Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
Postgraduate funding in South Africa combined with leadership development.
Eligibility requirements
Use this checklist as a first review. The provider’s current rules make the final decision.
- Check African citizenship, age and academic requirements on the current eligibility page.
- Participation in the leadership programme is required.
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm the current application cycle
Open the official sources, then verify the intake, eligible degree, citizenship or residence rules, and every deadline.
- Choose the correct route
Check the Foundation’s eligibility and select a recognised South African institution.
- Prepare and submit
Apply for the scholarship and university admission separately.
- Complete selection and admission
Submit references and essays, then complete selection and the required leadership commitment.
- Check the final submission
Confirm every attachment and referee submission was received. Save the application receipt and monitor the official portal and your email.
- Review the written offer
Confirm tuition, stipend, insurance, travel, duration, renewal rules and any conditions before accepting.
Documents to prepare
Exact formats, certification, translations and due dates vary. Follow the current provider instructions.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate
- Passport or identity document
- Academic CV
- Motivation or research statement
- References, if requested
- Language evidence or an accepted exemption
Official sources
Source review: 6 September 2026. Always confirm later updates on the provider website.