Country: South Africa
Organization: Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Category: Scholarship
Program Name: Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
Study Level: Postgraduate Honours and Masters
Deadline: 14 April 2026
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is open for the 2027 intake. The official page states that the scholarship combines financial support with a leadership development programme and is intended for postgraduate study in South Africa. It funds either a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.
Scholarship Overview
The programme is built on the founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. The Mandela Rhodes Foundation states that its leadership programme is delivered mainly through a series of week-long residential workshops attended during the scholar’s time in residence.
What the Scholarship Covers
According to the official page, the scholarship covers tuition and registration fees, study materials, research, medical aid, accommodation and meals, a personal allowance, and economy-class travel to and from the scholar’s home country and South African university at the start and end of the degree for international scholars. The page also states that research and conferencing grants may be available on request.
The Foundation does not pay university application fees, SAQA accreditation costs, or visa application costs.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be citizens of an African country. They must be aged between 19 and 29 in the year of application, and they must still be under 30 when taking up the scholarship. By 1 January 2027, applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results, described by the Foundation as above 70% or upper-second class Honours.
The page also requires applicants to be able to complete written and verbal academic work in English at a postgraduate level.
Students who are citizens of African countries outside South Africa are eligible, regardless of where they are currently living or studying. However, the scholarship is only for study in South Africa, not in the applicant’s home country, and distance learning is not permitted.
The scholarship supports postgraduate study in any field at Honours or Masters level. It does not fund undergraduate study, MBAs, block courses, or courses delivered predominantly online.
Applicants who are completing their undergraduate degree in 2026 may still apply, provided the degree is completed by 1 January 2027.
Selection Criteria
The Foundation states that it looks for young leaders who aspire to leadership, reconciliation, education, and entrepreneurship. It also notes that candidates should combine intellect and character, be academically strong, and have demonstrated leadership either on campus or in their community.
Scholarship Tenure
The scholarship funds study for a maximum of two years. Honours students receive one year of funding, while Masters students may receive one or two years of funding. No exceptions are allowed beyond the two-year maximum.
Programme Participation
The official page states that attendance at the residential workshops and regional pods is mandatory. The leadership programme includes both in-person and online gatherings. There are three workshops in the first year in residence and two in the second year for scholars on a two-year programme. Participation in the mentoring programme is optional.
The Foundation also states that the scholarship must be accepted for the year it is offered and cannot be deferred. Scholars must secure admission to their university by January of their year in residence, attend all required programme activities, maintain high standards of work and conduct, and may not hold other scholarships or funded opportunities. Paid work for more than 12 hours a week is not permitted.
Eligible Institutions
The official page lists South African institutions where scholars can study, including AFDA, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Monash University, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, North West University, Rhodes University, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Cape Town, University of Fort Hare, University of Free State, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Mpumalanga, University of Limpopo, University of Pretoria, University of Stellenbosch, University of the Western Cape, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Venda, University of Zululand, Vaal University of Technology, and Walter Sisulu University.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted online through the Foundation’s application platform. Applicants must upload their documents and essays there. Three recommendation letters are required, and all three referees must upload their letters directly through the platform. The application cannot be submitted without these letters.
The official page states that applicants must upload degree completion certificates, academic transcripts, and scans of ID and passport documents. All documents and transcripts must be in English. Applicants must also complete two short essays: one about their personal journey and one responding to a question related to the Foundation’s principles.
Applicants must indicate their proposed course of study in the application. While proof of university application is not required at this stage, the Foundation recommends applying as early as possible and to multiple universities. The scholarship remains conditional on admission to a relevant South African institution.
SAQA and Visa
The official page states that SAQA verification is not required in order to apply for the scholarship, but applicants who move into the second and third rounds are advised to complete it as soon as possible. The Foundation does not cover SAQA costs. It also notes that applicants from outside South Africa may need SAQA verification to start their studies.
Visa applications and visa-related costs are the responsibility of the applicant. The Foundation states that delays in visa processing may affect the ability to begin both the academic programme and the Leadership Development Programme on time.
Important Dates
Applications for the 2027 intake opened on Monday, 9 March 2026. Applications close by the end of Tuesday, 14 April 2026 at 23:59 GMT+2, and late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
The official timeline states that candidates will hear by mid-July if they advance to Round Two, by the end of July if they advance to Round Three, and by the end of August if they are invited to the final interview round or are unsuccessful. Final interviews take place in South Africa in October. Applicants based outside South Africa who reach the final round will be flown in for an in-person interview. Final selection results are issued by the end of October.
