The Mandela Rhodes Scholarships Programmes for African Students

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarships Programme is a combination of financial support for postgraduate studies and a high quality leadership development programme, with the intention of building exceptional leadership capacity in Africa.


A Mandela Rhodes Scholarship enables a Scholar to study at a South African tertiary institution registered with the South African Council on Higher Education for an accredited postgraduate degree programme. The Scholarship is awarded for one or a maximum of two years, currently for an Honours or Masters degree.

Mandela Rhodes Scholars shall:

• 1.      Adhere to the principles and goals of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarships programme.
• 2.      Attend leadership workshops as offered by the Mandela Rhodes Scholarships programme, on dates to be advised. Attendance is a condition of accepting the Scholarship, unless there are exceptional circumstances agreed to by the MRF.
• 3.      Be offered access to peer-mentoring (optional for the Scholar).
• 4.      According to the current policy of the MRF, be younger than 30 years of age at the time of taking up the Scholarship.

Eligibility Requirements:

• ·         The Scholarship is open to citizens of all African countries
• ·         The Scholarship is for postgraduate study at South African universities or tertiary institutions
• ·         Full funding is for Honours (maximum one year) or Masters (up to a maximum of two years) or their equivalents (MBA’s excluded)
• ·         Any individual who will be between the ages of 19 and 30 years at the time of taking up the Scholarship may apply
• ·         Applicants must possess a first degree or its equivalent or must be in the process of completing one by 31 January 2018
• ·         Applicants should have a history of well above average academic results
• ·         Individuals that reflect in their character a commitment to the four principles of Education, Reconciliation, Leadership and Entrepreneurship
• ·         Applicants must be able to attend all compulsory elements of our leadership development programme. These activities can occur during the week or on weekends.
• ·         The Scholarship cannot be deferred once awarded. It must be taken up in the year which was applied for.

Scholarship Worth:
The Scholarship covers the cost of a Scholar as follows:

• ·         Tuition and registration fees as set by the 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;
• ·         Economy-class travel allowance for international Scholars only from the Scholar’s home to their institution at the beginning and back home at the end of their degree programme;
• ·         Personal allowance

How to apply

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

PLEASE NOTE: 
If you qualify for the Scholarship, The Mandela Rhodes Foundation does not apply to tertiary institutions on your behalf. Applicants must apply separately to their chosen tertiary institution for the degree they wish to undertake. The Scholarship award is conditional on the applicant being offered a place at the relevant institution

Residential workshops
 The heart of the leadership development programme is delivered primarily through a series of residential workshops. These highlight and engage critically with the four principles of the Foundation, namely: Leadership, Reconciliation, Entrepreneurship and Education. The workshops create a unique opportunity to build the individual capacities of Scholars, provide the space to engage with high-profile leaders and expert thinkers, build a sense of community within the cohort and connect incoming Scholars to the broader Mandela Rhodes Community.
The Foundation holds three workshops of approximately five days each during the year. Attendance to the workshops is compulsory for all Scholars. Since workshop dates will be given in advance, Mandela Rhodes Scholars must make the necessary arrangements where there are clashes with their academic calendars to ensure full participation in the workshops.