2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships – Now Open

2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships – Now Open

 Deadline to Apply: 21 April 2025
Study Start Date: January 2026

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offers a transformative postgraduate experience for exceptional young African leaders. This prestigious award supports your studies while immersing you in a unique leadership development programme designed to challenge, connect, and inspire.

2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships – Now Open

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Be aged 19 to 29 at the time of application (and under 30 by the time you begin your studies in 2026).

• Be a citizen of any African country, regardless of your current place of residence or study.

• Have academic excellence, with results of at least 70% or upper second class.

• Demonstrate leadership qualities through involvement on campus or in your community.

• Be intending to pursue postgraduate study (Honours or Masters) in any field, except for MBAs, block courses, or online programmes.

2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships – Now Open

What the Scholarship Covers

The scholarship provides comprehensive funding, including:

• Full tuition and registration fees (as set by your university)

• Study materials allowance

• Accommodation and meals allowance

• Medical aid allowance

• Personal stipend

• Research and conference grants (on request)

• Round-trip economy airfare for international scholars between their home country and South Africa

❗Note: University application fees, SAQA verifications, visa costs, and passport fees are not covered.

Participating Universities in South Africa

You can study at any of the following accredited institutions:

• University of Cape Town (UCT)

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

• Stellenbosch University

• Rhodes University

• University of Pretoria (UP)

• University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

• North West University

• University of the Western Cape (UWC)

• Nelson Mandela University

• And others including technology and arts universities

• 2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships – Now Open

📍You must study in-person at a South African institution. Distance learning and study in your home country are not permitted.

Key Dates

• 17 March 2025: Applications open

• 21 April 2025 (23:59 GMT+2): Application deadline

• June – August: Shortlisting rounds and notifications

• October 2025: Final interviews (held in South Africa, travel arranged for international candidates)

• October – December: Finalists apply to South African universities and secure study visas

• January 2026: Programme and study commence

Important Application Notes

• Applications must be submitted online via the Mandela Rhodes platform.

• You must upload your personal essays, academic documents, and provide three recommenders who must upload their letters directly to the platform.

• Your application will be considered incomplete without the reference letters submitted by the deadline.

• While you do not need to have university admission at the time of applying, you must clearly state your intended degree and institution. Apply to multiple universities to increase your chances of being accepted.

• If shortlisted, you may need to complete SAQA verification of your degree – this process takes time and is your responsibility.

FAQs Summary

• Do I need straight A’s? Not necessarily, but a consistent average above 70% and evidence of leadership are required.

• Do I apply to the university? Yes – separately from your scholarship application.

• Is English required? Yes. All academic work must be done in English.

• Is the leadership programme compulsory? Yes – attendance at all workshops is mandatory.

• Can I apply while completing my undergraduate degree? Yes, provided your degree is completed by 1 January 2026.

• How long is the funding? One year for Honours; one to two years for Masters (maximum of two years in total).

• Does MRF help with visas or passports? No. Visa and passport applications, and related costs, are your responsibility.

Apply Now

Start your application and access the portal here:
🔗 Mandela Rhodes Foundation – Scholarships

Prepare your documents, contact your referees early, and submit your complete application by 21 April 2025.

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2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships – Now Open/2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships – Now Open/2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships – Now Open