Funding & benefits
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
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation does not pay for your application fees for university, or for the accreditation of your existing degrees through SAQA, which may be an entry requirement to your course. We also do not provide financial support for visa applications.
Eligible programmes & fields
ScholarshipFrontier is continuing to check the provider’s official programme information. The verified fields above can still be used for an initial subject-fit check; confirm the final eligible degree on the official source before applying.
About the scholarship
Postgraduate scholarship for young African leaders to study an Honours or Master's degree in South Africa alongside a compulsory leadership development programme.
Depending on the award tier or route, verified benefits include Full tuition coverage, travel support. The opportunity currently maps to study areas including Any field. Use the programme and eligibility sections below to decide whether the opportunity matches your academic background before opening the official application portal.
Key dates
Eligibility requirements
- 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 in the year 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.
- Yes. 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. We do not fund MBAs, any type of block course, or courses delivered predominantly online.
- No. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is only for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters).
- Yes. You can apply if you are completing your undergraduate degree in 2027, but it must be completed by 1 January 2028 before you take up the Scholarship.
- Undergraduate degree completed by 1 January 2028
- Minimum percentage: 70%
- Age: 19–29 years
- Applicant must be able to undertake postgraduate academic work in English.
- Applicant must be a citizen of an African country.
- Scholarship study must take place at a recognised South African institution; distance learning is not supported.
- Applicants should demonstrate leadership potential and alignment with the Foundation's principles. The scholarship supports one-year Honours or one- to two-year Master's degrees.
Applicants outside the 19–29 age range in the year of applying, non-African citizens, applicants without the required academic performance, MBA applicants, predominantly online/block-course applicants, and applicants seeking undergraduate study should not apply.
Should you apply?
Likely a good fit if
- You are looking for Honours or Master's funding.
- Your intended study area is related to Any field.
- Your citizenship / nationality satisfies the stated applicant rule.
- Your prior academic background meets the stated degree requirement.
- You can satisfy the stated English-language requirement.
- Your age falls within the stated age rule.
- You want a fully funded route rather than tuition-only support.
- You are prepared to study in South Africa.
Review carefully if
- Applicants outside the 19–29 age range in the year of applying, non-African citizens, applicants without the required academic performance, MBA applicants, predominantly online/block-course applicants, and applicants seeking undergraduate study should not apply.
- Applicants below the stated minimum percentage may not meet the academic threshold.
- Applicants who do not hold the required prior degree/background may not be eligible.
- Applicants above the stated maximum age may not be eligible.
- Applicants who cannot meet the stated language requirement should review the official waiver/rule carefully.
This is a factual screening summary based on the verified eligibility information above; the awarding institution makes the final eligibility decision.
Required documents
- Documentation: You will be required to upload certificates of completion for your degrees, transcripts of your academic results, and scans of your ID and passport documents. Your documents and transcripts must be provided in English.
Application process
Check scholarship eligibility
Prepare documents and three recommendations
Submit the online scholarship application
Complete subsequent selection rounds if shortlisted
Apply separately to suitable South African universities
Secure university admission and study visa if selected
Official sources & verification
ScholarshipFrontier checks official scholarship, admissions and programme pages and keeps source evidence separate from the public summary.
Official sources last checked: 17 Aug 2026