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Top 7 Scholarships for International Students in South Africa

Did you know that South Africa offers some great scholarships for international students? Before you check them out, here are a few tips on how to secure an international scholarship in South Africa. 

• Explore the top scholarships: Information on these scholarships is available online. Visit any credible scholarship website. 
• Check the eligibility criteria: You must check if you meet the eligibility criteria for the scholarship you are interested in. 
• Prepare the required documents: Every scholarship has a set of documents that you must submit. Once you identify a scholarship that you want to apply for, start putting your documents in order. 
• Stick to the application timelines: The scholarships you settle on will have strict deadlines that you must adhere to. If you can send your application in earlier, even better! 
• Highlight your achievements: In your application, make sure that there is evidence of community service, leadership, commitment to development, and participation in extracurricular activities. You should also show evidence of academic achievements. 
• Follow the application instructions: Lastly, ensure that you follow the application instructions to the letter. Don’t leave anything out, or your application will be rejected. 

Here is a list of the top 7 scholarships for international students in South Africa. 

7. Stellenbosch University Bursary for Undergraduate International SADC Students 

• The Stellenbosch University Bursary for Undergraduate International SADC students targets enrolled undergraduate students who are currently in their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th year of studies. These students, from Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Congo DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Eswatini, Tanzania, Zambia, or Zimbabwe, should be enrolled in a four-year undergraduate study program. 
• Each student receives R50,000 which covers part of their tuition fees.  There are 20 bursaries available for students in their 2nd year, 30 bursaries for those in 3rd year, and 15 bursaries for those in 4th year. 

6.  Thekgo Bursaries

• Thekgo Bursaries are some of the top 7 scholarships for international students in South Africa. They target students whose academic records or degree certificates have been withheld due to outstanding debt owed to the university after they complete their studies. 
• There are four bursaries of up to R10,000 available to eligible applicants who have studied at higher education institutions in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and North West Provinces. In addition, applicants should be nationals of or have refugee status in any African country. 

5. MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at University of Western Cape

• The MasterCard Scholars Program at the University of Western Cape supports academically talented youth from South Africa and the African continent by equipping them with the tools and education they need to impact their communities and countries positively. 
• This program targets young people who are unable to access higher education due to economic and social barriers. It caters for their tuition fees, monthly stipend, medical aid, and on-campus accommodation.

4. DAAD Programmes in Southern Africa

• The DAAD Programmes in Southern Africa, in partnership with universities in South Africa, offer scholarships for development-related studies to students pursuing a career in teaching or research at these universities. These scholarships target students from developing countries in Africa. 
• These scholarships cover tuition fees, travel allowances, monthly stipends, and health insurance. 
• Some of the sponsored study programs include:
  • Master and PhD in Development Studies at the University of the Western Cape
  • Master Urban Studies – Southern Urbanism at The University of Cape Town
  • Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics (MBHG) at Stellenbosch University 

3. University of Pretoria MasterCard Scholars Program

• The MasterCard Scholars Program at the University of Pretoria is another of the top 7 scholarships for international students in South Africa. This scholarship targets academically talented young people facing economic and social challenges, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and individuals living with disability. 
• These postgraduate scholarships cover tuition fees, a monthly stipend, meals, accommodation at a university residence, and travel costs for one return trip for the study period. 

2. African Leadership Academy

• The African Leadership Academy (ALA) aims to transform Africa by building a network of young leaders who are ready to change the continent. 
• Every student who applies for and receives admission to ALA is eligible to receive financial assistance in form of scholarships towards their study costs. Currently, over 97% of ALA students receive financial assistance from the academy. 
• It is worth noting that the value of financial awards is determined after the admission process for all students is completed. Also, students from more financially disadvantaged backgrounds receive more financial assistance. 

1. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

• The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a leadership program that challenges and grows young African students into changemakers. It offers comprehensive funding for all the core costs associated with the recipient’s studies.
• This scholarship program covers tuition for a one-year Honors degree or a two-year Master’s degree in any field at a recognized South African institution of higher education.

These top 7 scholarships for international students in South Africa give students from outside South Africa the opportunity to experience world-class education that will enable them to make an impact in their home countries.