FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student aspiring to advance your studies abroad at the postgraduate level? The FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027 are now open for applications, offering financial support to outstanding learners who wish to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at top international universities. As one of South Africa’s leading financial services groups, FirstRand invests in education to nurture high-potential individuals who will contribute to global innovation, business leadership, and economic development.
The FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarship provides comprehensive funding, which may cover tuition fees, international travel, accommodation, living expenses, and research-related costs. Scholars also gain access to mentorship, professional networking opportunities, and exposure to global academic and industry expertise. This scholarship is particularly aimed at students with exceptional academic records, leadership potential, and a strong commitment to driving positive change in their chosen field.
By applying for the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027, students not only alleviate financial burdens but also unlock opportunities for world-class education, international exposure, and career advancement in business, finance, technology, and related sectors.
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 criteria, fields of study supported, application process, and closing date for the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027.
About FirstRand
FirstRand Limited is a leading South African financial services provider, formed in 1998 through a merger between Anglo American Corporation of South Africa Limited and RMB Holdings. Headquartered in Johannesburg and licensed by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), FirstRand offers services including lending, investments, asset management, insurance, and transactional banking.
The group currently employs over 40,000 staff members and has a strong reputation for supporting education and leadership development through scholarships like the FirstRand International Postgraduate Programme.
About the FirstRand Scholarship Programmes 2026/2027
Fields Covered
FirstRand is offering 12 postgraduate scholarships for the 2026 academic year, open to South African citizens. The scholarships allow students to pursue studies at leading international institutions, across multiple disciplines:
- FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship – 2 awards for postgraduate studies in any field, at any international university.
- FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Scholarship – 3 awards for previously disadvantaged students, for studies in any field, at any international university.
- FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship – 1 award for an MSc in African Studies at the University of Oxford, UK.
- FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship – 1 award for a Master of Public Policy at Oxford, UK.
- FirstRand Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment Scholarship – 1 award for an MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise, and the Environment, at Oxford, UK.
- FirstRand IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship – 1 award for an MSc in Water and Sustainable Development, at IHE Delft, Netherlands.
- FirstRand IE School of Science and Technology Scholarship – 1 award for a Masters in Business Analytics and Big Data or Computer and Business Technology, at IE University, Madrid.
- Mandela Scholarship (supported by FirstRand Empowerment Foundation) – 2 awards for a Masters degree at the University of Sussex.
Scholarship Coverage & Value
The scholarships provide substantial financial support, including tuition fees, living costs, and in some cases housing:
- Laurie Dippenaar & Empowerment Foundation Scholarships: Up to R1.5 million for Masters and R2 million for PhD studies.
- Oxford Scholarships (African Studies, Blavatnik, Smith School): Full tuition and 1-year housing at Wadham College.
- IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship: Full tuition for 1-year MSc program.
- IE School & Mandela Scholarship: Full tuition for the respective Masters programs.
Applicants are encouraged to download the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarship Presentation (.pdf) for detailed programme information.
Selection Process
The FirstRand scholarship selection process includes multiple stages:
- Application Confirmation – All applicants receive email confirmation.
- Preliminary Evaluation – Applications are reviewed by FirstRand staff, FNB, RMB, and previous scholarship recipients.
- Shortlisting for Interviews –
- Up to 45 candidates are shortlisted for interviews (in Cape Town, Sandton, or via Microsoft Teams).
- Maximum 8 candidates shortlisted for Oxford and IHE Delft scholarships.
- Maximum 10 candidates shortlisted for Laurie Dippenaar & Empowerment Foundation scholarships.
- Final Interviews – Conducted in Sandton in May 2026.
- Final Announcement – Scholarship recipients announced before the end of June 2026.
Eligibility Requirements for FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria for their chosen scholarship:
1. Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship
- South African citizen
- Pursuing postgraduate studies in any field at an international university
- No prior overseas study experience
- Commitment to return to South Africa for 5+ years after studies
- Excellent academic record, leadership, strong character, community involvement
- Preference for candidates under 35 years old
2. Empowerment Foundation Scholarship
- South African citizen from a previously disadvantaged background
- Same criteria as Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship
3. Oxford African Studies / Blavatnik / Smith School Scholarships
- South African citizen
- Accepted to the relevant Oxford postgraduate program
- Leadership potential, community involvement, excellent academic record
- Commitment to contribute to South Africa after graduation
4. IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship
- South African citizen
- Accepted for MSc in Water & Sustainable Development (specific thematic tracks apply)
- Leadership, community involvement, and potential to impact South Africa
5. IE School of Science & Technology / Mandela Scholarship
- South African citizen
- Accepted for relevant Masters program
- Academic excellence, leadership, community engagement, and return to South Africa
How to Apply for FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027
- Register online at the FirstRand Scholarship Application Portal 2026. Click here.
- Submit supporting documents:
- Minimum 2 references (academic or professional)
- University acceptance letters (submit by 7 April 2026)
Incomplete applications or missing documentation may be disqualified.
Closing Date for FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 19 February
Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
Contact Information of FirstRand
For queries related to the FirstRand Scholarships, contact:
Contact Person: Giselle Ras
Email: firstrandpgscholarship@firstrand.co.za
For students pursuing programs at the University of Oxford:
- African Studies: African.studies@africa.ox.ac.uk
- Smith School of Enterprise & Environment: mscenquiries@smithschool.ox.ac.uk