Written by Young Eta

Looking to upskill or advance your career through online courses but financial limitations are holding you back? You're not alone! Coursera offers financial aid and scholarships to help African students access their educational programs.

Here's what you need to know:

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Africans

Coursera provides financial aid and scholarships for specific courses. This means you can apply for each course you want to take, with a maximum of 11 applications at a time. Keep in mind that not all courses offer financial aid or scholarships.

How to Apply

• Find the Course: Head over to coursera.org and locate the course description page for the program you're interested in.

• Look for Financial Aid/Scholarship Info: Check the description for details about financial aid or scholarship opportunities. There will usually be a "Learn more and apply" link.

• Complete Your Application: Ensure your application is at least 150 words long, detailing your background and reasons for needing financial aid. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

• Review Process: Allow up to 15 days for Coursera to review your application. In the meantime, you can access the course materials for free in audit mode.

• Application Status: You'll receive an email notification regarding your application approval or denial. You can also check your Coursera Updates page for application status information.

Tips and Additional Information

• Free Course Materials While You Wait: Audit mode allows you to explore course materials for free while awaiting your financial aid decision.

• Course Completion Deadlines: Each course has personalized deadlines, so you won't need to worry about falling behind if your application is approved.

• Re-applying for Financial Aid: If you don't complete a course within 180 days, you can reapply for financial aid for a subsequent attempt.

• Unenrollment Window: After receiving financial aid approval, you have two weeks to unenroll from the course if needed.

• Courses Can Be Completed Faster: The stipulated deadlines for courses are often flexible. Feel free to work ahead and earn your certificates quickly!

Sample Application Letter (Adapt to Your Situation)

While Coursera doesn't require a formal letter for financial aid applications, you can use the following as a template to personalize your application with a compelling reason for needing assistance:

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is [Your Name], and I'm currently a [Your Job Title] in [Your City, Country]. I'm passionate about pursuing a career in [Your Field of Interest] and believe the [Course Name] program on Coursera would be instrumental in achieving my goals.

Unfortunately, [Explain your financial limitations and why you need financial aid]. I'm a highly motivated and dedicated individual, and I'm confident I will make the most of this learning opportunity.

[Optional: Briefly explain how this course aligns with your career goals and how the knowledge gained will benefit you and your community.]

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Remember: This is just a sample. Adapt it to your specific situation and highlight your unique background and goals.

Explore Scholarship Opportunities Outside Coursera

While Coursera offers financial aid, there are many scholarship resources available specifically for African students. Consider searching for scholarships offered by:

• Your Home Country's Government

• International Organizations

• Universities Offering Online Courses

• African Scholarship Platforms (e.g., African Scholarship Hub - https://africanscholarshiphub.org/about)

By combining Coursera's financial aid with scholarships from other sources, you can significantly reduce the financial burden of online education and unlock a world of possibilities!