Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizen of an African country
- Generally aged 19-29 at application, under 30 when taking up the scholarship
- Holds (or will hold, by 1 January 2027) an undergraduate degree with strong academic results, typically above 70% or an upper-second-class equivalent
- Able to study at postgraduate level in English
- Demonstrated leadership on campus or in the community
- Applying for an Honours or Masters degree at a recognised South African institution
Documents Needed
- Certified academic transcripts
- Valid ID document or passport
- Three letters of recommendation, submitted by your referees directly via the online application platform
- Detailed CV covering academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities
- Written essay responses addressing leadership potential and commitment to Africa
About Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is offered by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, a South African non-profit established in 2003 through a partnership between the Rhodes Trust and Nelson Mandela. It is a distinct South African organisation, separate from the Rhodes Trust that administers the Rhodes Scholarship for study at Oxford. The scholarship funds postgraduate study - a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Masters degree, in any field - at a recognised South African institution of higher education, for young leaders from across the African continent.
Beyond funding, scholars take part in a mandatory Leadership Development Programme made up of week-long in-person workshops with fellow scholars, along with mentorship and network-building opportunities across Africa. Applicants must gain admission to their chosen South African institution independently - the Foundation does not apply to institutions on a candidate's behalf.
Funding Details
The scholarship covers tuition and registration fees, plus allowances for study materials, research, and medical aid, as well as accommodation and meals, for the duration of a one-year Honours degree or two-year Masters degree. It also includes participation in the Foundation's Leadership Development Programme.
Where You Can Study
Recognised South African institutions of higher education offering Honours or Masters degrees. Applicants must apply for, and separately secure, admission to their chosen institution and programme - the Foundation's scholarship funding is contingent on this, but the Foundation does not handle institutional applications on the candidate's behalf.
About Mandela Rhodes Foundation
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation established in 2003 through a partnership between the Rhodes Trust (Oxford, UK) and Nelson Mandela, marking the first time the Rhodes name had been…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
Applicants must be citizens of an African country (from anywhere on the continent, regardless of where they currently live or study), generally aged between 19 and 29 at the time of applying and under 30 when taking up the scholarship. Candidates need an undergraduate degree with strong academic results - typically above 70% or an upper-second-class equivalent - completed or due to be completed by 1 January 2027, and must be able to study at postgraduate level in English. Demonstrated leadership on campus or in the community is also required.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship?
Citizens of any African country, generally aged 19-29 at the time of applying, with a strong undergraduate academic record and demonstrated leadership on campus or in the community.
Is the Mandela Rhodes Foundation the same as the Rhodes Trust?
No. The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is a separate, independently governed South African organisation, established in 2003 through a partnership between the Rhodes Trust and Nelson Mandela. The Rhodes Trust separately administers the Rhodes Scholarship for study at the University of Oxford.
What level of study does it fund?
Postgraduate study only - a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Masters degree, in any field, at a recognised South African institution.
What does the scholarship cover?
Tuition and registration fees, plus allowances for study materials, research, medical aid, accommodation, and meals, along with participation in the Foundation's Leadership Development Programme.
Do I need to arrange my own university admission?
Yes. You must apply for and secure admission to your chosen South African institution and programme independently - the Foundation does not apply to institutions on your behalf.
When do 2027 applications open and close?
The most recent application window ran from March to mid-April 2026, which has already passed. A specific date for the next cycle has not yet been published - check mandelarhodes.org for the current cycle's dates.
