ELIGIBILITY:

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is competitive. It is for young leaders who have a combination of intellect and character. You must be academically strong: your marks should be above 70% or an upper second. You must also have demonstrated leadership on your campus or in your community. See the selection criteria and the scholar testimonials.

If you are between the ages of 19 and 29 at the time of applying, you are eligible. As long as you are under the age of 30 at the time you take up the scholarship, you are eligible to apply.

Students who are citizens of an African country, no matter where they are currently living or studying, are eligible. And can I study in my home country? No. The scholarship is for study in South Africa, at a South African institution of higher education – you cannot study in your home country. Distance learning is not allowed – you must study at an institution in South Africa so that you can participate in our programme.

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters degrees) in any field, with the exception of MBAs, which we do not fund.

You can apply if you are completing your undergraduate degree in 2024, but it must be complete by the time you take up the Scholarship in January 2025, should you be selected.

BENEFIT:

Tuition and registration fees as set by your university or institution

A study materials allowance as set by the MRF

Accommodation and meal allowances as set by the MRF

A medical aid allowance as set by the MRF

A personal allowance as set by the MRF

Research and conferencing grants can be made available on request

Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies