Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you a high-achieving African student with a passion for leadership, social impact, and academic excellence? The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering a prestigious fully funded postgraduate scholarship to outstanding young Africans who wish to pursue Honours or Master’s degrees at recognised universities in South Africa. Established in honour of Nelson Mandela, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation combines academic funding with an intensive leadership development programme rooted in reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and ethical leadership.

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, which typically includes full tuition fees, registration fees, accommodation, meals, study materials, and a living allowance. Beyond financial assistance, scholars benefit from a unique leadership development programme, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to a pan-African community of changemakers. The scholarship is awarded to candidates who not only demonstrate strong academic ability but also show leadership potential, integrity, and a commitment to transforming Africa.

By applying for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027, students gain more than just funding, they join a legacy of visionary leaders equipped to drive positive change across the continent through knowledge, collaboration, and service.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, fields of study covered, application process, selection criteria, and closing date for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Programme 2026/2027.

About The Mandela Rhodes Foundation

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation was established in 2003 in partnership with the Rhodes Trust and is one of the late Nelson Mandela’s three official legacy organisations. The Foundation’s core mission is to build exceptional leadership capacity within Africa by nurturing young leaders who are committed to justice, reconciliation, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

Through the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, talented African students are empowered to pursue postgraduate studies in South Africa while participating in an intensive leadership development journey. Since its inception over 16 years ago, the Foundation has supported more than 500 scholars from 28 African countries.

About the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Programme 2026/2027

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is inviting eligible students to apply for the 2026 academic year scholarship intake.

Fields of Study Covered

The scholarship supports postgraduate studies in ANY field, including:

Honours degrees
Master’s degrees

The programme is open to applicants from all African countries, provided they study at one of the approved South African institutions. MBA programmes are not covered under this scholarship.

Scholarship Coverage, Duration and Benefits

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded programme that covers a wide range of study-related expenses.

Expenses Covered

The scholarship provides funding for:

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Study materials allowance
Accommodation and meals allowance
Personal allowance
Medical aid allowance
Economy-class return flights for scholars from outside South Africa (at the start and end of studies)

Scholars may also apply for research and conference grants, subject to approval.

Duration of Funding

Honours students: Funding for 1 year
Master’s students: Funding for 1 or 2 years, depending on the programme structure

Payment Structure

Allowances are paid twice per year
Scholars must submit proof of registration at the start of the academic year
A university progress report is required two weeks after the second semester begins
Tuition and registration fees are paid directly to the institution
Allowances are paid directly to scholars

Leadership Development Programme

In addition to academic funding, all scholars must participate in the Mandela Rhodes Leadership Development Programme, a core component of the scholarship.

This includes:

Compulsory residential leadership workshops
Participation in regional leadership pods
Optional involvement in the Mentorship Programme

In total, scholars will attend:

3 leadership workshops in the first year
2 leadership workshops in the second year

Workshops are held in-person and online, during weekdays or weekends.

Eligibility Requirements for Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Application 2026/2027

Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements to be considered:

Must be a citizen of any African country, including South Africa
Must be between 19 and 29 years old
Must be willing to relocate to South Africa if residing outside SA
Must intend to study at one of the approved institutions (application or acceptance is not required at the time of scholarship application)
Must have completed an undergraduate degree, or complete it by 1 January 2026
Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% or an upper-second class Honours equivalent
Must intend to study towards a postgraduate qualification (Honours or Master’s) in 2026
Must secure university admission by January 2026
Must be fluent in English and able to study at postgraduate level
Must demonstrate strong leadership skills and leadership experience in the community or on campus
Must be committed to ethical leadership, equality, freedom, and human dignity in Africa
Must show potential to embody MRF’s founding principles: education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation
Must commit fully to the MRF Leadership Development Programme
Must accept that the scholarship cannot be deferred
Must maintain high academic and conduct standards
Must not be receiving any other funding or scholarship
May not engage in paid work exceeding 12 hours per week

Failure to meet any requirement will result in disqualification.

Approved South African Universities

Scholars must intend to study at one of the following institutions:

University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
Stellenbosch University (SU)
University of Pretoria (UP)
Rhodes University (RU)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
University of the Free State (UFS)
University of Fort Hare (UFH)
North West University (NWU)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
University of Limpopo (UL)
University of Venda (UNIVEN)
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
AFDA – The School for the Creative Economy

How to Apply for Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027

Applications must be submitted online via the official Mandela Rhodes Foundation platform.

Applicants must register an account before logging in to complete the application.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must upload clear copies of the following documents:

South African ID (South African applicants) or Passport (non-SA applicants)
Degree certificate
Academic transcripts
Three letters of recommendation
Two short essays:
- One on your personal journey
- One addressing a question related to MRF principles

All documents must be submitted in English.

Important Notes for Applicants

Applicants are encouraged to apply to more than one approved university
Non-South African qualifications may require SAQA verification, which can take 4–8 weeks
The MRF does not assist with study visas – applicants must apply independently
Failure to secure a visa or university placement on time may result in forfeiture of the scholarship
The Foundation does not cover:
- University application fees
- SAQA accreditation costs

Applicants are strongly encouraged to read the MRF Scholarship Terms and Conditions before applying.

Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Selection Process

The selection process follows these key stages:

Applications open: 17 March 2026
Applications close: 21 April 2026
First shortlisting: End of June 2026
Second shortlisting: End of July 2026
Final interview invitations: End of August 2026
Interviews conducted in South Africa (international candidates are flown in)
Final selection confirmed by October 2026
Scholars secure university admission and visas between October and December

Closing Date for Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Application 2026/2027

Application Deadline: 21 April at 23:59 (GMT+2)

Late applications will not be accepted.

Contact the Mandela Rhodes Foundation

For further information or enquiries, contact the Foundation directly:

Email: info@mrf.org.za