Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027 For Africans | Fully Funded
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offers comprehensive funding for postgraduate studies at universities in South Africa. The program supports Honours and Master’s degrees across a wide range of academic and research fields.
Established by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, the scholarship aims to preserve the legacy of Nelson Mandela by developing young African leaders who have the competence, integrity, and courage to transform the continent and create opportunities for others.
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: South Africa
- Study Location: Study in Africa
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All African Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Full Scholarship | Stipends | Accommodation | Travel Costs | Meals
- IELTS Requirement: Not Required
- Application Deadline: April 14, 2026
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Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Details
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship supports outstanding African students who aspire to become visionary leaders with strong moral values.
The program targets individuals with excellent academic performance who also demonstrate a strong desire to make a positive impact in their communities and across Africa.
Beyond financial support, the scholarship includes a leadership development program that encourages scholars to engage in personal growth, leadership training, and meaningful dialogue with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Scholars are expected to commit to self-development, openness to learning from diversity, and a willingness to engage with complex leadership challenges.
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Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be between 19 and 29 years old
- Be a citizen of any African country
- Hold a first degree with above-average academic performance (minimum 70% or Upper Second Class)
- Demonstrate leadership experience and positive impact within their campus or community
Attendance at the residential leadership workshops and regional pods is mandatory and forms an important part of the scholarship program. Participation in the mentoring programme is optional.
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Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship funds postgraduate study for up to two years.
- Honours degree: One year of funding
- Master’s degree: One or two years of funding
Scholarship benefits include:
- Full tuition and registration fees as set by the university
- Study materials allowance
- Accommodation and meals allowance
- Medical aid allowance
- Personal monthly stipend
- Research and conference grants (available upon request)
- Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home country to their university at the beginning and end of their studies
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Recommendation letters (submitted by referees through the application platform)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Scanned copies of ID or passport documents
- Two short essays:
- One about your personal journey
- One responding to a question related to the foundation’s leadership principles
- Proposed course of study at a South African university
Non-South African applicants must also obtain a qualification evaluation from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), which typically takes 4–8 weeks to process.
Application Deadline: April 14, 2026
