FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships

Who can apply

1) FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship

• Be a South African citizen
• Intend on studying towards a postgraduate qualification, in ANY field of study
• Have applied to study at any international university outside of South Africa
• Not currently or previously have studied overseas
• Be willing to return to South Africa for a minimum of 5 years after completing your qualification
• Have an excellent academic record
• Demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; strong character; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
• Preference will be given to students under 35 years old

2) FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Scholarship

• Be a South African citizen
• Be from a previously disadvantaged background
• Intend on studying towards a postgraduate qualification, in ANY field of study
• Have applied to study at any international university outside of South Africa
• Not currently or previously have studied overseas
• Be willing to return to South Africa for a minimum of 5 years after completing your qualification
• Demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; strong character; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
• Preference will be given to students under 35 years old

3) FirstRand Oxford African Studies scholarship at the University of Oxford

• Be a South African citizen
• Have been accepted to study towards a MSc in African Studies at the University of Oxford (read more about the MSc in African Studies qualification here) (applications close of 27 January 2026, 12:00 UK time for this study programme)
• Have an excellent academic record
• Demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
• Contribute to South Africa after completing studies and returning to the country

FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government scholarship at the University of Oxford

• Be a South African citizen
• Have been accepted to study towards a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford (read more about the Master of Public Policy qualification here) (applications close of 2 December 2025, 12:00 UK time for this study programme)
• Wish to deepen your understanding of public policy challenges in order to become a more effective leader and changemaker
• Have an excellent academic record
• Demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
• Contribute to South Africa after completing studies and returning to the country
• Be a South African citizen
• Have been accepted to study towards a MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment at the University of Oxford (read more about the MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment qualification here) (applications close of 27 January 2026, 12:00 UK time for this study programme)
• Wish to deepen your understanding of public policy challenges in order to become a more effective leader and changemaker
• Have an excellent academic record
• Demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
• Contribute to South Africa after completing studies and returning to the country

6) FirstRand IHE Delft Water Education scholarship at IHE Delft

• Be a South African citizen
• Have been accepted to study towards a MSc in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft in any of these 4 thematic tracks: water, food and energy / water hazards, risks and climate / water and health / water resources and ecosystem health (read more about the MSc in Water and Sustainable Development qualification here – applications close on 19 February 2026)
• Have an excellent academic record
• Demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
• Contribute to South Africa after completing studies and returning to the country

7) FirstRand IE School of Science and Technology scholarship

• Be a South African citizen
• Intend on studying towards an MSc in Business Analytics and Big Data or MSc in Computer and Business Technology, at the School of Science and Technology at the IE University in Madrid (applications close on 19 February 2026)
• Have an excellent academic record
• Demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field

8) Mandela scholarship supported by the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation

• Be a South African citizen
• Intend on studying towards a Masters degree in any discipline at the University of Sussex (applications close on 19 February 2026)
• Have an excellent academic record
• Demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field

What the bursary covers

Value mentioned: R1.5 million

Documents you will need

• Minimum of 2 references (If you attended university less than 6 years ago, at least 1 must be from an academic. If you have been working for the past 6 or more years, 1 does not have to be from an academic.) (You may attach the references letter to your application or the referees may email it to [email protected] and clearly mark it as your reference, before the closing date).

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   • FirstRand Scholarship Application 2026
   • Register an Account
   • Login

   Email [email protected]

   Applications must be submitted online at: FirstRand Scholarship Application 2026

   Applicants will be required to Register an Account before they can Login and apply.

   Note: university acceptance letters must be submitted as soon as they are received (no later than 7 April 2026), to [email protected]

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around February. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]
• Email [email protected]
• Email [email protected]

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About FirstRand International

FirstRand is a large South African financial services group that owns FNB, RMB, WesBank and Ashburton.