Study in South Africa with the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027

Applications are now open for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027, a fully funded opportunity for young Africans who want to pursue postgraduate studies in South Africa.

The programme is offered by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation and combines academic funding with leadership training. It was created to support talented students who want to make a positive impact in their communities and across Africa.

Inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the programme focuses on developing responsible leaders who are committed to social progress.

About the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is one of the most respected scholarships for African students. It supports postgraduate study while also helping scholars develop leadership skills.

The programme is built on four key values:

Leadership
Reconciliation
Education
Entrepreneurship

Students selected for the programme join a community of young African leaders working to improve society.

Leadership Programme

Alongside their studies, scholars take part in a leadership development programme.

This includes residential workshops where participants discuss important topics such as leadership, ethics, and social responsibility. These sessions also give scholars the chance to learn from one another and build strong networks across Africa.

Scholarship Benefits

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship covers major study costs, including:

Tuition and registration fees
Study materials and research support
Accommodation and meals
Medical aid
Personal allowance
Economy-class flights to and from South Africa

Duration

The scholarship supports the following programmes:

One-year Honours degree
Two-year Master’s degree

These programmes must be completed at a recognised university in South Africa.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, applicants must:

Be a citizen of an African country
Be 19 to 29 years old at the time of application
Have completed an undergraduate degree with strong results (usually 70% or equivalent) by 1 January 2027
Be able to study in English

Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the official platform of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.

The process usually includes: