FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship for International Postgraduate Study
The FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship funds exceptional young South Africans to pursue a Master's or PhD in any field at an international university of their choice. The flagship "any-field" award offers up to R1.5 million for a Master's and up to R2 million for a PhD, with personal interest and mentorship from Laurie Dippenaar himself. It is open to South African citizens (preference for those under 35) who commit to returning to and working in South Africa for at least five years after graduating.
Eligible Fields of Study
FirstRand Foundation (administered in-house by the FirstRand postgraduate scholarship office; coordinator Giselle Ras) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Must be a South African citizen
- ✓ Preference is given to candidates under the age of 35
- ✓ Excellent academic record, demonstrated leadership skills, strong character and community involvement
- ✓ Must NOT currently be, or have previously been, studying overseas for degree purposes
- ✓ Must already have applied to (and ultimately be accepted by) an international university of choice, with the acceptance letter submitted as received (no later than approximately 7 April 2026)
- ✓ Minimum of two references (at least one academic if you graduated within the last six years)
- ✓ Successful candidates must return to and remain in South Africa for at least five years after completing their studies
What's Included
- ✓ Funding of up to R1.5m (Master's) or R2m (PhD) toward postgraduate study at an international university
- ✓ Personal interest from Laurie Dippenaar in candidate selection and ongoing mentorship and progress tracking of recipients
- ✓ Up to around 10 shortlisted candidates invited to a final interview held in Sandton
- ✓ Membership of a high-calibre network of South African scholars studying at leading international universities
Work Commitment
Recipients must return to South Africa and remain in the country, working or contributing, for at least five years after completing their international studies.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your FirstRand Foundation (administered in-house by the FirstRand postgraduate scholarship office; coordinator Giselle Ras) bursary application
- 1
Apply to your chosen international university for a Master's or PhD programme (this can run in parallel with the scholarship application)
- 2
Visit the FirstRand bursaries portal at bursaries.firstrand.co.za and register a profile for the Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship
- 3
Complete the online application form and upload your supporting documents
- 4
Arrange for your referees to email their reference letters directly to [email protected] before the closing date
- 5
Submit your application before the close on Thursday 19 February 2026
- 6
Submit your university acceptance letter as soon as it is received (no later than approximately 7 April 2026)
- 7
Up to about 10 shortlisted candidates are invited to a final interview in Sandton; the final outcome is announced before the end of June 2026
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of your South African ID
- 📄 Full academic transcripts and degree certificate(s)
- 📄 At least two reference letters (at least one academic if you graduated within the last six years), emailed directly to [email protected]
- 📄 Proof of application to, and (when received) acceptance by, an international university
- 📄 A motivation / supporting statement
- 📄 Up-to-date CV
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship?
- South African citizens with an excellent academic record, leadership ability, strong character and community involvement. Preference is given to candidates under the age of 35, and you must not currently be (or have previously been) studying overseas for degree purposes. Successful candidates must return to and remain in South Africa for at least five years after completing their studies.
- What does the scholarship cover and which fields are eligible?
- It funds postgraduate study in any field at an international university of your choice, providing up to R1.5 million for a Master's degree and up to R2 million for a PhD. As an 'any-field' award, there is no restriction on the discipline you study.
- When do applications open and close for the 2026 cycle?
- For the 2026 cycle, applications opened on Monday 20 October 2025 and close on Thursday 19 February 2026. Reference letters must be emailed to [email protected] before closing, university acceptance letters are submitted as received (no later than around 7 April 2026), and the final outcome is announced before the end of June 2026.
- How is the Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship different from other FirstRand awards?
- It is the flagship 'any-field' international postgraduate scholarship within FirstRand's broader programme (which also includes the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation scholarship, FirstRand-Oxford scholarships, IHE Delft, IE School and the Mandela/Sussex scholarship). It is distinct from the local FirstRand undergraduate bursary and allows study in any discipline abroad.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 19 February 2026
Apply on FirstRand Foundation (administered in-house by the FirstRand postgraduate scholarship office; coordinator Giselle Ras)'s official siteNeed help? Contact FirstRand Foundation (administered in-house by the FirstRand postgraduate scholarship office; coordinator Giselle Ras):
Email: [email protected]
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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