The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offers young African leaders a life-changing journey that combines financial support with an intensive leadership programme. Designed to challenge, inspire, and connect, this scholarship equips scholars with the skills and networks needed to drive change across the continent.
The Leadership Development Programme
At the heart of the scholarship is a leadership programme rooted in the principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s vision, the programme emphasizes inner transformation as the foundation for impactful leadership. Scholars participate in a series of immersive, week-long residential workshops throughout their time in residence, fostering personal and professional growth.
Comprehensive Financial Support
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship provides full funding for postgraduate studies at a recognized South African institution. This includes:
- Tuition and registration fees for a one-year Honours or two-year Master’s degree
- Study materials, research, and medical aid allowances
- Accommodation, meals, and a personal stipend
- Economy-class travel to and from South Africa at the start and end of the degree
Are You Eligible?
To qualify for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, you must:
- Be a citizen of an African country
- Be aged between 19 and 29
- Have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours) by January 1, 2026
- Have proficiency in English (a free test is available if you are unsure)
Selection Criteria: What We Look For
Mandela Rhodes Scholars embody the following values:
Leadership
Do you aspire to be a visionary leader with moral authority? Do you see leadership as a tool to advance equality, freedom, human rights, and dignity?
Reconciliation
Do you believe that reconciliation and reparation are key to addressing historical injustices? Are you willing to start this journey by reflecting on your own experiences and perspectives?
Education
Do you excel academically and believe in using your education to create a positive impact? Do you value both intellectual excellence and strong character?
Entrepreneurship
Are you passionate about Africa’s potential in the global landscape? Have you demonstrated innovation, creativity, and initiative in driving change?
Read the Characteristics sought in a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Are You Ready to Grow?
To benefit from this programme, you must be open to deep personal reflection, learning from diverse perspectives, and engaging with complex challenges. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is not just about academic excellence—it’s about transformation.
Special Considerations for International Applicants
Applicants from outside South Africa may need to complete SAQA verification to begin studies in a South African university. Please refer to the FAQs and application steps below for details.
Testimonials from Past Scholars
“To be part of that cohort transformed my life in ways unimaginable. You meet people who share similar ambitions as you in terms of transforming the spaces that you occupy and eventually, the African continent.” — Lehlohonolo Mofokeng (South Africa & University of the Witwatersrand, 2015)
“One of the things that I will be forever grateful for is that during that time I got to voice and make conscious the values by which I want to live in this world as a leader and as an entrepreneur.” — Pie-Pacifique Kabalira Uwase (Rwanda & UKZN, 2006)
Funding and Finances
- What costs are covered?
- What costs are not covered?
- How do the finances work?
Application Process
- How do I apply?
- What is the application deadline?
- Do I need SAQA verification?
University Studies
- Where can I study?
- Do I have to apply to a university before completing my application?
- Does MRF apply to the university on my behalf?
- Do I meet the entry requirements for my chosen course?
Eligibility
- Is there an age limit?
- Do I need straight As?
- Do you fund undergraduate studies?
- Can I apply if I am finishing my undergraduate degree this year?
[See full FAQ section]
How to Apply
Applications for the 2026 intake open on March 17, 2025, and close on April 21, 2025.
Steps to Apply:
1.Check the timeline: Ensure you are aware of deadlines.
- March: Applications open on Monday, 17 March 2025. Candidates can add recommenders on the platform and begin uploading their documentation and working on their personal essays. See ‘requirements’.
- April: Applications close by the end of Monday, 21 April 2025 23:59 GMT+2. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted under any circumstances.
- June: You will be notified by the end of June whether or not you are through to Round Two.
- July: You will be notified by the end of July whether or not you are through to Round Three.
- August: You will be notified by the end of August if you are invited for an interview in the Final Round, or if you have been unsuccessful.
- October: Interviews will be conducted in South Africa in October. If you are in the final round and you are based outside South Africa, you will be flown in for an in-person interview with our selection committee. You will be notified by the end of October if you are selected as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
- October-December: Selected Mandela Rhodes Scholars must do their best to secure acceptance at their university of choice, and their study visa for travel to South Africa in January.
2. Review programme requirements: Confirm eligibility and application materials.
Tip: See if you qualify for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship.
Participation
The leadership development programme is delivered through a combination of in-person and online gatherings. Attendance is compulsory. Committing to full participation in the programme activities – which may take place during the week or on weekends – is a condition of the scholarship. There will be three workshops in your first year in residence, and two in your second year if you are on a two-year programme. The dates are given well in advance so that you can avoid clashes with your academic timetable.
Feedback and updates
We will periodically ask that you complete feedback forms and reflections so that we can improve our offerings. Completing these timeously is a requirement, and an important component of your own learning. After the scholarship we will periodically request updates and details so that we can report on our impact and keep in touch with you.
Respect the conditions of tenure
You must accept the scholarship for the year that it is offered – it cannot be deferred. You must have secured admission to your university of choice by January of your year in residence. You must attend and participate in all activities of the leadership development programme, and travel outside South Africa, even for research purposes, will not be accepted as a reason for absence. You must maintain high standards of work and conduct. You may not hold other scholarships and funded opportunities. You may not do paid work for more than 12 hours a week. You must uphold the values, principles and standards of the Foundation, and if you do not the MRF may cease payments to you and end your participation in the programme.
Read the full terms and conditions of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship.
3. Get Your Documents Ready
Important: Applicants from outside South Africa may need to complete SAQA verification to start their studies at a South African university. Please see below.
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- Recommenders: We require three letters of recommendation, in English, as part of your application. Your recommenders must submit their letters through our application platform. Without these letters, you cannot submit your application. Get in touch with three people who have relevant experience of you and insight into your character as soon as possible—even before applications open—to ask their permission and give them time to write their letters. Once you register a recommender on the platform, they will receive an email asking them to log on and upload their letter.
- Documentation: You will be required to upload certificates of completion for your degrees, transcripts of your academic results, and scans of your ID and passport documents. Your documents and transcripts must be provided in English.
- Essays: You will be asked to write two short essays—one on your personal journey, and one on a specific question relating to our principles.
- Application for University: You will be asked to fill in your proposed course of study on your application. We do not require proof that you have applied, but we recommend that you apply as soon as possible and to more than one university.
- Qualification Requirements: Each country has its own framework for registering and rating qualification levels. In South Africa, this is managed by the South African Qualifications Agency (SAQA). SAQA accreditation can take 4-8 weeks, which can delay your acceptance to university and thus your study visa to South Africa.
- Master’s Programmes: Some Master’s programmes in South Africa may require several years of work or clinical experience as an admission requirement. It is your responsibility to check if you will be accepted to the course and apply for backup options.
Ready to Apply?
The applications timeline runs from March to November of each year, for the following year’s intake. Applications open on 17 March 2025 and close 21 April 2025. You will apply online, and access our application platform through our website. Subscribe to tips and alerts