The WIPO Academy Scholarship
What if your ideas could shape the future, not just for yourself, but for your entire continent? That’s the vision behind the WIPO Academy Scholarship, an opportunity designed for African students who have shown that they have a passion for innovation, legal systems, and creative rights.
If you’ve ever dreamed of using intellectual property (IP) to spark progress in your community, you should consider applying for this scholarship.
This funding opportunity is offered through a partnership between the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Africa University, and the Government of Japan. The program does more than pay your tuition, it helps you learn the skills, connections, and vision to become a leader in IP policy, law, and practice.
About the Scholarship
The WIPO Academy Scholarship is a fully funded master’s program in Intellectual Property (IP) that gives African students the chance to pursue advanced legal and technical education at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe.
This initiative is part of WIPO’s broader commitment to building IP capacity across developing nations – with a focus on Africa.
It is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented in collaboration with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organisation (ARIPO).
The scholarship trains a new generation of professionals who are capable of turning ideas into engines for sustainable development.
The idea is to combine academic theory with real-world practice, give students the tools to innovate, advocate, and influence IP systems both locally and globally.
Who is eligible for the scholarship
To be considered for the WIPO Academy Scholarship, you must:
- Citizenship: Must be a national of an African country.
- Academic qualifications: Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any field (with a second-class lower or above) from a recognised institution.
- English language proficiency: Must have strong English skills. Non-native speakers need to show their language proficiency by writing the TOEFL, CAE, or a comparable certificate.
- WIPO DL101 Completion: Completion of WIPO’s free DL101 Intellectual Property Course is mandatory before applying.
How to apply for the scholarship
To apply for this scholarship, you should:
- Visit the application portal: Go to the Scholarship application portal
Navigate to the WIPO Academy scholarship portal using the link provided below. - Select your program: Confirm your eligibility and choose the “Master’s in Intellectual Property” program.
- Register and create a profile: Set up an account on the platform and begin your application.
- Upload all the required documents like:
- Certified English translations of academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Completed WIPO DL101 Certificate
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Attach your letter: Include a compelling Letter of application for the scholarship
- Dual registration: Complete registration on both the WIPO Academy platform and the Africa University application portal.
- Submit your application: Once you are done, submit your application.
Scholarship Benefits
The WIPO Academy Scholarship covers:
- Full Tuition for the entire program
- Monthly Living Stipends
- Travel Costs, including airfare and ground transport
- Accommodation is fully paid for the duration of the program
- Comprehensive Health Insurance
- Academic Support and Mentorship from leading IP experts
Where to apply?
To start your application and access the DL101 course, go to: https://welc.wipo.int/acc/index.jsf?page=aipCatalog.xhtml&lang=en&cc=MIP_AFRICA#plus_MIP_AFRICA