Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship for African Students ─ Fully Funded 2024

Applications are now open to African students for the 2025 Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship (MFR). The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters degrees) in any field, with the exception of MBAs, which we do not fund.

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a life-changing leadership journey. The scholarship combines financial support with a leadership programme that will challenge you, grow you, and connect you to young African changemakers – just like you.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is one of Nelson Mandela’s three official legacy organisations, founded in 2003 in partnership with the Rhodes Trust. Our purpose is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. We find, fund, and empower young Africans who aspire to use their talents to serve their societies and our continent. We do this by providing a postgraduate scholarship for young leaders to study in South Africa and participate in a residential Leadership Development Programme. Our programme is built on Nelson Mandela’s belief that leadership begins with inner transformation, and our founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Over the past 21 years the MRF has awarded 673 Mandela Rhodes Scholarships to young leaders from 36 African countries.

Programme

Postgraduate

Targeted Countries

African Students

Location

South Africa

Duration

Maximum of two years

Eligibility Criteria for the scholarship

I can study at a postgraduate level in English. Take this free test if you’re unsure.
I am a citizen of an African country
I am between the ages of 19 and 29
By 1 Jan 2025, I will have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours)

Required Documents

Transcripts
Copy of passport and ID
Three letters of recommendation
Two short essays, one on personal journey, and one on a specific question relating to our principles.

Benefits

Tuition and registration fees as set by your university or institution
A study materials allowance as set by the MRF
Accommodation and meal allowances as set by the MRF
A medical aid allowance as set by the MRF
A personal allowance as set by the MRF
Research and conferencing grants can be made available on request
Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies.

How to Apply

For further information on the scholarship and the application process please CLICK HERE

Note:

You must state what degree you are planning to study. You do not have to have applied or been accepted, but we highly recommend that you apply as soon as possible. If you do not get accepted into a South African institution, you will not be able to accept the scholarship if awarded. Apply early and have multiple options in case you do not get accepted to your first choice.