Mandela Rhodes Foundation Bursary / Scholarship 2026

Are you an African aspirant leader seeking a chance to advance your studies and have a big influence on the continent? Postgraduate students have an amazing opportunity to study in South Africa and connect with some of Africa’s most promising young leaders through the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Bursary/Scholarship 2026. This scholarship will pay for a variety of study-related costs, whether you’re pursuing an honours or master’s degree, letting you concentrate on your academic career without worrying about money.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet the following minimum entry requirements:

African Citizenship: You must be a citizen of any African country, including South Africa.
Age Range: Applicants must be between 19 and 29 years old by the time the scholarship commences.
Postgraduate Study: You must have completed your undergraduate degree or expect to do so by 1 January 2026. The scholarship is open for Honours or Master’s degrees in any field (note that MBA studies are excluded).
Admission to University: You must secure admission to a South African university by January 2026.
Leadership Experience: The Mandela Rhodes Foundation values candidates with strong leadership skills, particularly those who have demonstrated leadership in their community or university.
Commitment to Africa’s Development: Applicants must show a strong commitment to using their education to advance equality, freedom, and human dignity in Africa.
English Proficiency: You must be fluent in English and able to study at the postgraduate level in English.
Non-receipt of Other Funding: You must not be receiving other scholarships or funding opportunities.
No Paid Work: Scholars may not engage in paid work for more than 12 hours a week during their studies.

Benefits of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Bursary

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship covers the following study-related expenses:

Registration Fees: The scholarship will cover your registration fees at your chosen South African university.
Tuition Fees: Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of your studies.
Study Material Allowance: Funds for your study materials, ensuring you have everything needed for your academic work.
Meal and Accommodation Allowance: Coverage for meals and accommodation, allowing you to live comfortably while studying.
Personal Allowance: A personal allowance to help with other living expenses.
Medical Aid Allowance: Coverage for medical expenses during your studies.
Flights: Economy-class flights for scholars from outside South Africa (for the start and end of the program).

Additionally, you may receive funding for research and conferencing grants if necessary.

The scholarship will support you for up to two years. Honours students will receive funding for one year, and Master’s students may receive funding for either one or two years, depending on the program duration.

Approved Universities for Study

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is available for students who intend to study at approved South African universities. These institutions include:

University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of Pretoria (UP)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Rhodes University (RU)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
University of Stellenbosch (SU)
University of the Free State (UFS)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Monash University (among others)

Applicants are encouraged to apply to more than one institution, although proof of application is not required for the scholarship application.

Also check: Essential Documents Needed for University Applications

Leadership Development Programme

As a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in an extensive leadership development program. This program includes:

Residential workshops (held in South Africa)
Regional Pods to facilitate peer learning
Mentoring Programme to help you navigate your academic and professional growth

This program is designed to help you develop the leadership skills needed to make a meaningful impact on your community and the continent.

How to Apply

The application process for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is online. Here are the steps to apply:

Register an Account: You will need to create an account on the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship application platform.
Submit Required Documents: You will need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of your ID (if you are South African) or passport (if from another African country).
- Your degree certificate and academic transcripts.
- Three letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with your leadership abilities and character.
- Two short essays: One about your personal journey and another about a specific question related to the Mandela Rhodes principles (education, leadership, entrepreneurship, reconciliation).
Online Application: Complete the application form, upload all required documents, and submit your application by 21 April 2025.

It is important to ensure that all documents are translated into English and to check the SAQA requirements if you are applying from outside South Africa.

Selection Process

The selection process for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is rigorous and takes place in several stages:

Applications Open: 17 March 2025
Applications Close: 21 April 2025
Shortlisting Begins: June 2025
Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews, which will be held in South Africa. Students residing outside South Africa will be flown in for these interviews.

Candidates selected for the scholarship will be notified by the end of October 2025, and they must secure a university placement and study visa before December 2025.

Important Notes for Applicants

Visa Application: If you are from outside South Africa, you must apply for a study visa as soon as you are accepted by your university.
SAQA Verification: Students applying from outside South Africa must ensure their qualifications meet South African standards, which may require SAQA verification.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Bursary/Scholarship 2026 is an incredible opportunity for young Africans to advance their education while developing essential leadership skills. If you are passionate about contributing to Africa’s fu