Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarships (Fully Funded)

Scholarships
-March 18, 2025
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Deadline: 21 April 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a life-changing leadership journey. The scholarship combines financial support with a leadership programme that will challenge you, grow you, and connect you to young African changemakers – just like you.

Requirements

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is competitive. It is for young leaders who have a combination of intellect and character.
You must be academically strong: your marks should be above 70% or an upper second.
You must also have demonstrated leadership on your campus or in your community.
If you are between the ages of 19 and 29 at the time of applying, you are eligible. As long as you are under the age of 30 at the time you take up the scholarship, you are eligible to apply.
Students who are citizens of an African country, no matter where they are currently living or studying, are eligible

Courses Supported

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters degrees) in any field, with the exception of MBAs, which we do not fund.

Scholarship Worth:

Tuition and registration fees as set by your university or institution
A study materials allowance as set by the MRF
Accommodation and meal allowances as set by the MRF
A medical aid allowance as set by the MRF
A personal allowance as set by the MRF
Research and conferencing grants can be made available on request
Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies

Application Timeline

March: Applications open on Monday, 17 March 2025. Candidates can add recommenders on the platform and begin uploading their documentation and working on their personal essays. See ‘requirements’.
April: Applications close by the end of Monday, 21 April 2025 23:59 GMT+2. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted under any circumstances.
June: You will be notified by the end of June whether or not you are through to Round Two.
July: You will be notified by the end of July whether or not you are through to Round Three.
August: You will be notified by the end of August if you are invited for an interview in the Final Round, or if you have been unsuccessful.
October: Interviews will be conducted in South Africa in October. If you are in the final round and you are based outside South Africa, you will be flown in for an in-person interview with our selection committee. You will be notified by the end of October if you are selected as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
October-December: Selected Mandela Rhodes Scholars must do their best to secure acceptance at their university of choice, and their study visa for travel to South Africa in January.

For More Information:

Visit the Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships

FAQs

What costs are covered?

Tuition and registration fees as set by your university or institution
A study materials allowance as set by the MRF
Accommodation and meal allowances as set by the MRF
A medical aid allowance as set by the MRF
A personal allowance as set by the MRF
Research and conferencing grants can be made available on request
Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies

What costs are not covered?

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation does not pay for your application fees for university, or for the accreditation of your existing degrees through SAQA, which may be an entry requirement to your course. We also do not provide financial support for visa applications.

How do the finances work?

Allowances are paid twice a year. You will be required to provide proof of registration at the start of the year, and a progress report from your university two weeks after the start of the second semester. Your tuition and registration fees are paid directly to the tertiary institution, while all other allowances are paid to you. Any amount due to or owed by you prior to becoming a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, is your sole responsibility, and the MRF will not become involved in any way.

Does the MRF provide support and assistance with my visa process?

No. Applying for your visa and paying for any associated costs is your responsibility. You will need a visa in order to take up the scholarship in South Africa. It is very important to start as early as possible. If your visa is delayed you may not be able to start your academic programme and the Leadership Development Programme on time. This could result in you losing the scholarship. Apply for your visa as soon as you have received acceptance from your university of choice.

Your application form states that I have to submit a copy of my passport. I do not have the means to acquire a passport, can you assist me?

If you are shortlisted for an interview and need to fly to South Africa, The Mandela Rhodes Foundation does not cover the cost of any travel documents such as passports.

How do I apply?

You must apply online. You can log onto our applications platform to access your application and upload your documents and essays. The three people who write your recommendation letters must also log onto the platform to upload their letters directly. You must give them plenty of time to write their letters, sign onto the platform, and upload them. Your application cannot be submitted without the letters and will not be considered.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 21 April, by which time all application documentation needs to have been uploaded. Your recommenders (referees) must have uploaded their references by then in order for your application to be complete.

Do I apply for SAQA verification now?

Applying for SAQA verification is not required in order to apply. However, we advise that if you get through to the second and third rounds of the application process, you apply and complete the SAQA verification of your qualifications as soon as possible. For more information about SAQA requirements visit the SAQA website . The MRF does not cover the costs of SAQA verification.

Do I have to study in English?

Yes! You must be able to do written and verbal academic work, in English, at a postgraduate level. English is the main medium of tuition at South African universities.

Where can I study?

You can study at:

Do I have to apply to a university before completing the application form?

You must state what degree you are planning to study. You do not have to have applied or been accepted, but we highly recommend that you apply as soon as possible. If you do not get accepted into a South African institution, you will not be able to accept the scholarship if awarded. Apply early and have multiple options in case you do not get accepted to your first choice.

Does the MRF apply to the university for me?

No. You must apply separately to your chosen tertiary institution for the degree you wish to undertake. The award is conditional on your being offered a place at the relevant institution. It’s best to apply to several universities in case you do not get accepted at your first choice and are unable to take up the scholarship as a result.

How do I know if I meet the entry requirements for the course I want to complete in South Africa?

Many South African Masters degrees require you to have completed a four year program or an Honours degree. If you want to study for a Masters, we advise that you check carefully with your intended department of study and university, exactly what the requirements are. They may require that you get your qualifications verified by the South African Qualifications Agency (SAQA). This process can take some time and delay both your university acceptance and your visa. Start early. Please be reminded that should you not qualify for a Masters Programme you could apply for an Honours Programme.

NB: If you are not accepted to university timeously, you will not be able to get your study visa in time for the commencement of the programme in January, and you will not be able accept the scholarship.

Do I need straight As?

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is competitive. It is for young leaders who have a combination of intellect and character. You must be academically strong: your marks should be above 70% or an upper second. You must also have demonstrated leadership on your campus or in your community. See the selection criteria and the scholar testimonials.

Is there an age limit?

If you are between the ages of 19 and 29 in the year of applying, you are eligible. As long as you are under the age of 30 at the time you take up the scholarship, you are eligible to apply.

I am a citizen of an African country outside of South Africa. Am I eligible?

Yes. Students who are citizens of an African country, no matter where they are currently living or studying, are eligible. And can I study in my home country? No. The scholarship is for study in South Africa, at a South African institution of higher education – you cannot study in your home country. Distance learning is not allowed – you must study at an institution in South Africa so that you can participate in our programme.

What courses of study do you support?

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters degrees) in any field. We do not fund MBAs, any type of block course, or courses delivered predominantly online.

Do you fund undergraduate study?

No. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is only for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters).

Can I apply if I am only completing my undergraduate degree this year?

Yes. You can apply if you are completing your undergraduate degree in 2025, but it must be completed by 1 January 2026 before you take up the Scholarship.

How long is the tenure of the Scholarship?

We will fund your degree to a strict maximum of two years, with no exceptions allowed. Students who receive the Scholarship for their Honours degree receive one year of funding, while Masters students will receive one or two years of funding.

Is it mandatory to participate in the leadership development workshops?

Yes. Attendance at the residential workshops and regional pods is mandatory, and a condition of the scholarship. Participating in the Mentoring Programme is optional.

Scholarships

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