Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship 2027

About the Provider

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation was established in 2003 through a partnership between the late Nelson Mandela and the Rhodes Trust, making it one of Mandela's three official legacy organisations. The Foundation's mission is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa by identifying and developing young people who combine academic excellence with a commitment to ethical leadership and service.

The partnership between Mandela and the Rhodes Trust was itself a powerful act of reconciliation — bringing together the legacy of Africa's greatest liberation leader with one of the oldest scholarship traditions in the world. This founding spirit of reconciliation, combined with a commitment to education, leadership, and entrepreneurship, defines the four principles that guide the Foundation's work.

Since its establishment over two decades ago, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation has funded more than 500 scholars from 28 African countries. These alumni have gone on to become leaders in government, business, academia, civil society, and the arts across the continent. The Foundation's alumni network represents one of the most powerful communities of young African leaders in existence.

The Foundation is funded through an endowment and operates independently, ensuring long-term sustainability. Its governance includes distinguished leaders from across Africa and the international community who bring diverse perspectives to the Foundation's strategic direction.

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is widely regarded as Africa's most prestigious postgraduate award. It combines generous financial support with an intensive Leadership Development Programme that challenges scholars to reflect on their values, develop their leadership capabilities, and commit to using their talents in service of the continent. The scholarship's emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence distinguishes it from purely financial awards.

## About the Provider The Mandela Rhodes Foundation was established in 2003 through a partnership between the late Nelson Mandela and the Rhodes Trust, making it one of Mandela's three official legacy organisations. The Foundation's mission is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa by identifying and developing young people who combine academic excellence with a commitment to ethical leadership and service. The partnership between Mandela and the Rhodes Trust was itself a powerful act of reconciliation — bringing together the legacy of Africa's greatest liberation leader with one of the oldest scholarship traditions in the world. This founding spirit of reconciliation, combined with a commitment to education, leadership, and entrepreneurship, defines the four principles that guide the Foundation's work. Since its establishment over two decades ago, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation has funded more than 500 scholars from 28 African countries. These alumni have gone on to become leaders in government, business, academia, civil society, and the arts across the continent. The Foundation's alumni network represents one of the most powerful communities of young African leaders in existence. The Foundation is funded through an endowment and operates independently, ensuring long-term sustainability. Its governance includes distinguished leaders from across Africa and the international community who bring diverse perspectives to the Foundation's strategic direction. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is widely regarded as Africa's most prestigious postgraduate award. It combines generous financial support with an intensive Leadership Development Programme that challenges scholars to reflect on their values, develop their leadership capabilities, and commit to using their talents in service of the continent. The scholarship's emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence distinguishes it from purely financial awards.

About the Program

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is one of Africa's most prestigious postgraduate funding opportunities. The programme awards scholarships for Honours and Master's degree studies in any field at over 20 approved South African universities. It is open to citizens of all African countries, making it a truly pan-African initiative.

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support covering registration fees, tuition fees, study material allowance, meal and accommodation allowance, personal allowance, medical aid allowance, and economy-class flights for scholars from countries outside South Africa. Research and conferencing grants are also available on request.

Honours students receive funding for one year, while Master's students receive funding for one or two years depending on their programme. Allowances are paid twice annually, with scholars required to submit proof of registration at the start of the year and a progress report after the second semester begins.

Beyond financial support, the scholarship includes a mandatory Leadership Development Programme. Scholars attend residential workshops and regional pods, and may participate in a Mentoring Programme. Three workshops are held in the first year and two in the second year, combining in-person and online formats.

The selection process is highly competitive and multi-staged, running from March through October. It includes application review, two rounds of shortlisting, and in-person interviews in South Africa (with international candidates flown in). Selected scholars must then secure university placement between October and December.

Since its founding, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation has funded over 500 students from 28 African countries, building a powerful alumni network of leaders across the continent. The scholarship cannot be deferred to another year, and scholars may not perform paid work for more than 12 hours per week during their studies.

## About the Program The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is one of Africa's most prestigious postgraduate funding opportunities. The programme awards scholarships for Honours and Master's degree studies in any field at over 20 approved South African universities. It is open to citizens of all African countries, making it a truly pan-African initiative. The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support covering registration fees, tuition fees, study material allowance, meal and accommodation allowance, personal allowance, medical aid allowance, and economy-class flights for scholars from countries outside South Africa. Research and conferencing grants are also available on request. Honours students receive funding for one year, while Master's students receive funding for one or two years depending on their programme. Allowances are paid twice annually, with scholars required to submit proof of registration at the start of the year and a progress report after the second semester begins. Beyond financial support, the scholarship includes a mandatory Leadership Development Programme. Scholars attend residential workshops and regional pods, and may participate in a Mentoring Programme. Three workshops are held in the first year and two in the second year, combining in-person and online formats. The selection process is highly competitive and multi-staged, running from March through October. It includes application review, two rounds of shortlisting, and in-person interviews in South Africa (with international candidates flown in). Selected scholars must then secure university placement between October and December. Since its founding, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation has funded over 500 students from 28 African countries, building a powerful alumni network of leaders across the continent. The scholarship cannot be deferred to another year, and scholars may not perform paid work for more than 12 hours per week during their studies.

Bursary Benefits

Registration fees paid directly to the university
Full tuition fees for Honours (1 year) or Master's (1–2 years)
Study material allowance for textbooks and academic resources
Meal and accommodation allowance for living expenses
Personal allowance for daily costs
Medical aid allowance for health coverage during studies
Economy-class flights for scholars from outside South Africa (at start and end of studies)
Research and conferencing grants available on request
Participation in the Leadership Development Programme with residential workshops
Access to the Mentoring Programme connecting scholars with experienced leaders
Membership in an alumni network of over 500 leaders from 28 African countries

## Bursary Benefits - **Registration fees** paid directly to the university - **Full tuition fees** for Honours (1 year) or Master's (1–2 years) - **Study material allowance** for textbooks and academic resources - **Meal and accommodation allowance** for living expenses - **Personal allowance** for daily costs - **Medical aid allowance** for health coverage during studies - **Economy-class flights** for scholars from outside South Africa (at start and end of studies) - **Research and conferencing grants** available on request - Participation in the **Leadership Development Programme** with residential workshops - Access to the **Mentoring Programme** connecting scholars with experienced leaders - Membership in an **alumni network** of over 500 leaders from 28 African countries

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a citizen of any African country (including South Africa)
Must be between 19 and 29 years old
Must have completed an undergraduate degree (or will complete by 1 January 2027)
Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% or upper-second class Honours
Must intend to study towards a Postgraduate qualification (Honours or Master's only — MBA is NOT covered) in any field, in 2027
Must intend to study at one of 23 approved South African institutions (including UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, UJ, UKZN, Rhodes, NMU, UWC, UFS, and others)
Must be willing to relocate to South Africa if residing in another African country
Must be fluent in English and able to study at postgraduate level in English
Must demonstrate strong leadership skills and experience in campus or community leadership
Must aim to be an ethical leader committed to advancing equality, freedom, and human dignity in Africa
Must show potential to embody the MRF's founding principles: education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation
Must commit to participating in the Leadership Development Programme (in-person and online workshops during weekdays and weekends)
Must not be receiving any other scholarship or funding
May not perform paid work for more than 12 hours per week during studies
The scholarship cannot be deferred to another year
Must secure university admission by January 2027

## Eligibility Criteria - Must be a citizen of **any African country** (including South Africa) - Must be between **19 and 29 years old** - Must have completed an **undergraduate degree** (or will complete by 1 January 2027) - Must have achieved a minimum overall average of **70%** or upper-second class Honours - Must intend to study towards a **Postgraduate qualification** (Honours or Master's only — MBA is NOT covered) in any field, in 2027 - Must intend to study at one of **23 approved South African institutions** (including UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP, UJ, UKZN, Rhodes, NMU, UWC, UFS, and others) - Must be willing to **relocate to South Africa** if residing in another African country - Must be **fluent in English** and able to study at postgraduate level in English - Must demonstrate **strong leadership skills** and experience in campus or community leadership - Must aim to be an **ethical leader** committed to advancing equality, freedom, and human dignity in Africa - Must show potential to embody the MRF's founding principles: **education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation** - Must commit to participating in the **Leadership Development Programme** (in-person and online workshops during weekdays and weekends) - Must **not** be receiving any other scholarship or funding - May **not** perform paid work for more than 12 hours per week during studies - The scholarship **cannot be deferred** to another year - Must secure **university admission** by January 2027

Required Documents

ID document (for South African citizens)
Passport (for citizens of other African countries)
Degree certificate (or proof of expected completion by January 2027)
Academic transcripts showing all results to date
Three letters of recommendation from people with relevant experience of you and insight into your character (recommenders are registered on the platform and upload letters directly)
Two short essays: one about your personal journey and one responding to a specific question relating to MRF principles
All documents must be provided in English

## Required Documents - **ID document** (for South African citizens) - **Passport** (for citizens of other African countries) - **Degree certificate** (or proof of expected completion by January 2027) - **Academic transcripts** showing all results to date - **Three letters of recommendation** from people with relevant experience of you and insight into your character (recommenders are registered on the platform and upload letters directly) - **Two short essays**: one about your personal journey and one responding to a specific question relating to MRF principles - All documents must be provided in **English**

How to Apply

Visit the Mandela Rhodes Foundation application portal on the Embark platform and register an account.
Log in and complete the online scholarship application form for 2027.
Upload all required documents: ID or passport, degree certificate, academic transcripts, and two short essays (one about your personal journey, one relating to MRF principles).
Register your three recommenders on the platform — they will receive an email with a link to upload their reference letters directly.
Submit your completed application before the closing date of 14 April 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+2).
If shortlisted in mid-July 2026, you will advance to round 2.
Further shortlisted candidates are contacted by end of July 2026 for round 3.
All candidates are informed by end of August 2026 whether they have been invited for a final interview.
Interviews are held in South Africa (international candidates are flown in). Results are communicated by end of October 2026.
Selected scholars must secure university placement between October and December 2026 for the 2027 academic year.

## How to Apply 1. Visit the Mandela Rhodes Foundation application portal on the Embark platform and register an account. 2. Log in and complete the online scholarship application form for 2027. 3. Upload all required documents: ID or passport, degree certificate, academic transcripts, and two short essays (one about your personal journey, one relating to MRF principles). 4. Register your three recommenders on the platform — they will receive an email with a link to upload their reference letters directly. 5. Submit your completed application before the closing date of **14 April 2026** at 23:59 (GMT+2). 6. If shortlisted in mid-July 2026, you will advance to round 2. 7. Further shortlisted candidates are contacted by end of July 2026 for round 3. 8. All candidates are informed by end of August 2026 whether they have been invited for a final interview. 9. Interviews are held in South Africa (international candidates are flown in). Results are communicated by end of October 2026. 10. Selected scholars must secure university placement between October and December 2026 for the 2027 academic year.

Tips for Success

Start early — you need three recommenders to upload letters through the platform, which takes coordination and time
Choose recommenders who know you well — they should speak to your leadership, character, and potential, not just your academic ability
Write compelling essays — the personal journey essay should show self-awareness and growth, while the MRF principles essay should demonstrate genuine engagement with education, leadership, entrepreneurship, or reconciliation
Demonstrate leadership concretely — provide specific examples of positions held, initiatives started, or communities served rather than abstract claims
Apply to multiple universities — the MRF advises applying to more than one approved institution to increase your chances of securing placement if selected
International applicants should start SAQA verification early — the process takes 4–8 weeks and is required for admission to South African universities
Prepare for the interview — finalists are interviewed in person in South Africa; be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy, career goals, and commitment to Africa
Understand the commitment — the scholarship requires full participation in the Leadership Development Programme and cannot be deferred
Check your English proficiency — you must be able to study at postgraduate level in English; take the free online test linked on the MRF website
Read the Terms and Conditions carefully before applying — the scholarship has specific obligations around work limits, attendance, and conduct

## Tips for Success - **Start early** — you need three recommenders to upload letters through the platform, which takes coordination and time - **Choose recommenders who know you well** — they should speak to your leadership, character, and potential, not just your academic ability - **Write compelling essays** — the personal journey essay should show self-awareness and growth, while the MRF principles essay should demonstrate genuine engagement with education, leadership, entrepreneurship, or reconciliation - **Demonstrate leadership concretely** — provide specific examples of positions held, initiatives started, or communities served rather than abstract claims - **Apply to multiple universities** — the MRF advises applying to more than one approved institution to increase your chances of securing placement if selected - **International applicants should start SAQA verification early** — the process takes 4–8 weeks and is required for admission to South African universities - **Prepare for the interview** — finalists are interviewed in person in South Africa; be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy, career goals, and commitment to Africa - **Understand the commitment** — the scholarship requires full participation in the Leadership Development Programme and cannot be deferred - **Check your English proficiency** — you must be able to study at postgraduate level in English; take the free online test linked on the MRF website - **Read the Terms and Conditions** carefully before applying — the scholarship has specific obligations around work limits, attendance, and conduct

Career Prospects

Mandela Rhodes Scholars go on to become leaders across virtually every sector on the African continent. The combination of postgraduate education, leadership development, and a powerful alumni network creates exceptional career trajectories.

In academia and research, scholars become professors, researchers, and thought leaders at universities across Africa and internationally. The scholarship's emphasis on postgraduate study produces graduates who advance knowledge in their fields.

In public policy and governance, scholars enter careers in government, international organisations (UN, AU, World Bank), and policy think tanks. Many become advisors to heads of state, ministers, and senior officials across the continent.

In business and entrepreneurship, scholars leverage their leadership training and networks to build companies, lead corporations, and drive economic development. The MRF alumni network provides access to mentors, investors, and partners.

In civil society and development, scholars lead NGOs, foundations, and social enterprises that address Africa's most pressing challenges — from healthcare and education to climate change and governance.

In law and human rights, scholars become advocates, judges, and legal scholars who shape constitutional development and protect human rights across the continent.

The Mandela Rhodes brand carries enormous prestige. Being identified as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar signals exceptional ability, ethical leadership, and commitment to Africa's development — qualities that open doors in any career path.

## Career Prospects Mandela Rhodes Scholars go on to become leaders across virtually every sector on the African continent. The combination of postgraduate education, leadership development, and a powerful alumni network creates exceptional career trajectories. In **academia and research**, scholars become professors, researchers, and thought leaders at universities across Africa and internationally. The scholarship's emphasis on postgraduate study produces graduates who advance knowledge in their fields. In **public policy and governance**, scholars enter careers in government, international organisations (UN, AU, World Bank), and policy think tanks. Many become advisors to heads of state, ministers, and senior officials across the continent. In **business and entrepreneurship**, scholars leverage their leadership training and networks to build companies, lead corporations, and drive economic development. The MRF alumni network provides access to mentors, investors, and partners. In **civil society and development**, scholars lead NGOs, foundations, and social enterprises that address Africa's most pressing challenges — from healthcare and education to climate change and governance. In **law and human rights**, scholars become advocates, judges, and legal scholars who shape constitutional development and protect human rights across the continent. The **Mandela Rhodes brand** carries enormous prestige. Being identified as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar signals exceptional ability, ethical leadership, and commitment to Africa's development — qualities that open doors in any career path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship?

Citizens of any African country aged 19–29 who have completed (or will complete by January 2027) an undergraduate degree with at least 70% average. You must intend to study a postgraduate qualification (Honours or Master's) at an approved South African university.

What fields of study are covered?

All fields are covered at Honours and Master's level. The only exclusion is MBA programmes.

How much funding does the scholarship provide?

The scholarship covers registration, tuition, study materials, accommodation, meals, personal allowance, medical aid, and flights for international scholars. Research and conferencing grants are available on request.

Do I need to have been accepted at a university before applying?

No. You do not need proof of application or acceptance to apply for the scholarship. However, if selected, you must secure admission by January 2027.

Can South African students apply?

Yes. The scholarship is open to citizens of all African countries, including South Africa.

What is the Leadership Development Programme?

Scholars attend residential workshops (3 in year one, 2 in year two) and regional pods. These combine in-person and online formats and focus on ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation.

Can I work while on the scholarship?

You may not perform paid work for more than 12 hours per week during your studies.

What happens if I am from outside South Africa?

International scholars receive economy-class flights at the start and end of their studies. You must be willing to relocate to South Africa and may need to arrange a study visa independently (the MRF does not assist with visa applications).

How many reference letters do I need?

Three letters of recommendation from people with relevant experience of you and insight into your character. You register them on the platform and they upload their letters directly.

## Frequently Asked Questions ## Who can apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship? Citizens of any African country aged 19–29 who have completed (or will complete by January 2027) an undergraduate degree with at least 70% average. You must intend to study a postgraduate qualification (Honours or Master's) at an approved South African university. ## What fields of study are covered? All fields are covered at Honours and Master's level. The only exclusion is MBA programmes. ## How much funding does the scholarship provide? The scholarship covers registration, tuition, study materials, accommodation, meals, personal allowance, medical aid, and flights for international scholars. Research and conferencing grants are available on request. ## Do I need to have been accepted at a university before applying? No. You do not need proof of application or acceptance to apply for the scholarship. However, if selected, you must secure admission by January 2027. ## Can South African students apply? Yes. The scholarship is open to citizens of all African countries, including South Africa. ## What is the Leadership Development Programme? Scholars attend residential workshops (3 in year one, 2 in year two) and regional pods. These combine in-person and online formats and focus on ethical leadership, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation. ## Can I work while on the scholarship? You may not perform paid work for more than 12 hours per week during your studies. ## What happens if I am from outside South Africa? International scholars receive economy-class flights at the start and end of their studies. You must be willing to relocate to South Africa and may need to arrange a study visa independently (the MRF does not assist with visa applications). ## How many reference letters do I need? Three letters of recommendation from people with relevant experience of you and insight into your character. You register them on the platform and they upload their letters directly.

Applications Closing

Applications closed on 14 April 2026 at 23:59 (GMT+2). This listing is retained for reference. Applications for the 2028 cohort typically open in March 2027.

About the Organization

Email: info@mrf.org.za Website: https://www.mandelarhodes.org/contact/