- 100%Tuition covered
- ~50 (est.)Scholars per year
- Monthly stipendPlus book & travel allowance
- Leadership programme4 pillars, residential workshops
- Age ~19–30Young African leaders
- Study in South AfricaHonours or master’s
At a glance
full
Funding
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Max amount
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
African countries
Country
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Provider
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate award created by the partnership between Nelson Mandela and the Rhodes Trust, run by The Mandela Rhodes Foundation since 2003. It supports young Africans to study an honours or master’s degree at a university in South Africa while completing a structured Leadership Development Programme built around four pillars: leadership, reconciliation, education and entrepreneurship. The award covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly living stipend, a book and travel allowance and the cost of the residential leadership workshops. Each year roughly ~50 (est.) scholars are selected from across the African continent. Applicants are typically aged ~19–30, hold a strong academic record (around 70% (est.) or above), and can show leadership potential and a genuine commitment to building Africa’s future. Selection is highly competitive and runs through written application, references and panel interviews. Figures, age bands and deadlines are reviewed each cycle, so confirm them on the official page before applying.
What's covered
- Tuition fees — Full tuition for the honours or master’s degree at a South African university.
- Accommodation — Residence or housing costs covered for the study period.
- Living stipend — A monthly stipend for living expenses (amount set each year; ~ZAR thousands/month (est.)).
- Book and travel allowance — Allowances for study materials and necessary travel.
- Leadership Development Programme — Funded residential workshops across the four pillars of leadership, reconciliation, education and entrepreneurship.
How to apply
Applications are made online through The Mandela Rhodes Foundation in the annual round.
- Check eligibility — Confirm your nationality, age, academic average and intended South African degree qualify.
- Complete the online application — Submit the application with essays on leadership and your goals.
- Provide references and transcripts — Arrange academic references and upload your transcripts.
- Shortlisting — Strong applicants are shortlisted for the next stage.
- Panel interview — Finalists attend a selection panel interview before awards are confirmed.
Eligibility
NationalityCitizen of an African country.
AgeUsually between ~19 and ~30 years old at the time of taking up the award.
Academic recordA strong undergraduate record, typically an average of around 70% (est.) or higher.
ProgrammePursuing an honours or master’s degree at a recognised South African university.
LeadershipDemonstrated leadership potential and commitment to reconciliation and Africa’s development.
Applicants generally must not already hold the degree they are applying to fund. Confirm the current age band and academic threshold.
Eligible countries
African countries
Deadlines
Following academic year~April 2026 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are assessed on academic merit, leadership, and alignment with the Foundation’s four pillars through written application, references and a final panel interview.
Verified sources
- The Mandela Rhodes Foundationmandelarhodes.orgofficial
- Mandela Rhodes — Scholarshipmandelarhodes.orgapply
About the provider
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, established in 2003 through a partnership between Nelson Mandela and the Rhodes Trust, builds leadership capacity in Africa by funding postgraduate study combined with a leadership development programme.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Is the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship fully funded?
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Yes. It covers tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and book and travel allowances, plus the leadership programme.
Who can apply?
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African nationals, usually aged ~19–30, with a strong academic record studying an honours or master’s in South Africa.
Where do scholars study?
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At universities in South Africa.
What academic average do I need?
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Typically around 70% (est.) or higher. Confirm the current threshold on the official page.
How many scholarships are awarded?
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Around ~50 (est.) per year across the African continent.
What is the leadership programme?
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A funded residential programme built on four pillars: leadership, reconciliation, education and entrepreneurship.
What levels are funded?
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Honours and master’s degrees.
When is the deadline?
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Usually around ~April 2026 (est.). Confirm the exact date for the cycle.
Is there an interview?
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Yes — finalists attend a selection panel interview.
Do I need to already be admitted to a university?
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You need to be pursuing or admitted to an eligible South African degree; check the current requirement.
Can non-Africans apply?
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No — the scholarship is for citizens of African countries.
Where can I confirm current figures and deadlines?
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On The Mandela Rhodes Foundation website linked in the sources.