The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a postgraduate scholarship for young leaders from across Africa to further their education in South Africa. It combines financial support for study with a compulsory Leadership Development Programme.
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: The Mandela Rhodes Foundation
- Level: Postgraduate – Honours (1 year) or Master’s (up to 2 years)
- Where you study: A recognised South African institution of higher education (in person; distance learning not allowed)
- Applications open: 9 March 2026
- Closing date: 14 April 2026 (by end of day, 23:59 GMT+2)
About the sponsor
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation offers a scholarship and leadership development journey built around its founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Eligibility
- Citizen of an African country.
- Between the ages of 19 and 29 in the year of applying (and under 30 when taking up the scholarship).
- By 1 January 2027, you will have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (the Foundation indicates above 70% / upper second).
- Able to study at a postgraduate level in English.
- Postgraduate study only (Honours/Master’s). The Foundation states it does not fund MBAs, block courses, or courses delivered predominantly online.
What it covers
The Foundation describes the scholarship as covering core study costs for a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Master’s degree in any field at a recognised South African institution, including:
- Tuition and registration fees
- Allowances for study materials, research, and medical aid
- Accommodation and meals
- Personal allowance
- Economy-class travel for international scholars at the beginning and end of the degree
The Foundation also notes that it does not cover university application fees, SAQA accreditation costs, or visa application costs.
Documents to prepare
- Three (3) letters of recommendation in English (recommenders must upload via the application platform; you cannot submit without them).
- Certificates of completion for your degrees and academic transcripts (in English).
- Scans of your ID and passport documents (in English).
- Two short essays (one on your personal journey and one on a question relating to the Foundation’s principles).
Closing date
Applications close by the end of 14 April 2026 (23:59 GMT+2). Your application is only complete if all required documentation has been uploaded and your recommenders have uploaded their letters by the deadline.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting to request recommendation letters—your application cannot be submitted without them.
- Uploading transcripts/documents that are not in English (or not translated where necessary).
- Applying for ineligible programmes (e.g., MBA / predominantly online programmes).
- Submitting at the last minute and missing the deadline because required uploads/references are incomplete.
How to apply
Applications are submitted online via the Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s application platform (accessible through the official site when applications open). Your recommenders must also upload their letters through the platform.