Scholarship in South Africa: Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded

About the Foundation

The Foundation dates back to 2003, put together by Nelson Mandela and The Rhodes Trust, and it counts as one of Mandela’s three official legacy organizations. Its stated purpose is fairly direct: find bright young Africans and help them become the next generation of leaders for the continent.

Money is only half the story. Every scholar also joins a leadership program built on the Foundation’s four principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship and leadership. It runs through week-long residential workshops, regional pods and online sessions, and attendance is a condition of the award. If you cannot commit to that, this scholarship is not for you.

More than 500 scholarships have been handed out since the start, spread across 28 countries. Selection is thorough and personal. The Foundation is looking for strong academic results, but it cares just as much about what you have actually done in your community and whether you are genuinely open to the inner work leadership demands.

Benefits / What’s Covered

The idea is that money should not be your worry while you study. Concretely, the award covers:

•  Full tuition and registration fees, paid straight to the university

•  Study materials, accommodation, meals, medical aid and a personal allowance for day-to-day costs

•  Research and conferencing grants, on request

•  Economy returns flights between your home country and South Africa

•  The leadership development program, with optional mentoring on top

What it does not cover: university application fees, SAQA verification and visa costs. Allowances are paid twice a year, once you prove you are registered.

Eligibility Criteria

Fields of Study & Where You Can Study

One-year honor’s or up to two-year Masters degrees, in any field, at any recognized South African institution. The net is wide. The 24 approved schools include UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, Rhodes, Pretoria, KwaZulu-Natal, Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela University, the University of the Western Cape and the University of the Free State, along with Durban University of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology and a number of smaller universities. The complete list is on the official apply page, and it is worth checking, because not every course at every school qualifies.

Required Documents

Mandatory:

•  The online application form, filled in completely

•  Two short essays: one on your personal journey, and one answering a set question on the Foundation’s principles

•  Three recommendation letters, in English. Your referees upload these directly on the platform, so give them plenty of notice. Without them the application will not go through.

•  Degree certificates and academic transcripts, in English or translated

•  Scans of your ID and passport

Only if applicable:

•  SAQA verification of your qualifications. This only matters if you come from outside South Africa and reach the later rounds, but it can take four to eight weeks.

•  IELTS or TOEFL scores, but only if your chosen university insists on them

How to Apply

1.  First off, read the eligibility rules and terms on the official website. This is a competitive award, so it is worth being sure you are a realistic candidate before you invest the time.

2.  Next, apply to the universities and programs you want. The Foundation suggests applying to more than one, because the scholarship only stands if you are actually admitted to a South African institution.

3.  When the portal opens on 9 March 2027, create an account and start on the form. You can work on it over several weeks rather than in one sitting.

4.  Upload your documents and write your two essays properly. Past scholars say the essays and the character questions carry a lot of weight, so give them real thought.

5.  Then add your three recommenders on the platform. Each gets an email asking them to upload their letter, and the deadline applies to them as much as it does to you.

6.  Finally, submit everything before 14 April 2027, 23:59 GMT+2. Late or incomplete applications are rejected outright, so aim to be done a few days early.

Key dates at a glance:

Contact & Official Links