Applications are now open for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027 for eligible and outstanding African students.
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship provides comprehensive funding for postgraduate study in universities across South Africa, covering the full costs associated with studying and leadership development.
This prestigious scholarship supports Honours and Master’s degree programs and aims to preserve the legacy of Nelson Mandela by empowering young African leaders with the skills, courage, and values required to transform the continent.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: South Africa
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Stipends | Accommodation | Travel Costs | Meals
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: April 14, 2026
Scholarship Details
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is designed to support academically talented African students who aspire to become ethical, visionary leaders capable of making a meaningful impact in their communities and across the continent.
The program focuses not only on academic excellence but also on leadership development and personal growth. Scholars are encouraged to engage in deep self-reflection and develop the internal qualities required for responsible leadership.
The scholarship seeks applicants who believe that education should go beyond personal success and instead contribute to positive social change and equal opportunities for others.
Participants in the program are expected to show commitment to self-development, openness to learning from diverse perspectives, and a willingness to engage with complex social and leadership challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be between 19 and 29 years old
- Be a citizen of any African country
- Hold a first degree with strong academic performance (minimum 70% average or Upper Second-Class Honours)
- Demonstrate leadership experience and community impact
Additional program conditions include:
- Attendance at residential workshops and regional pods is mandatory
- Participation in the Mentoring Programme is optional but encouraged
Scholarship Benefits
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship provides funding for a maximum period of two years.
- Honours degree recipients receive one year of funding
- Master’s degree recipients receive one or two years of funding depending on the program
The scholarship benefits include:
- Full tuition and registration fees as set by the university
- Study materials allowance
- Accommodation allowance
- Meal allowance
- Medical aid allowance
- Personal stipend for living expenses
- Research and conference grants (available upon request)
- Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home country to South Africa at the beginning and end of their studies
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents during the application process:
- Recommendation Letters
- Recommenders must submit their letters directly through the application platform
- Applications cannot be submitted without these letters
- Academic Documentation
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Identification Documents
- Scanned copy of ID
- Passport document
- Essays
- Two short essays are required:
- One about your personal journey
- One responding to a specific question related to the scholarship’s principles
- Two short essays are required:
- Proposed Course of Study
- Applicants must indicate their intended program at a South African university
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Certificate
- Non-South African applicants must evaluate the equivalence of their degree with a South African qualification
- SAQA accreditation may take 4–8 weeks
Applicants should also check the specific admission requirements for their chosen program on the website of the South African university they are applying to.
How to Apply
To apply for the scholarship:
- Visit the Mandela Rhodes application page
- Ensure you meet all the scholarship eligibility criteria
- Apply to a South African university of your choice
- Complete the Mandela Rhodes Foundation application form
- Upload your essays, recommendation letters, and required documents
- Submit your application before the deadline
Applicants are strongly advised to apply early, as the scholarship cannot be accepted if the applicant is not admitted into a South African university.
To begin the scholarship application process, click HERE
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