MINDS 2026 Postgraduate Scholarship Programme: Opportunity to Transform Cape Verde Through Leadership
The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) Postgraduate Scholarship Programme for 2026 has emerged as a beacon of hope and an opportunity for excellence for ambitious Cape Verdeans with a desire to make an impact on the archipelago's development. Funded and designed to train a new generation of leaders capable of tackling Cape Verde's complex challenges, this initiative represents a strategic investment in the country's future. The main focus is on developing leadership, management and innovation skills, which are essential for leading Cape Verde towards a prosperous and sustainable future.
The MINDS Programme is more than just a scholarship programme; it is a complete ecosystem of support for professional development. The scholarships fully cover the costs of tuition fees, accommodation, food and health insurance, freeing scholarship holders from worrying about expenses and allowing them to concentrate fully on their studies. In addition, the programme offers exclusive networking opportunities, mentoring by experienced leaders in various fields and workshops on career development and leadership skills. This comprehensive support ensures that participants not only gain advanced technical knowledge, but also develop the interpersonal and management skills needed to implement significant change.
The areas of study covered by the programme are broad and reflect Cape Verde's development priorities. They include, but are not limited to: Economics, Sustainable Development, Governance and Public Policy, International Relations, Technology and Innovation, Tourism, and Natural Resource Management. This breadth of choice allows candidates to select a postgraduate course that aligns with their interests and ambitions, maximising their ability to contribute to the country's development upon completion of their studies. Priority is given to candidates with demonstrated leadership potential, relevant work experience and a strong commitment to returning to Cape Verde to apply the knowledge acquired.
The selection of fellows is rigorous and based on multiple criteria, including academic performance, professional experience, leadership skills and the potential to positively impact Cape Verdean society. The application process is competitive and requires the submission of a detailed CV, letters of recommendation, personal essays and, in some cases, interviews. Candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications in advance, ensuring that all documents are complete and clearly reflect their qualifications and motivations. It is essential to demonstrate a clear understanding of Cape Verde's challenges and present concrete proposals on how the knowledge acquired through the programme can be applied to overcome them.
The impact of the MINDS Programme in Cape Verde is undeniable. By investing in leadership development, the programme strengthens the country's capacity to face the complex challenges of the 21st century. Grantees trained by the programme return to Cape Verde with new ideas, skills and a network of valuable contacts, driving innovation and progress in a number of areas. These empowered leaders become agents of change, driving the country's economic, social and environmental development, and contributing to building a fairer and more prosperous future for all Cape Verdeans.
The transformation that the MINDS Programme promotes is long-term. It is an investment in training Cape Verde's human capital, creating a base of highly qualified leaders who are committed to the country's development. By attracting and retaining talent, the programme contributes to building an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship, which is essential for economic diversification and the creation of opportunities. Finally, the Programme represents a commitment to Cape Verde's resilience, preparing the country to face the challenges of the future and reach its full potential.
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
Application link: https://www.chicagobooth.edu/research/stigler/education/journalists-in-residence-program
