The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship is a testament to how generous people and brands can be. It aims to support students through financial aid. Yet, to fully avail yourself of its benefits, further insight is necessary. Keep reading to learn more.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is currently accepting Scholarship applications from Young African Scholars to study at a South African tertiary institution for an accredited postgraduate degree programme.

The central purpose of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa (whilst also seeking to foster better reconciliation and entrepreneurship) through its various programmes and, to this end, aims to be the leading protagonist in Africa for such endeavours.

A Mandela Rhodes Scholarship enables a Scholar to study at a South African tertiary institution registered with the South African Council on Higher Education (and approved by the MRF) for an accredited postgraduate degree programme.

The Scholarship is currently awarded for either a one-year Honours or an up to two years master’s degree, or their academic equivalents.

Scholarship Eligibility

1. The Scholarship is open to citizens of all African countries

2. The Scholarship is for postgraduate study at South African universities or tertiary institutions

3. Full funding is for Honours (maximum one year) or Masters (up to a maximum of two years) or their equivalents (MBA’s excluded)

4. Any individual who will be between the ages of 19 and 30 years at the time of taking up the Scholarship may apply

5. Applicants must possess a first degree or its equivalent or must be in the process of completing one by 31 January 2019

6. Applicants should have a history of well-above average-academic results

7. Individuals that reflect in their character a commitment to the four principles of Education, Reconciliation, Leadership and Entrepreneurship

8. Applicants must be able to attend all compulsory elements of our leadership development programme. These activities can occur during the week or on weekends.

9. The Scholarship cannot be deferred once awarded. It must be taken up in the year which was applied for.

Please Note: If you qualify for the Scholarship, The Mandela Rhodes Foundation does not apply to tertiary institutions on your behalf.

Applicants must apply separately to their chosen tertiary institution for the degree they wish to undertake. The Scholarship award is conditional on the applicant being offered a place at the relevant institution.

Scholarship Benefits

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarships programme is a combination of financial support for postgraduate studies and a high-quality leadership development programme, to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa.

Financial Scope of the Scholarship

The Scholarship covers the cost of a Scholar as follows:

1. Tuition and registration fees as set by the institution

2. A study materials allowance as set by the MRF

3. Accommodation and meal allowances as set by the MRF

4. A medical aid allowance as set by the MRF

5. Economy-class travel allowance for international Scholars only from the Scholar’s home to their institution at the beginning and end of their degree

6. Personal allowance

Leadership Development Programme

The MRF leadership development programme is made up of the following three components.

1. Three residential workshops;

2. Three regional group pods;

3. Mentoring.

How to Apply

All applicants apply online via the Embark application system on the MRF website.

Round 1

Applications reviewed by South African tertiary institutions and the Mandela Rhodes Foundation (alumni reviewers). By the all applicants to be informed by universities and/or the MRF  whether or not their application is through to the next stage.

Round 2

Reviews by designated Mandela Rhodes Foundation staff. By the end remaining applicants to be informed by the MRF  whether or not their application is through to the next stage.

Round 3

Reviews by designated Mandela Rhodes Foundation staff. By the end, remaining applicants to be informed by the MRF whether or not their application is through to the next stage.

Final Round

Panel interviews with Selection Committees in October. By the end, panel interviewed applicants to be informed by the MRF whether or not they have been selected as Mandela Rhodes Scholars.

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline

The application deadline fo this scholarship is on the 21 of April, 2025.

You can check out some other scholarships that may be of interest to you as you will find on this platform.

CSN Team