Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship

Who can apply

• Be a citizen of ANY African country (including South Africa)
• Be between the ages of 19 and 29 old
• 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)
• 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 Economy
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
  • Durban University of Technology (DUT)
  • Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
  • Monash University
  • Nelson 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)
• Have completed an undergraduate degree qualification OR you will complete an undergraduate degree qualification by 1 January 2027
• Have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% or upper-second class Honours
• Intend on studying towards a Postgraduate qualification in ANY field (Honours or Masters degree only – MBA studies are NOT covered), in 2027
• Secure admission to your university by January 2027
• Be fluent in English and able to study at a postgraduate level in English (take the FREE online English test to test your English proficiency level)
• Have strong leadership skills and have been in a position of leadership on your campus or in your community
• Aim to be an ethical leader and be committed to using your talents to advance equality, freedom and human dignity in Africa
• Show potential to embody the MRF’s founding principles (education, leadership, entrepreneurship, reconciliation)
• 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)
• Respect the conditions of tenure of the scholarship – it cannot be deferred to another year
• Maintain high standards of work and conduct during your studies
• Not be receiving any other scholarship or funding opportunity
• You may NOT perform any paid work for more than 12 hours a week during your studies

What the bursary covers

• Study related expenses: registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Study material allowance
• Meal
• Accommodation allowance
• Personal allowance
• Medical aid allowance
• Economy-class flights for scholars from countries outside of SA (at the start and end of their studies)

Documents you will need

• ID document, if a South African
• Transcripts of academic results
• 3 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)
• All documents documents and transcripts must be provided in English.
• Candidates are advised to apply to study at more than 1 approved university – although proof of application is not required for this scholarship application.

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
   • Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Application 2027
   • Register an Account
   • Login
   • SAQA website
   • MRF Scholarship T&C’s

   Applications must be submitted online at: Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Application 2027

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

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around April. 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]

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

About Mandela Rhodes Foundation

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, founded in 2003 with the Rhodes Trust, is one of Nelson Mandela's official legacy organisations.