Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Program

• The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is an initiative of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, which offers young leaders from Africa an opportunity to become part of Nelson Mandela’s transformative legacy.  

Scholarship Overview

• The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offers financial support for studies as well as a leadership program that challenges and grows young African students into changemakers.
• This scholarship offers comprehensive funding for all the core costs associated with the recipient’s studies.
• Young leaders who ascribe to the principles of leadership, reconciliation entrepreneurship, and education and aspire to live them out are welcome to apply for this scholarship.

Host School(s)      

• Any recognized South African institution of higher education.

Fields of Study

• Postgraduate study (Honors and Master’s degrees) in any field, except for MBAs.

What does the scholarship cover?

• Tuition
• Registration fees
• Allowances for study materials
• Research
• Medical aid
• Meal and accommodation allowances
• Economy class travel to and from one’s home country to the South African University
• A personal allowance
• Research and conferencing grants on request

How many scholarships are given?

• Not stated

Which countries are targeted?

• Citizens of African countries

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for this scholarship, you must:-

• Be between the ages of 19 and 29 at the time of application.
• Be a citizen of any African country.
• Have a first degree with above-average academic results (70% or upper second).
• Be able to study at postgraduate level in English.

How Do I Apply – Next Steps

• First, check the timeline for applications.
• Next, check the program requirements for your intended course of study.
• Get your documents ready as follows:
  • Three recommendation letters submitted by your recommenders through the application platform.
  • Certificates of completion for your degrees, transcripts of your academic results, and scans of your ID and passport.
  • Two short essays, one on a specific question relating to the scholarship principles, and the other on your personal journey.
  • University application indicating your proposed course of study.
  • SAQA accreditation (if required)
• After this, apply for the scholarship online using the application platform at the website below.

Selection Criteria

• Potential to embody the founding principles of education, reconciliation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
• You should already have taken up a leadership role or display leadership qualities.
• You should have made an impact on your campus or community.

Closing Date

• 20 April 2024

How do I get more information?

• Website: Mandela Rhodes Scholarship