institution. A student wishing to go into the study of polio, HIV/AIDS or another significant medical issue would be appropriate for a Fulbright to Namibia. Scholarships cover an academic year of study in the country.

College Scholarships

Rutgers University to University of Namibia

Rutgers University in the Northeast US offers students the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Namibia. Applicants are accepted from all disciplines and the curriculum provides a broad overview of the country, present and past. The Brigpin Scholarships are open to all Rutgers study abroad applicants and are especially suited to those heading to non-traditional locations, such as Namibia. Scholarships are awarded based on both academics and financial need.

Duke University Hart Leadership Program

Duke University’s Hart Leadership Program sponsors the Service Opportunities in Leadership program that engages eligible students in summer semester programs of service learning. Locations of study include Namibia. Applicants rotate between civic projects and research that is intended to inspire learning on a higher plane. The program awards $3,000 scholarships to a number of SOL participants. This is an ideal opportunity for the student interested in engaging in as much volunteer work as they are study.

Augsburg College Center for Global Education

The Center for Global Education at Augsburg College in Minnesota accepts students from around the U.S. for its innovative study abroad programs. Scholarships are available for student participants in the Spring Namibia program. Participants are engaged in a curriculum very well suited to the country’s current affairs: “Nation-building, Globalization and Decolonizing the Mind.” Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record in combination with the required essays.

Other Opportunities in Namibia

Round River Conservation Studies sponsors the Namibia Desert Conservation Program which offers a deserving student a great opportunity to dig their hands deep into the environment and wildlife of the country. Courses in biology, ecological history, flora and fauna, and sustainability are accredited through Utah State University. Groups of no more than ten students live and learn in Namibia for up to a year, focusing on wildlife identification and protection in this remote climate. This program costs around $15,000 and funding is available through Round River Conservation through need-based aid and scholarship aid in the form of the Edward Abbey Scholarship. This award is given in an amount between $500 and $5000 according to need. Students desiring an opportunity to study abroad through Round River should apply early and make their inclination towards Namibia very specific in their application essay.