The Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
Closes
14 April 2026
Value
Full tuition, living & travel
Level
Honours & Master's
For
African citizens (19-29)
Sector
All Fields
Type
Scholarship
About this bursary
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship funds postgraduate studies in South Africa alongside a leadership development programme. Set up in 2003 as an official legacy body of Nelson Mandela in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, the organisation seeks to nurture young African leaders who want to serve their communities across the continent.
This opportunity is open to African citizens between 19 and 29 years old who want to complete Honours or Master's degrees at designated South African public tertiary institutions. Beyond academic funding, scholars take part in compulsory residential workshops, regional gatherings, and mentoring designed to build ethical leadership capabilities.
Funding is granted for up to two years depending on the degree level. Honours programmes receive one year of support, while Master's degrees receive one or two years. Scholars must not hold other scholarships or work more than 12 hours per week while funded.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- You must be a citizen of an African nation, including South Africa.
- You must be between 19 and 29 years old at the time of application.
- You must hold a completed undergraduate degree or finish one by 1 January 2027.
- You must have attained a minimum overall academic average of 70% or upper-second class Honours.
- You must intend to enrol in an Honours or Master's degree at an approved South African institution for 2027.
- You must be fluent in English and capable of studying at a postgraduate level in English.
- You must demonstrate leadership involvement on campus or within your community.
- You must commit to fully attending the mandatory in-person and online leadership workshops.
You do not qualify if
- Applicants intending to study towards an MBA.
- Individuals under 19 or aged 30 and older.
- Non-African citizens.
- Students receiving another scholarship or concurrent funding source.
- Students employed for more than 12 hours per week during their studies.
Documents you need to submit
- South African ID document or international passport
- Undergraduate degree certificate
- Official academic transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation from contacts with direct knowledge of your character and leadership
- Two short essays covering your personal journey and leadership principles
All documents and academic transcripts must be submitted in English.
How to apply
- 1Register an account on the Mandela Rhodes Foundation online application portal.
- 2Complete all required personal and academic detail sections.
- 3Enter your recommenders' contact details on the portal so they receive automated requests to upload reference letters.
- 4Write and upload the two required short essays.
- 5Upload certified copies of your identity document or passport, degree certificates, and academic records.
- 6Review your submission thoroughly and submit the application before the closing date.
Applications close strictly at 23:59 GMT+2 on 14 April 2026.