The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027 is a life-changing leadership journey for young Africans, combining financial support with a leadership development program. It aims to challenge, grow, and connect scholars to a network of changemakers across the continent, empowering them to create positive change in their communities.
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, established in 2003 in partnership with the Rhodes Trust, is one of Nelson Mandela’s official legacy organizations. It nurtures future African leaders by providing scholarships and leadership training, continuing Mandela’s vision of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
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
Eligibility Criteria
- I am a citizen of an African country
- I am between the ages of 19 and 29 in the year of applying
- By 1 Jan 2027, I will have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours)
- I can study at a postgraduate level in English
- I aspire to be an ethical leader and I am committed to using my talents to advance equality, freedom and human dignity in Africa
- I admire Nelson Mandela’s ability to bridge divides and bring people together around our common humanity
- I am prepared to reflect deeply on my own leadership and undergo a process of personal change and growth
Required Documents
- Three letters of recommendation (submitted by recommenders through the application platform).
- Academic degree certificates showing completion of your qualifications.
- Official academic transcripts of your results.
- Copy of your passport or national ID document.
- Two short essays (one about your personal journey and one related to the foundation’s principles).
- Additional Requirements (after selection or for university admission)
- SAQA verification of academic qualifications (for applicants outside South Africa, if required).
- Admission to a recognized South African university.
How to Apply for Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
- Visit the official Mandela Rhodes Scholarship application platform and create your account
- Log in to the portal and complete the online application form with the required information
- Upload the necessary documents and the required essays through the application system
- Add the details of your three recommenders in the application platform
- Your recommenders will receive an email invitation and must log in separately to upload their recommendation letters
- Contact your recommenders early so they have enough time to prepare and submit their letters
- Make sure all documents and recommendation letters are uploaded before submission
- Applications cannot be submitted without the recommendation letters, and incomplete applications will not be considered
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, providing essential information for prospective applicants.
What costs are covered by the scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition and registration fees, a study materials allowance, accommodation and meal allowances, a medical aid allowance, a personal allowance, research and conferencing grants on request, and economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 14 April 2026, by which time all application documentation needs to have been uploaded. Your recommenders must have uploaded their references by then for your application to be complete.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Applicants must be citizens of an African country, aged 19-29 in the year of applying, have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours) by 1 January 2027, and be able to study at a postgraduate level in English. They should also aspire to ethical leadership and personal growth.
How do I apply?
You must apply online via the applications platform. You need to create an account, complete the form, upload documents and essays, and add three recommenders who will upload letters directly. Applications cannot be submitted without these letters.
Where can I study?
You can study at recognized South African institutions such as the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch University, Rhodes University, and many others listed on the official site. The scholarship supports Honours or Master’s degrees in any field.
Is there an age limit?
Yes, you must be between the ages of 19 and 29 in the year of applying. As long as you are under 30 at the time you take up the scholarship, you are eligible to apply.
Do I need to apply to a university before completing the application form?
You must state what degree you plan to study but do not have to have applied or been accepted. However, it is highly recommended to apply as soon as possible, as the scholarship award is conditional on being offered a place at a South African institution.
How long is the tenure of the Scholarship?
The scholarship funds your degree to a strict maximum of two years, with no exceptions. Honours degree students receive one year of funding, while Master’s students receive one or two years depending on their program.
Do you fund undergraduate study?
No, the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is only for postgraduate study, specifically Honours and Master’s degrees. It does not fund undergraduate programs, MBAs, block courses, or predominantly online courses.
What courses of study do you support?
The scholarship supports postgraduate study (Honours and Master’s degrees) in any field. It does not fund MBAs, any type of block course, or courses delivered predominantly online.
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