Nelson Mandela Scholarships
Nelson Mandela Scholarships fully fund African students by allowing them to study at prestigious universities in South Africa. The scholarship is inspired by Nelson Mandela’s vision to make revolutionary changes in Africa and encourage young leaders. The scholarship combines financial support with a leadership programme that will challenge you, grow you, and connect you to young African changemakers.
- It covers tuition for a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.
- Applications for 2026 are now closed Applications for 2027 will open March 2026.
- Students with outstanding academics are awarded Nelson Mandela Scholarships by the Rhodes Foundation. The scholarship covers tuition fees with additional allowances for textbooks, meals, accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, research, and flight tickets. It is mandatory for scholarship receiving students to partake in leadership development workshops like residential workshops and regional pods.
Nelson Mandela Scholarships: Benefits for Students
- Tuition fees waiver
- Application fee waiver
- Accommodation
- Meals
- One-way flight ticket
- Medical aid
- Research funds
- textbooks
- Stipends
Highlights
| Scholarship Type | Merit-Based |
| Offered by | Trust |
| Organization | N/A |
| Application Deadline | N/A |
| Number of Scholarships | N/A |
| Amount | Variable Amount |
| Renewability | No |
| International Student Eligible | Yes |
| Scholarship Website Link | https://www.mandelarhodes.org/ |
Eligibility Criteria
The requirements for Nelson Mandela Scholarships for Master's and Honors courses are a blend of academic excellence and contribution to society. The funding for international applicants is provided based widely on the SAQA verification for multiple graduate programs, except the MBA. There is no specific requirement for standardized tests. Here is an overview of the entry requirements:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum 70% qualification score
- 3-4 years of undergraduate studies
- Must hold Honors degree or four years undergraduate degree
- Under 30 Years old at time of application
- Community service
- SAQA verification of the qualifications
- Applicants can take the free language proficiency test
- Work Experience for medical course
Documents Required:
- Transcripts
- Bachelor’s or higher education certificates
- SAQA Certificate
- 3 letters of recommendation (three)
- Personal statement (two)
- Course intent
- Proof of community service
- CV
- Identity proof
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
Application Process
Applicants are required to apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship before applying to the eligible universities. Funding is allocated based on the candidate's subsistent academic performance each semester. Candidates can follow the steps for applying for the scholarship online after meeting the entry requirements:
- Fill out the application and submit the course intent for the preferred university.
- The letter of recommendation should be submitted before the deadline by the professors.
- The applicants can apply for the SAQA verification using the online portal.
- The final interview for the scholarship will be held in South Africa. During the interview, the expenses for travel will not be covered by the scholarship.
Selection Process
The admission committee verifies the applicant’s qualifications with their skills and ensures their fulfillment of the entry requirements. Outstanding academic performance can increase the chances of funding, but the committee also highly considers these qualities in the prospective students:
- Research abilities
- Leadership
- Community service
- Academic records
- Innovation
- Helped in the development of their community
- Empathy for minorities
- Peacemaker
Mandela Rhodes Scholarships gives leaders across 33 countries a chance to choose from over 35 postgraduate programs. The scholarship gives the graduates opportunities to pursue further education in the United Kingdom. The recipients of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship are encouraged to participate in workshops with 30-35 fellow scholars and help the new students build social networks. Assistance during the time of scholarship is endless as mentors for research work offer their expert advice. The scholarship is valid at Rhodes University, Monash University, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, University of Cape Town, and many more.
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