Scholarships

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is inviting applications to support a leadership programme that will challenge you, grow you and connect you to young African changemakers – just like you.

The leadership development programme is delivered primarily through a series of week-long residential workshops attended during the scholar’s time in residence. It focuses on equipping young leaders with the competence and courage to contribute meaningfully toward creating equal opportunities across the African continent.

The scholarship provides comprehensive funding for core study-related expenses. It supports a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Master’s degree in any field at a recognised South African higher education institution. Financial support includes tuition and registration fees paid directly to the institution, along with allowances for study materials, accommodation, meals, medical aid, and personal expenses. Additional support may be available for research and conference participation upon request, and economy-class travel is covered at the beginning and end of the academic programme.

Certain costs are not included in the funding. Applicants are responsible for university application fees, accreditation of prior qualifications through SAQA if required, and visa-related expenses. Allowances are disbursed twice annually, subject to submission of proof of registration and academic progress reports. Any financial obligations incurred prior to becoming a scholar remain the individual’s responsibility.

The scholarship is highly competitive and seeks candidates who demonstrate both academic excellence and strong character. Applicants are expected to have achieved at least 70% or an upper second-class equivalent and must show evidence of leadership experience within their community or academic environment.

Eligibility is limited to individuals aged between 19 and 29 at the time of application, provided they are under 30 when the scholarship is taken up. Only citizens of African countries are eligible, regardless of their current place of residence or study. The programme requires full-time, in-person study at a South African institution, and distance learning or study in one’s home country is not permitted.

For more information, visit The Mandela Rhodes Foundation.