Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships 2026 for study in South Africa (Fully Funded) – Scholarship Opportunities

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Application Deadline: 21 April 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a life-changing leadership journey. The scholarship combines financial support with a leadership programme that will challenge you, grow you, and connect you to young African changemakers – just like you.

Requirements

• The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is competitive. It is for young leaders who have a combination of intellect and character.
• You must be academically strong: your marks should be above 70% or an upper second.
• You must also have demonstrated leadership on your campus or in your community.
• If you are between the ages of 19 and 29 at the time of applying, you are eligible. As long as you are under the age of 30 at the time you take up the scholarship, you are eligible to apply.
• Students who are citizens of an African country, no matter where they are currently living or studying, are eligible

Courses Supported

• The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters degrees) in any field, with the exception of MBAs, which we do not fund.

Scholarship Worth:

• Tuition and registration fees as set by your university or institution
• A study materials allowance as set by the MRF
• Accommodation and meal allowances as set by the MRF
• A medical aid allowance as set by the MRF
• A personal allowance as set by the MRF
• Research and conferencing grants can be made available on request
• Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies

Application Timeline

• March: Applications open on Monday, 17 March 2025. Candidates can add recommenders on the platform and begin uploading their documentation and working on their personal essays. See ‘requirements’.
• April: Applications close by the end of Monday, 21 April 2025 23:59 GMT+2. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted under any circumstances.
• June: You will be notified by the end of June whether or not you are through to Round Two.
• July: You will be notified by the end of July whether or not you are through to Round Three.
• August: You will be notified by the end of August if you are invited for an interview in the Final Round, or if you have been unsuccessful.
• October: Interviews will be conducted in South Africa in October. If you are in the final round and you are based outside South Africa, you will be flown in for an in-person interview with our selection committee. You will be notified by the end of October if you are selected as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
• October-December: Selected Mandela Rhodes Scholars must do their best to secure acceptance at their university of choice, and their study visa for travel to South Africa in January.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships