Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship South Africa 2027
Review the requirements, funding details, and key dates before applying at the official source.
At a glance
Summary
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, founded in partnership with the Rhodes Trust in 2003, is one of the late Nelson Mandela’s 3 official legacy organisations. The goal of the Foundation is to build exceptional leadership skills within the African continent. By way of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, the Foundation aims to empower young Africans and encourage them to use their talents to serve their societies and the continent. The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship allows for African students to pursue their postgraduate studies in South Africa, and the chance to take part in the Leadership Development Programme. Since the Foundation started, more than 16 years ago, they have funded over 500 students from 28 African countries.
What’s covered
Funding details
The scholarship will provide cover for the following study related expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, study material allowance, meal and accommodation allowance, personal allowance, medical aid allowance and economy-class flights for scholars from countries outside of SA (at the start and end of their studies). Scholars may also receive research and conferencing grants on request. The scholarship will provide cover for up to 2 years – Honours students will receive funding for 1 year and Masters students will receive funding for 1 or 2 years. Allowances are paid twice a year – scholars must submit proof of registration at the beginning of the year, and a progress report from your university 2 weeks after the second semester begins. Allowances are paid directly to scholars, while tuition and registration fees are paid to the tertiary institution. Scholars will also take part in leadership development workshops – scholars will be required to attend residential workshops and regional pods, and may participate in the Mentoring Programme.
Check your match
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered): You must be a citizen of ANY African country (including South Africa)You must be between the ages of 19 and 29 oldYou must be willing to travel to South Africa if you reside in any other African country besides SA(the scholarship only covers studies in South Africa, therefore you must be willing to relocate to SA for your studies)You must intend on studying at one of these approved institutions(you do not have to have applied or been accepted yet):AFDA the School for the Creative EconomyCape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)Durban University of Technology (DUT)Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)Monash UniversityNelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)North West University (NWU)Rhodes University (RU)Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)University of Cape Town (UCT)University of Fort Hare (UFH)University of Free State (UFS)University of Johannesburg (UJ)University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)University of Limpopo (UL)University of Pretoria (UP)University of Stellenbosch (SU)University of the Western Cape (UWC)University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)University of Venda (UNIVEN)University of Zululand (UNIZULU)Vaal University of Technology (VUT)Walter Sisulu University (WSU)You must have completed an undergraduate degree qualification OR you will complete an undergraduate degree qualification by 1 January 2027You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% or upper-second class HonoursYou must intend on studying towards a Postgraduate qualification in ANY field (Honours or Masters degree only – MBA studies are NOT covered), in 2027You must secure admission to your university by January 2027You must be fluent in English and able to study at a postgraduate level in English (take theFREE online English testto test your English proficiency level)You must have strong leadership skills and have been in a position of leadership on your campus or in your communityYou must aim to be an ethical leader and be committed to using your talents to advance equality, freedom and human dignity in AfricaYou must show potential to embody the MRF’s founding principles (education, leadership, entrepreneurship, reconciliation)You must be committed to participating in the MRF leadership development programme, which is held in-person and online, taking place during the week or on weekends (3 workshops will be held in the first year in residence, and 2 in the second year)You must respect the conditions of tenure of the scholarship – it cannot be deferred to another yearYou must maintain high standards of work and conduct during your studiesYou must NOT be receiving any other scholarship or funding opportunityYou may NOT perform any paid work for more than 12 hours a week during your studies
Prepare ahead
Application requirements
Information not available
Your next steps
How to apply
Applications must be submitted online at:Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Application 2027 Applicants will be required toRegister an Accountbefore they canLoginand apply. Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship. Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified): ID document, if a South AfricanPassport, if not a South AfricanDegree certificate (applicants from outside SA may need to complete SAQA verification to begin their studies at a South African university – see notes below for more information)Transcripts of academic results3 letters of recommendation from people who have relevant experience of you and insight into your character (applicants must register each recommender on the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship application platform and the recommender will then receive an email asking them to log on and upload their letter)2 short essays (1 about your personal journey, and 1 about a specific question relating MRF principles)
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