Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is one of Africa's most prestigious postgraduate awards. It funds African citizens to complete a one-year Honours or two-year Master's degree at a recognised South African university, alongside an immersive Leadership Development Programme that runs throughout the scholarship.
- Amount
- Full tuition + accommodation + living stipend + leadership programme
- Deadline
- Closed 14 April 2026
- Duration
- Up to two years: one year for Honours; one or two years for a Master's
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Citizen of an African country (location of current study does not matter)
- ✓ Aged between 19 and 29 in the year of applying; under 30 when taking up the scholarship
- ✓ Able to study at postgraduate level in English
- ✓ Excellent results: above 70% or an upper second-class Honours degree
- ✓ Undergraduate degree completed by 1 January of the scholarship year (1 January 2028 for the 2028 intake)
- ✓ Demonstrated leadership and a commitment to the Foundation's leadership ideals
What's Included
- ✓ Tuition and registration fees at a South African university
- ✓ Accommodation and meals
- ✓ Study materials, medical aid and personal allowances
- ✓ Economy-class travel to and from their home country for international scholars, at the start and end of study
- ✓ Research and conferencing grants on request
- ✓ Mandela Rhodes Leadership Development Programme
- ✓ Lifelong membership of the Mandela Rhodes Community alumni network
- ✓ Not covered: university application fees, SAQA verification, visas and passports
How to Apply
Steps to complete your The Mandela Rhodes Foundation bursary application
- 1
Create an account on the Mandela Rhodes Foundation application platform via mandelarhodes.org (the 2028 round opens on 9 March 2027)
- 2
Complete the online application form in full, including two essays (your personal journey and a question on the Foundation's principles)
- 3
Upload your degree certificates, transcripts in English, and ID and passport scans
- 4
Have three recommenders upload letters in English - the application cannot be submitted without them
- 5
State your proposed Honours or Master's course and apply separately to the South African university
- 6
Submit by 23:59 (GMT+2) on 14 April - no late or incomplete applications are accepted
- 7
Successful applicants progress through selection rounds from mid-July to the end of August, with final interviews in South Africa in October
Required Documents
- 📄 Scan of your ID and passport
- 📄 Academic transcripts in English (all tertiary qualifications)
- 📄 Degree certificate(s)
- 📄 Three recommendation letters in English, uploaded by your recommenders
- 📄 Two essays as set out on the application platform
- 📄 Details of your proposed course of study at a South African university
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship?
- Citizens of any African country, aged between 19 and 29 in the year of applying, with excellent results (above 70% or an upper second-class Honours degree), the ability to study in English and demonstrated leadership. You do not need to be currently studying in South Africa, and students finishing their undergraduate degree in the year they apply can apply.
- Does the scholarship cover MBAs?
- No. The scholarship funds Honours and Master's degrees at South African universities, but not undergraduate study, MBAs, block courses or predominantly online courses.
- When does the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship close?
- Applications for the 2027 scholarships closed on 14 April 2026. The Foundation has announced that applications for 2028 open on 9 March 2027 and close at 23:59 (GMT+2) on 14 April 2027. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
- What is the Leadership Development Programme?
- Alongside their academic studies, all Mandela Rhodes Scholars take part in a year-long Leadership Development Programme that includes residential workshops, mentorship, and engagement with leaders across the continent.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 14 April 2026.
Applications for the 2027 scholarships closed on 14 April 2026. The Foundation has announced that applications for 2028 open on 9 March 2027 and close at 23:59 (GMT+2) on 14 April 2027; finalists are interviewed in South Africa in October, with final selection by the end of October.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check The Mandela Rhodes Foundation's official siteInformation verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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