Southern African Development Community (SADC) Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Southern African Development Community (SADC) Scholarship Application 2026/2027. Are you a student from a SADC member state seeking funding to pursue higher education within the Southern African region? The SADC Scholarship Programme 2026/2027 offers an excellent opportunity for academically strong and motivated students to access financial support for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in priority development fields. Administered under the mandate of the Southern African Development Community, the scholarship aims to strengthen regional integration by developing skilled human capital that can drive sustainable economic growth, research, and innovation across Southern Africa.
The SADC Scholarship typically provides funding that may cover tuition fees, accommodation, study materials, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend, depending on the host country and sponsoring partner. Beyond financial support, beneficiaries gain exposure to regional networks, cross-border academic collaboration, and diverse learning environments that enhance employability and leadership capacity. The programme focuses on fields aligned with regional priorities such as science and technology, health sciences, engineering, agriculture, education, climate change, and other development-oriented disciplines.
By applying for the SADC Scholarship 2026/2027, students position themselves to benefit from quality education while contributing to regional development and cooperation within Southern Africa.
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, participating countries and institutions, fields of study, application process, and closing date for the SADC Scholarship Programme 2026/2027.
About Southern African Development Community (SADC)
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a Regional Economic Community comprising 16 Member States: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Since its establishment, SADC has remained committed to regional integration, focusing on economic development, peace, political stability, and security. The SADC Annual Scholarship was created in honour of the organisation’s Founders, with the objective of deepening citizens’ understanding of Southern Africa’s liberation history, cooperation, and integration, while recognising the contributions that shaped the region.
About the SADC Scholarship Programme 2026/2027
Fields of Study Covered
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) invites eligible students to apply for the SADC Annual Scholarship Programme 2026.
The scholarship supports full-time postgraduate studies and research in the Social Sciences, particularly research that addresses:
- Historical dimensions of development and peace in the SADC region since colonialism
- Regional economic and political integration
- Democracy and governance in Southern Africa
The research scholarship is also open to postgraduate researchers in any discipline who have completed a Master’s degree and wish to pursue Doctoral or Postdoctoral research at a recognised university within the SADC region.
SADC Scholarship Coverage, Value and Duration
A total of five (5) scholarships are awarded annually:
- Two (2) scholarships for Doctoral studies
- Three (3) scholarships for Master’s-level research
Scholarship Value
Each scholarship is valued at USD 20,000 (approximately R300,000) and covers:
- Tuition fees
- Economy-class return air ticket
- Housing allowance
- Health insurance
- Monthly living allowance of USD 1,000 (approximately R15,000)
Duration of Funding
- Master’s studies: 12 to 24 months
- Doctoral studies: 36 to 48 months
The duration depends on the regulations of the host institution.
Selection Process for the SADC Scholarship
Applications are first screened and evaluated by the Ministries of Education in each SADC Member State. Each country then submits its top two (2) applications to the SADC Secretariat.
Final adjudication takes place at regional level, where the top five (5) candidates across all Member States are selected.
Eligibility Requirements for SADC Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:
- Must be a citizen of a SADC Member State
- Must intend to pursue full-time postgraduate studies at a university within the SADC region
- Master’s applicants:
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- Must have completed an Undergraduate degree in a relevant field
- Male applicants must be 30 years or younger
- Female applicants must be 35 years or younger
- Doctoral applicants:
- Must have completed a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
- Male applicants must be 35 years or younger
- Female applicants must be 40 years or younger
- Must provide IELTS (Band 6) or TOEFL results if from a non-English-speaking country
- Must intend to return to their country of citizenship after completing studies
- Must not be a SADC Secretariat staff member or an immediate family member
Failure to meet any requirement will result in disqualification.
How to Apply for SADC Scholarship Application for 2026/2027
Applicants must download and complete the official SADC Scholarship Application Form 2026 (PDF).
Required Supporting Documents
The following documents must be submitted with the completed application form:
- Certified copy of passport or national ID
- Recent passport-size colour photograph
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (including contact details of three references)
- Certified copies of academic certificates and transcripts
- Admission letter from a recognised university in the SADC region
- Two letters of reference with full contact details
- Motivational essay (maximum 500 words) explaining:
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- Your chosen field of study
- Its relevance to the legacy and memory of the SADC Founders
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Application Submission Process
Applications must be submitted through SADC National Contact Points in each Member State.
For South African Applicants
Applications must be emailed to:
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Ms Linda Vuyolwethu Shongwe
Email: shongwel@dirco.gov.za
Applications must also be submitted to the DALRRD via email to:
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Mr M Sello Tlhatlha – SelloTlh@dalrrd.gov.za
-
Ms Jacky Smit – JackyS@dalrrd.gov.za
Email subject line: SADC Scholarship Application
Applicants from other SADC Member States should apply through their respective SADC National Contact Points.
Closing Date for SADC Scholarship Application 2026/2027
Application Deadline: 30 April
Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to submit well before the closing date.
Contact Details of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Scholarship
For further enquiries, contact the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD):
Contact Person: Mr Sello Tlhatlha
Tel: 012 919 7159
Email: SelloTlh@dalrrd.gov.za
Contact Person: Ms Jacky Smit
Tel: 012 319 7019
Email: JackyS@dalrrd.gov.za
