Learn Africa Canarias 2026 Program: Free Online Scholarships for African Women from the Canary Islands
In a world of accelerating change where digital and leadership skills are increasingly vital, the Women for Africa Foundation (Mujeres por África) has launched the newest edition of its flagship training program Learn Africa Canarias, with direct support from the Directorate General for Relations with Africa of the Canary Islands Government of Spain.
This program stands as one of the most prominent educational cooperation initiatives between Europe and Africa, aiming to strengthen the capacities of educated African women and support their employment in sustainable development sectors. Since its launch in 2020, the program has provided 1,617 scholarships benefiting 1,211 women from 46 African countries — figures that reflect a genuine and geographically far-reaching impact.
The 2026 edition is the most ambitious in the program’s history, offering more than 450 scholarships across diverse and cutting-edge specializations — all delivered entirely online, allowing participants to study from their home countries without any need to travel.
What’s New in Learn Africa Canarias 2026?
This edition features a significant expansion in training areas, designed to meet the emerging needs of African labor markets and current global challenges. New topics for this year include:
- Artificial Intelligence and its applications in modern work environments
- Circular Economy and Sustainable Waste Management
- Sustainable Project Development
- Equal Opportunities in Strategic Sectors
- Advanced Business Management
These new areas complement an already established offering that includes Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Tourism, International Relations, and Spanish Language Learning at multiple levels.
If you are looking for similar opportunities, browse our full list of scholarships for African students on Voljob.
Academic Institutions Delivering the Training
The courses are delivered by a distinguished group of higher education institutions and professional associations in the Canary Islands, including:
- University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC)
- University of La Laguna (ULL)
- University Foundation of Las Palmas (FULP)
- General Foundation of the University of La Laguna (FGULL)
- Canary Islands Technological Institute (ITC)
- Provincial Federation of Metal and New Technologies Companies (FEMETE and FEMEPA)
Notably, FEMEPA joins the program as a new partner this year, broadening the range of specialized training opportunities in the industrial technology sector.
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?
The Foundation has defined a set of essential conditions that must be met to qualify for the program:
- Gender: The program is exclusively open to women.
- Nationality and Residence: Applicants must be nationals of an African country and currently residing in Africa at the time of application.
- Academic Qualification: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an African university or hold a university degree issued by an African country. The required level may vary depending on the specific scholarship.
- Technical Requirements: A stable internet connection and an appropriate computing device (desktop, laptop, or tablet) are mandatory.
- Number of Applications: Each applicant may submit one application for a specialized course scholarship and one application for a Spanish language course scholarship.
For more opportunities that match these criteria, check out our online scholarships for women section on Voljob.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must prepare the following documents in advance:
- National identity card or passport
- Recent personal photograph
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- University degree or equivalent certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter (statement of purpose)
- Official language proficiency certificate (if required by the scholarship)
- Any additional document specified in the scholarship requirements
Technical note: All files must be in one of the following formats: PNG, JPG, GIF, PDF, DOC, DOCX, PPT, or RTF, with a maximum file size of 4 MB per document.
How to Apply and Selection Process
Application Steps
Applications are accepted exclusively through the official program website. Places close as soon as they are filled, so early application is strongly recommended. Applications submitted by email will not be accepted.
Evaluation Criteria
A specialized committee within the Foundation evaluates all applications based on:
- Curriculum Vitae and level of academic and professional qualification
- Motivation letter and clarity of professional goals
- Language proficiency in the language in which the course is taught
Selection results will be published on the official website at the end of July 2026, and accepted candidates will be personally notified by email. Candidates who are not selected will not receive individual notification.
Accepting the Scholarship
Accepted candidates will have seven calendar days to formally accept the scholarship via email. Failure to respond within this period will result in the scholarship being reassigned to the next candidate on the waiting list.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
These scholarships provide comprehensive coverage including:
- Registration fees for the selected course
- Tuition fees throughout the program duration
- Certificate or diploma issuance upon successful completion of the course
All courses are conducted online between July and November 2026, enabling participation from any African country without the need to travel to Spain.
Commitments of Scholarship Recipients
Accepting a scholarship entails the following obligations:
- Active and regular participation in training sessions, assignments, and required assessments
- Ongoing communication with the academic institution and the Women for Africa Foundation
- Immediate reporting of any unexpected circumstance that may prevent course completion
Upon completion of the course, recipients are expected to:
- Complete an evaluation survey to help the Foundation assess program outcomes
- Join the program’s alumni network (Learn Africa Alumnae Network)
- Contribute to academic and professional activities organized by the Foundation when possible
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply early: Places close as soon as they are filled, with no fixed deadline.
- Read each scholarship’s conditions carefully before applying, especially regarding language requirements.
- Invest time in your motivation letter: It is a key factor in the selection process.
- Check your email daily after applying so you don’t miss the selection results.
- For Spanish language courses: You must provide a certificate of the level below the one you are applying for. (Example: to apply for B2, you must submit a B1 certificate.)
Need help writing a strong motivation letter? Visit our guide on how to write a scholarship motivation letter on Voljob.
Contact and Inquiries
For questions not addressed in the official FAQ section, you may contact the program team by email: [email protected]
Official website: www.mujeresporafrica.es
Conclusion: Invest in Yourself, Drive Change
The Learn Africa Canarias 2026 program represents a comprehensive model of international cooperation in service of education and women’s empowerment. If you are an African woman seeking to develop your leadership skills, strengthen your position in the job market, and contribute to your continent’s development — this program is an opportunity not to be missed.
Don’t wait — apply today before places run out.
