Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust
Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship
Closes
30 September 2026
Level
Master's or PhD
Location
United Kingdom
Duration
Up to 2 years
Target
KZN school alumni
About this bursary
The Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship offers South African students funding to complete postgraduate degrees at universities in the United Kingdom. Administered by the Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust, the award covers up to two years of full-time Master's or PhD studies across any discipline.
This scholarship aims to support high-achieving graduates who completed a major part of their schooling in KwaZulu-Natal. The trust seeks applicants who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership, and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa.
Since 1994, the trust has supported 38 scholars attending UK institutions, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the University of London.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- Applicants must be South African residents who have lived in the country for at least five years.
- Candidates must be under 27 years of age.
- You must have attended secondary school in KwaZulu-Natal for a major portion of your schooling.
- Applicants should be in the final year of a four-year undergraduate degree or an honours degree at any South African university.
- Academic requirements include achieving or aiming for cum laude or summa cum laude honors, alongside Dean's Commendations or Certificates of Merit.
- Candidates must intend to pursue full-time postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
- Strong participation in extracurricular activities and a commitment to uplifting South Africa are essential.
You do not qualify if
- Applicants aged 27 or older.
- Students who did not complete a major part of their secondary education in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Non-South African residents or those residing in the country for fewer than five years.
Documents you need to submit
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Certified copy of academic record showing current and completed courses, classes, and distinctions
- Certified copies of degree certificates
- Updated Curriculum Vitae
- Passport-sized photograph
- Signed statement outlining general interests, intended UK course, preferred UK university, and post-study career goals
- Motivational letter explaining why you should be awarded the scholarship
Submit all certified supporting documents combined into a single electronic file where possible.
How to apply
- 1Download the official application form.
- 2Fill in all required sections on the PDF application document.
- 3Gather and certify all required supporting documents.
- 4Combine your completed application form and supporting documents into a single file.
- 5Email your application to [email protected] and [email protected] with the subject line 'Cecil Renaud Scholarship'.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.