50 Fully Funded Technology Scholarships Announced in Zambia: Check Eligibility, Benefits and Application Details
Zambia technology scholarships 2026: Fifty fully funded scholarships have been announced for academically talented students from vulnerable backgrounds pursuing technology-related university programs in Zambia.
The scholarships are being offered through the Airtel Africa Fellowship, a five-year scholarship initiative sponsored by the Airtel Africa Foundation. The program will support students at two major public universities: the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University.
A total of 50 students will receive scholarships, with 25 scholars selected from each university.
The funding package goes beyond tuition. Successful students will receive tuition support and accommodation for the full five-year program, along with a laptop, monthly data connectivity, a monthly allowance and internship opportunities designed to improve practical skills and employment readiness.
Zambia Technology Scholarships 2026: Key Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Airtel Africa Fellowship |
| Country | Zambia |
| Total scholarships | 50 |
| University of Zambia allocation | 25 students |
| Copperbelt University allocation | 25 students |
| Target students | Academically gifted students from vulnerable backgrounds |
| Study area | Eligible technology-related programs |
| Program support period | Five years |
| Tuition | Covered |
| Accommodation | Covered |
| Laptop | Provided |
| Data connectivity | Monthly support |
| Living support | Monthly allowance |
| Internships | Included as part of the fellowship opportunity |
| Applications | Open for eligible prospective first-year students |
What Is the Airtel Africa Fellowship?
The Airtel Africa Fellowship is a scholarship initiative intended to expand access to technology education for students who demonstrate academic ability but face financial or socioeconomic barriers.
The Zambia program combines university funding with technology access and practical career development.
Which Universities Are Participating?
The scholarships are available through two universities:
- University of Zambia.
- Copperbelt University.
How Many Scholarships Are Available at UNZA?
Twenty-five students are expected to be selected from the University of Zambia.
How Many Scholarships Are Available at CBU?
Twenty-five students are expected to be selected from Copperbelt University.
The total across both institutions is therefore 50 scholarships.
Is the Scholarship Fully Funded?
Yes. The announced fellowship provides substantial full-study support rather than only a partial tuition discount.
The package includes:
- Tuition fees.
- Accommodation.
- Laptop.
- Monthly data connectivity.
- Monthly allowance.
- Internship opportunities.
Does the Scholarship Cover Tuition?
Yes.
Tuition fees are covered for the applicable five-year study period under the announced fellowship structure.
Does It Cover Accommodation?
Yes.
Accommodation is included as part of the funding package for successful scholars.
Do Students Receive a Laptop?
Yes.
Each recipient is expected to receive a laptop, helping students participate in technology-intensive university study without having to independently finance a suitable computer.
Does the Fellowship Include Internet Access?
Yes.
Monthly data connectivity is included.
This is particularly relevant for technology students who may require regular access to:
- Online learning platforms.
- Programming resources.
- Research databases.
- Cloud tools.
- Academic communication.
Do Scholars Receive a Monthly Allowance?
Yes.
The scholarship package includes a monthly allowance intended to support students during their studies.
Are Internships Included?
The fellowship includes internship opportunities intended to give students practical experience and improve their readiness for employment after graduation.
Who Can Apply?
The current announcement targets prospective first-year students enrolled in eligible technology-related programs at the University of Zambia or Copperbelt University.
The initiative particularly targets academically gifted students from vulnerable backgrounds.
What Does "Vulnerable Background" Mean?
Applicants should rely on the detailed fellowship application criteria for the exact socioeconomic assessment used during selection.
Students should be prepared to provide any evidence required to establish financial or socioeconomic need.
Which Technology Programs Are Eligible?
The announcement confirms technology-related programs but does not support treating every course at the two universities as automatically eligible.
Applicants should therefore check the fellowship's eligible-program list before applying.
Why Is Technology Education Being Prioritized?
Digital skills are becoming increasingly important across African economies.
Technology graduates can contribute in areas such as:
- Software development.
- Telecommunications.
- Cybersecurity.
- Data analysis.
- Artificial intelligence.
- Digital financial services.
- Cloud computing.
- Network engineering.
- Digital entrepreneurship.
Academic Merit and Financial Need
The fellowship combines two important considerations: academic potential and vulnerability.
This means applicants should be prepared to demonstrate both their ability to succeed academically and the circumstances that make scholarship support important.
Why the Laptop Benefit Matters
A laptop can represent a significant additional education expense for technology students.
Including a device in the scholarship package reduces one of the barriers that can remain even when tuition has been funded.
Why Monthly Data Matters
Modern university education increasingly depends on internet connectivity.
Technology students in particular may need regular access to:
- Development environments.
- Online documentation.
- Video lectures.
- Digital libraries.
- Research.
- Collaborative platforms.
Scholarship vs Tuition Waiver
| Basic Tuition Waiver | Airtel Africa Fellowship |
|---|---|
| May cover only tuition | Covers tuition |
| Accommodation may remain student's responsibility | Accommodation included |
| Device usually not included | Laptop provided |
| Connectivity usually not included | Monthly data included |
| Living support may not be included | Monthly allowance included |
| Career support varies | Internship opportunities included |
How to Prepare for the Scholarship Application
- Confirm admission or first-year enrollment status at the participating university.
- Confirm that the intended program is eligible.
- Review academic eligibility.
- Prepare academic records.
- Prepare identification documents.
- Prepare any required evidence of financial need.
- Complete the scholarship application carefully.
- Submit supporting documents in the required format.
- Monitor communication regarding selection.
- Prepare for any additional assessment or verification if requested.
Documents Applicants May Need
The exact document checklist should be taken from the current application instructions. Depending on the selection process, applicants may be asked for materials relating to:
- Identity.
- University admission or enrollment.
- Academic performance.
- Selected course.
- Socioeconomic circumstances.
- Other eligibility requirements.
Do Not Submit Unsupported Information
Scholarship applicants should provide accurate information and supporting documentation where required.
Academic records and socioeconomic information may be subject to verification.
Why Internships Matter
The internship component distinguishes the fellowship from a purely financial award.
Internships can help students develop:
- Workplace experience.
- Professional networks.
- Technical skills.
- Communication skills.
- Understanding of industry requirements.
Can Current Senior Students Apply?
The announcement specifically refers to prospective first-year students in eligible technology-related programs.
Students already well into their degrees should not assume they qualify unless the detailed fellowship rules explicitly include them.
Are There 50 Scholarships at Each University?
No.
There are 50 scholarships in total: 25 associated with the University of Zambia and 25 with Copperbelt University.
Is the Fellowship Only for One Year?
No.
The announced initiative provides support across the five-year program, subject to the fellowship's continuing terms and conditions.
Zambia Technology Scholarship FAQs
How many fully funded technology scholarships are available?
Fifty scholarships have been announced.
Which universities participate?
The University of Zambia and Copperbelt University.
How many scholarships are available at UNZA?
Twenty-five.
How many are available at CBU?
Twenty-five.
Does the scholarship cover tuition?
Yes.
Does it cover accommodation?
Yes.
Do scholars receive laptops?
Yes. A laptop forms part of the announced support package.
Is internet support included?
Yes. Monthly data connectivity is included.
Is there a monthly allowance?
Yes.
Are internships available?
Yes. Internship opportunities form part of the fellowship initiative.
Who is targeted?
The fellowship targets academically gifted students from vulnerable backgrounds entering eligible technology-related programs.
Are applications open?
Yes. Applications have opened for eligible prospective first-year students at the two participating universities.
50 Fully Funded Technology Scholarships in Zambia: Final Update
The Airtel Africa Fellowship provides one of the more comprehensive technology scholarship packages currently available to eligible students in Zambia. Fifty students will be supported across the University of Zambia and Copperbelt University, with 25 scholarships allocated to each institution.
The package covers tuition and accommodation across the five-year program and adds a laptop, monthly data connectivity, a monthly allowance and internship opportunities.
Prospective applicants should now confirm that they are entering an eligible technology-related program and carefully review the selection requirements before applying. Students should not assume that every program or every current university student automatically qualifies simply because they attend one of the two participating institutions.