Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
Honours or master's study at a South African university for young African leaders, with tuition, living costs and a leadership development programme.
Am I eligible?At a glance
Study level
Master’s
Destination
South Africa
Funding
Tuition and registration plus allowances for materials, accommodation and meals, medical aid and personal expenses, and economy flights for international scholars, for up to two years (one for Honours). Application fees, SAQA verification, visas and passports are not covered.
Eligible applicants
African citizens aged 19–29
Photo: Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is offered by Mandela Rhodes Foundation for Master’s study in South Africa. Details were checked against the provider’s official page on October 12, 2026.
Application checklist
What you’ll need
The confirmed essentials for this application. Always check the official source before applying.
- Age19 to 29 in the year of application
- Three recommendation letters in EnglishRequired
- Degree certificates and transcripts in EnglishRequired
- Scans of ID and passportRequired
- Two short essaysRequired
- Separate application to your South African universityRequired
What this scholarship covers
Tuition and registration
Included
Allowances for materials, accommodation and meals, medical aid, personal expenses
Included
Economy flights for international scholars
Included
University application fees, SAQA verification, visa and passport
Not included
Tuition and registration plus allowances for materials, accommodation and meals, medical aid and personal expenses, and economy flights for international scholars, for up to two years (one for Honours). Application fees, SAQA verification, visas and passports are not covered. Award components, amounts, and exclusions can change by intake, programme, nationality, or host institution, so confirm them on the official provider page.
Are you eligible?
Eligibility review
Checked against the official criteria on October 12, 2026
International students
Conditional
Domestic students
Conditional
Scholarship scope
Foundation scholarship
Last eligibility check
October 12, 2026
Who can apply
- Citizenship
- Citizens of any African country.
- International eligibility
- Open to citizens of an African country.
Academic requirements
- Minimum grades / GPANot published
- No fixed minimum grade is listed for this scholarship. Check the provider’s current call for academic requirements.
Study restrictions and coverage
- Countries
- South Africa
Official eligibility summary
African citizens aged 19–29 who will hold an undergraduate degree by 1 January 2028 with results above 70% or an upper-second, want to study postgraduate level in English at a South African university, and aspire to ethical leadership. Undergraduate study, MBAs, distance and predominantly online courses are not supported.
Applicant profile
- African citizens aged 19–29
Study route
- Master’s study in South Africa
Current-cycle criteria
- African citizens aged 19–29 who will hold an undergraduate degree by 1 January 2028 with results above 70% or an upper-second, want to study postgraduate level in English at a South African university, and aspire to ethical leadership. Undergraduate study, MBAs, distance and predominantly online courses are not supported.
What to confirm for this cycle
Scholarship details can change from one application cycle to the next. Check these points on the official page before you apply.
- Current eligibility rules
- Current funding and benefits
- Current deadline and application route
Required documents
The required documents are summarized above. Confirm the final checklist with the official provider before you apply.
How to apply
- 1
Apply online on the MRF platform between 9 March and 14 April 2027
- 2
Recommenders upload three letters directly
- 3
Pass the review rounds in July and August, then the final interview in October
- 4
Secure your South African university admission and study visa
Application timeline
Application cycle
The Class of 2028 round opens 9 March 2027 and closes 14 April 2027 (23:59 GMT+2); interviews in October and final notification at the end of October.
The listed deadline is April 14, 2027. Confirm it on the provider’s official page.
Always confirm the latest deadline on the official provider website.
Official source
Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Official scholarship source
Last checked October 12, 2026
Your next steps
- 01Read the official programme guidance.
- 02Confirm eligibility, funding, and the deadline.
- 03Check the current application cycle.
- 04Apply through the official provider.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next deadline?
The listed deadline is April 14, 2027. Confirm that it remains current on the official provider page.
Why do some details vary?
Scholarship conditions can differ by intake, study programme, nationality, and host institution. The official provider page is the source of the current rules.