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Laurvo News · Saturday, 24 October 2026
Applications are open for the 2027/2028 fully funded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh. It offers on-campus and online one-year postgraduate study.
Why it leads today: This fully funded African postgraduate scholarship closes on 26 October, so students who share it today still have time to apply.
Source: Opportunities for Africans
Today's brief covers rising fuel costs, Ebola reports in Nigeria and Kenya, and academic standards and exam changes at universities in Ghana and Tanzania. Several scholarship deadlines fall within days, including two this weekend.
Brent crude has climbed to $115 a barrel amid fears of military strikes on Iran. Punch reports that this points to another rise in petrol prices in Nigeria.
Why it matters: Higher fuel prices can raise transport and living costs for students.
Source: Punch
A woman with Ebola in Nigeria has been confirmed as the wife of a Swiss diplomat. Swiss officials say her husband is in isolation and has not developed symptoms.
Why it matters: Students should follow official health guidance as outbreak news develops.
Source: BBC Africa
The university's Academic Affairs Directorate says undergraduates whose CGPA falls below 1.00 at the end of 2025/2026 must withdraw. It cites Section 9.26 of the 2017 regulations for junior members.
Why it matters: Shows how strictly academic progression rules can be applied.
Source: Daily Graphic
A Cape Coast hotel managing director advises graduates to accept entry-level positions. She says careers grow through hard work, practical experience and continuous learning.
Why it matters: A reminder that first jobs often build the skills later roles need.
Source: MyJoyOnline
Experts say South African universities have policies on gender-based violence but do not enforce them to protect student victims while cases are pending. The Commission for Gender Equality says investigations are poor.
Why it matters: Student safety depends on policies being applied, not only written.
Source: Daily Maverick
Many qualified doctors in KwaZulu-Natal are unemployed because public hospitals and clinics have too few posts. Meanwhile, the hospitals are reported to be understaffed.
Why it matters: Shows how funding decisions shape graduate job prospects in health.
Source: Daily Maverick
Changes to examinations at UDSM have prompted concern among students about delayed graduation and extra costs.
Why it matters: Exam rules can affect when you graduate and what it costs.
Source: thecitizen.co.tz
The Education Ministry is under fire for keeping universities under acting vice-chancellors for long periods. Critics also link the practice to recurring strikes.
Why it matters: Strikes and unstable leadership can disrupt teaching and the academic calendar.
Source: The Eastleigh Voice
The National Cyber Security Authority has signed agreements with MTN Rwanda and Airtel Rwanda. They will provide training, internships and career opportunities for CyberHub students.
Why it matters: Industry placements help computing students move into graduate work.
Source: The New Times (Rwanda)
Kenya has reported a second death from Ebola as it responds to the first outbreak of the disease in the country.
Why it matters: Students should follow official health guidance as the outbreak develops.
Source: MyJoyOnline
The Tanzania Times asks why the continent has not yet realised its full potential in research. The available text gives no further detail.
Why it matters: Questions about research capacity matter to anyone planning an academic career.
Source: The Tanzania Times
An opinion piece argues that dismissing the importance of writing is dangerous. It says this is true not only because writing is a way of thinking.
Why it matters: Raises questions about writing skills as AI tools become common.
Source: Inside Higher Ed
Inside Higher Ed explains Optional Practical Training for international students. Researchers say these students often bring innovation, entrepreneurship and jobs for domestic workers.
Why it matters: Post-study work rules shape choices for Africans considering study abroad.
Source: Inside Higher Ed
Diplomats say a deadline for a youth mobility scheme could slip by six months to help a UK-EU summit on 20 November. Visa quotas, university fees and NHS surcharges remain unresolved.
Why it matters: Visa and fee rules between regions affect where students can study.
Source: The Guardian
Applications are open for the 2027/2028 fully funded Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Edinburgh. It offers on-campus and online one-year postgraduate study.
Deadline: 26 October 2026, 5pm
Why it matters: Fully funded and open to young Africans, with a very close deadline.
Source: edinburgh-global.ed.ac.uk
The Refugee-Led Research Hub has opened its 2026 Graduate Horizons programme. It combines mentorship and a fully funded scholarship for African refugee and displaced students.
Deadline: 25 October 2026, 5pm BST
Why it matters: Fully funded support for displaced learners, closing this weekend.
Source: refugeeledresearch.org
The World Intellectual Property Organization invites applications for its 2027 research fellowship. It offers a monthly stipend of 6,000 CHF and funding to Geneva.
Deadline: 30 October 2026
Why it matters: A paid international research placement with a deadline next week.
Source: wipo.taleo.net
The Policy Center for the New South invites emerging leaders worldwide to apply. Fellows discuss political, economic and social issues and meet senior figures.
Deadline: 2 November 2026
Why it matters: Builds debate and policy skills, with funded travel and global access.
Source: policycenter.ma
Applications are open for financial assistance for high-performing Grade 12 learners and tertiary students. The programme is aimed at young South Africans.
Deadline: 12 November 2026
Why it matters: A bursary that can ease study costs for South African students.
Source: jobs.mercedes-benz.com
Applications are open for the fully funded Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals. They support master's level study in Sweden.
Deadline: 15 January 2027
Why it matters: A fully funded master's route with plenty of time to prepare.
Source: si.se
Most students read an article once, from the first word, and remember little. Instead, make three passes. Pass one, two minutes: title, abstract, headings and conclusion, to find the claim. Pass two: write one sentence starting 'The author argues that...'. Pass three: read the body only to test that sentence, marking evidence. Example: 'Secure land rights make credit work better for small rice farmers.' Now every paragraph either supports it or does not, and you can judge the argument.
Try this today: Take one article or paper. Spend two minutes on pass one, write your 'The author argues that...' sentence, then check it against the conclusion.
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