Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

Mandela Rhodes Foundation, South Africa

Scholarship overview

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is run by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation and brings young leaders from across Africa to study postgraduate degrees in South Africa. It combines comprehensive funding with a leadership development programme built on four founding principles: reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship and leadership.

It funds a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Master's degree (or academic equivalents) in any field at a recognised South African higher education institution registered with the Council on Higher Education and approved by the Foundation.

The leadership programme is delivered mainly through week-long in-person residential workshops with the Scholar's cohort (the Class), runs for one or two years depending on the degree, and is compulsory. Scholars also get access to mentoring and a pan-African community of young leaders.

Applications for the Class of 2028 open on 9 March 2027.

Award Information

Citizen of an African country (South African citizens are eligible).
Aged between 19 and 29 in the year of applying (under 30 when taking up the Scholarship).
By 1 January 2028 (Class of 2028), hold an undergraduate degree with excellent results: above 70% or upper-second class Honours. A full set of straight As is not required.
Able to study at postgraduate level in English.
Aspire to be an ethical leader committed to equality, freedom and human dignity in Africa.
Admire Nelson Mandela's ability to bridge divides, and be ready to reflect on your own leadership and undergo personal change and growth.
Study must be full time. Other scholarships may not be held together with the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, and paid work may not exceed 12 hours per week without the Foundation's consent.
Scholars may not change institution from the one in the application except in exceptional approved circumstances.

Tuition and registration fees, paid directly to the institution.
Allowance for study materials and research.
Medical aid allowance.
Accommodation and meals allowances.
Personal allowance.
Economy-class travel from the home country to the South African university at the beginning and end of the degree (international Scholars).
Compulsory Leadership Development Programme of one or two years, with mentoring and alumni community.
Duration: one year for Honours, up to two years for a Master's. Allowances are paid twice a year on proof of registration and the institution's progress report. Funding stops if degree requirements are not met or Scholarship conditions are breached.

Applications run from March to November each year for the following year's intake. Applications for the Class of 2027 are closed. Applications for the Class of 2028 open on 9 March 2027.

Check the application timeline.
Check the programme requirements and the aspirations on the eligibility self-check.
Get your documents ready. Applicants who studied outside South Africa may need SAQA verification of their qualifications to start study at a South African university.
Apply online through the application platform on the Foundation website when the call opens. Subscribe to the Foundation's alerts for opening notice.

Official application page

Official links

How to apply (official)

Documents you will need

Passport copy (the application form requires one).
Undergraduate degree results.
SAQA verification information for qualifications obtained outside South Africa.

How selection works

The Foundation looks for young leaders who aspire to four principles and have shown potential to live them: leadership (moral authority and service of equality, freedom and human dignity), reconciliation (including looking at one's own internal landscape), education (excellence combined with character and a wish to benefit others) and entrepreneurship (individual effort, innovation and creativity for Africa). Applicants must also show readiness for personal growth: self-awareness, openness to a diverse cohort and willingness to engage with complexity.

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