Fully Funded Scholarships for Sudan Students 2026 — UK Visa Warning, IsDB, Turkey, DAFI Guide

The Most Important Thing a Sudanese Student Needs to Know Before Applying for Any Scholarship in 2026

Under recent UK Government legislation, Sudanese citizens will be unable to obtain a Study Visa to enter the UK from 26 March 2026. The Chevening Scholarship program in Sudan is therefore closed.

This changes the scholarship landscape for Sudanese students fundamentally. Any scholarship requiring a UK Student Visa Chevening, Commonwealth, SOAS scholarships, British university merit scholarships is effectively inaccessible for Sudanese citizens under the current legislation.

What is still accessible: Sudanese citizens are still eligible to apply for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship, as this legislation does not affect Fellowship visa routes.

The rest of this guide focuses on what IS genuinely accessible: Turkey, Egypt, Germany, France, China, Korea, Japan, Australia, the Islamic Development Bank, and displacement-specific scholarships for the millions of Sudanese affected by the civil war that began in April 2023.

Sudan has one of the most complex scholarship situations of any country in this Africa series. This guide is honest about both the barriers and the genuine opportunities that remain and there are real, fully funded scholarships available to Sudanese students in 2026 through non-UK pathways.

1. IsDB (Islamic Development Bank) Merit Scholarship — LDMC Maximum Priority

Sudan is an OIC member and an IsDB Least Developed Member Country (LDMC), qualifying for maximum priority access in the IsDB scholarship system. This scholarship does NOT require a UK visa and is entirely unaffected by UK legislation.

What it covers: Full tuition + monthly stipend + health insurance + travel allowance.

Fields prioritized: STEM, agriculture, health, economics, social sciences, all directly aligned with Sudan’s reconstruction priorities.

LDMC advantage: Sudan’s classification as an LDMC gives Sudanese applicants maximum priority — smaller competitive pools, higher funding access.

Apply at: isdb.org — deadlines typically January-February.

2. IsDB-France Scholarship — Francophone-Islamic Dual Program (200 Places/Year)

Sudan is confirmed in the list of 42 countries eligible for the joint scholarship between France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Islamic Development Bank. This program is for study in France entirely unaffected by UK visa restrictions.

This program combines French academic excellence with Islamic Development Bank development funding. Sudan’s dual Arabic-French educational heritage (French was taught as a second language in many Sudanese secondary schools) gives Sudanese applicants reasonable access to this program.

What it covers: Full support for study in France — tuition, stipend, and living allowance.

200 scholarships per year across 42 OIC + Francophone countries.

Apply through: Campus France — campusfrance.org for the IsDB-France program.

Deadline: Typically January-February.

3. Türkiye Burslari — Turkey (No IELTS, OIC Connection, No UK Visa)

Turkey is the most strategically important study destination for Sudanese students in 2026 given the UK visa restrictions. Turkiye Burslari requires no IELTS, is open to OIC member countries, and provides a full scholarship to Turkish universities.

What it covers: Full tuition + accommodation + monthly allowance (~USD 300-350) + Turkish language preparation year + return airfare.

No IELTS required — Turkish language year provided.

Why Turkey specifically for Sudan: Turkey established one of its largest diplomatic missions in Khartoum and has been a significant partner in Sudan’s development through education, health, and infrastructure investments. Turkey-Sudan academic ties predated the civil war and continue through diaspora and international students.

Apply at: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr — deadline typically February.

4. YTB-IsDB Joint Scholarship — Turkey + Islamic Development Bank Combined

The YTB-IsDB Joint Scholarship Program provides higher education opportunities at Turkish universities for students from IsDB member states, covering monthly stipend, accommodation, tuition fees, health insurance, one-year Turkish language course and one-time round-trip flight tickets.

Sudan is an IsDB member — eligible for this combined program. Same advantages as Turkiye Burslari but with the additional weight of Islamic Development Bank co-funding.

Apply through: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr via the YTB-IsDB program track — deadline February.

5. DAFI Scholarships (UNHCR) — For Displaced Sudanese Students

Sudan’s civil war, which began in April 2023, has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Millions of Sudanese are displaced, both internally and as refugees in Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia, Uganda, and other neighboring countries.

Windle Trust International has been UNHCR’s implementing partner for the DAFI (Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative) scholarship program in Sudan since 2005.

DAFI is the scholarship designed specifically for this situation. It funds tertiary education for refugees in their countries of asylum — meaning Sudanese refugees in Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia, or other countries can access university education where they currently are.

What it covers: Tuition at universities in the country of asylum, monthly stipend, and academic support.

How to apply: Contact the UNHCR office in the country where you are registered as a refugee. Find the right contact at unhcr.org/dafi

The reality of Sudan’s situation: With Khartoum severely damaged and the University of Khartoum disrupted, many Sudanese students are currently displaced outside Sudan. For these students, DAFI is not just an option, it may be the most immediately accessible pathway to continuing education.

6. Windle Trust International — Scholarships for Displaced Sudanese

Windle Trust International manages scholarship program in Sudan for people who have refugee status and were born elsewhere, internally displaced persons, and country nationals. Their current program include scholarships for refugees in Sudan, scholarships for urban refugees in Khartoum state, scholarships for those resident in Blue and White Nile states, and accommodation provision for students at Ahfad University for Women.

Windle Trust has operated in Sudan since 2005 as UNHCR’s implementing partner. Even during the conflict, Windle Trust’s programs continue — particularly in areas outside the main conflict zones.

Contact: windle.org.uk for current Sudan program status.

7. Egyptian Government Scholarships — Al-Azhar and Ministry of Education

Egypt is Sudan’s immediate northern neighbor and shares Arabic language and cultural ties. The Egyptian government provides bilateral scholarships for Sudanese students and with the large Sudanese refugee and diaspora population already in Egypt, this pathway is particularly practical.

Al-Azhar University: The world’s oldest continuously operating university, Al-Azhar provides scholarships for Arabic-speaking Muslim students in Islamic studies, medicine, engineering, and sciences. Sudanese students with Arabic medium secondary education are natural candidates.

Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education: Bilateral scholarships for African and Arab League countries. Sudan’s bilateral relationship with Egypt provides access to public university education in Cairo and other Egyptian cities at subsidized or free rates.

Why particularly relevant: As of 2024-2025, Egypt hosts one of the world’s largest Sudanese refugee populations, approximately 1 million Sudanese in Egypt. Many are already located where these scholarships can be accessed.

Apply through: Egyptian Embassy in Sudan (or Egyptian cultural centers in countries where Sudanese refugees are located).

8. Saudi Government Scholarships

Saudi Arabia provides government scholarships for Arabic-speaking Muslim students. Sudan’s Arabic language and Islamic faith make these scholarships accessible.

What it covers: Full tuition + monthly stipend + accommodation + health insurance.

Fields: Islamic studies, Arabic language, medicine, engineering, sciences.

Apply through: Saudi Embassy or Ministry of Higher Education — mohe.gov.sa

9. DAAD Scholarships — Germany (€934-1,300/month)

Germany has been one of the most active international donors in the Sudan humanitarian response, and DAAD remains fully accessible to Sudanese students.

Key programs:

DAAD Study Scholarships: €934/month for Master’s. Deadline mid-October.

DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Courses): For Sudanese students in conflict resolution, public health, water management, governance, and humanitarian response — all directly aligned with Sudan’s needs.

DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme: Public policy and good governance.

Language: MOI Certificate accepted for English-medium programs — generate at: MOI Generator

Germany vs UK: Unlike the UK, Germany has NOT imposed Study Visa restrictions on Sudanese citizens. DAAD scholarships include German visa support, Sudanese applicants go to Germany, not the UK.

10. CSC China Scholarship (CNY 3,000-3,500/month + Free Tuition)

China has maintained active engagement with Sudan through the conflict period. Sudan receives FOCAC scholarship allocations.

What it covers: Full tuition + monthly stipend + free accommodation + health insurance.

No IELTS required — MOI Certificate accepted for English-medium programs.

Apply through: Chinese Embassy in Sudan (or the nearest Chinese diplomatic mission for displaced Sudanese).

Deadline: Embassy track December-January.

11. Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship — The One UK Exception

Sudanese citizens are still eligible to apply for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship, as this legislation does not affect Fellowship visa routes.

The Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship is specifically for Islamic studies and related fields. It uses a Fellowship visa rather than a Student visa — making it the only UK program that remains accessible to Sudanese citizens under current legislation.

For Sudanese students in Islamic studies, governance, economics with an Islamic framework, or related fields, this is the one UK pathway that remains open.

Apply at: chevening.org/fellowship — search for Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship.

12. GKS Korea (Global Korea Scholarship)

GKS Korea requires no English test and has a minimum GPA of only 2.64/4.0 — no UK visa involved.

What it covers: Full tuition + monthly stipend (~USD 650-700) + funded Korean language year + round-trip airfare.

Apply through: Korean Embassy. Embassy Track closes February.

13. MEXT Japan Scholarship

Open to Sudanese students via the MEXT Embassy Track.

What it covers: Full tuition + monthly stipend JPY 143,000-147,000 (~USD 950-980) + round-trip airfare.

Deadline: Embassy Track May-June.

14. Australian Awards — Australia

Australian Awards use Australian Student Visas — unaffected by UK legislation. Sudan is among eligible developing countries.

What it covers: Full tuition + return airfare + monthly living stipend + health insurance.

Apply through: Australian Embassy covering Sudan or Australian High Commission in neighboring countries for displaced Sudanese — dfat.gov.au/australiaawards

15. Erasmus Mundus — Europe (€1,100-1,400/month)

Erasmus Mundus programs are for study in EU countries — not the UK — and use Schengen/EU visas. Sudanese students are eligible. Study destinations include France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Spain and others — none of which have imposed UK-style visa restrictions on Sudanese citizens.

Deadline: Most consortiums January-February.

The University of Khartoum Context

The University of Khartoum, established in 1902, was one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities described as “the Oxford of Africa” by some scholars. It has produced generations of Sudan’s doctors, engineers, lawyers, and civil servants.

The university was severely affected by the civil war that began in April 2023. Like much of Khartoum, it has experienced the conflict directly. Sudanese academics and students are among the diaspora communities displaced across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Ethiopia, and beyond.

For Sudanese students applying to international scholarships, the University of Khartoum’s academic heritage, and the tragic disruption it has experienced, provides genuine context for scholarship applications that ask about development impact and return plans.

Quick Reference: Scholarships for Sudanese Students 2026

Sudan’s Scholarship Strategy — Two Worlds That Don’t Need a UK Visa

The Arabic/Islamic World: IsDB, YTB-IsDB, Turkiye Burslari, Egyptian government, Saudi government, IsDB-France, Gulf scholarships. None require a UK visa. All are accessible from Sudan, Egypt, Chad, or wherever Sudanese students are currently located. Arabic language proficiency which most Sudanese students have is a competitive advantage in all of these.

The German/East Asian/European World: DAAD (Germany), CSC China, GKS Korea, MEXT Japan, Erasmus Mundus, Australian Awards. None require a UK visa. All remain fully accessible to Sudanese students. English + MOI Certificate covers DAAD and CSC China without IELTS.

Practical Tips for Sudanese Applicants in 2026

1. Do not waste time on UK scholarships requiring Student Visas Chevening is closed. Commonwealth Scholarships requiring Student Visas are effectively inaccessible. The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship is the only UK exception. Redirect that energy to IsDB, DAAD, Turkey, Egypt, and Korea.

2. IsDB is your highest-priority application As an LDMC OIC member in acute need, Sudan receives maximum IsDB priority. Apply for both the standalone IsDB scholarship and the IsDB-France joint program (which provides study in France — accessible with a French visa).

3. For displaced students — DAFI via UNHCR is your first step If you are a Sudanese refugee in Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia, Uganda, or another country, contact the UNHCR office in that country about DAFI scholarships for tertiary education.

4. Egypt is your closest and most accessible study destination Egypt hosts approximately one million Sudanese refugees. Arabic is the shared language. Egyptian university scholarships are accessible. Geographic proximity means family connection is easier during study.

5. Use MOI Certificate for DAAD and CSC China Both accept a free Medium of Instruction Certificate for English-medium programs. Generate at: MOI Generator

FAQ

Can Sudanese students get a UK Student Visa?

Under recent UK Government legislation, Sudanese citizens will be unable to obtain a Study Visa to enter the UK from 26 March 2026. Standard UK university scholarship programs including Chevening are therefore closed for Sudanese applicants.

Is any UK scholarship still available for Sudanese students?

Sudanese citizens are still eligible to apply for the Chevening Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship, as this legislation does not affect Fellowship visa routes. This is currently the only UK-hosted program accessible to Sudanese citizens.

What is IsDB-France and is Sudan eligible?

The IsDB-France scholarship is a joint program between France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Islamic Development Bank, offering 200 scholarships per year for study in France. Sudan is confirmed in the 42-country eligible list. It uses a French student visa completely unaffected by UK restrictions.

What is DAFI and how does it help displaced Sudanese?

DAFI is a UNHCR scholarship for refugees and IDPs to access tertiary education in their countries of asylum. For Sudanese refugees in Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia, and other countries, it funds university study where they currently are. Contact the UNHCR office in your country of current residence.

Is DAAD still available for Sudanese students?

Yes, DAAD is administered through German institutions and uses German visas, not UK visas. It remains fully accessible to Sudanese students. Many DAAD programs accept a free MOI Certificate instead of IELTS.