The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious program that combines financial support with a comprehensive leadership development initiative, aiming to nurture exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. It offers funding for postgraduate studies (Honours and Master’s degrees) in any field, excluding MBAs, at recognized South African institutions.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, applicants must:
- Age Requirement: Be between the ages of 19 and 29 at the time of application.
- Citizenship: Hold citizenship in any African country.
- Academic Achievement: Possess a first degree with excellent academic results, typically above 70% or an upper second-class Honours.
- Leadership Qualities: Have demonstrated leadership and made a positive impact in their campus or community.
Scholarship Benefits:
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Tuition and Registration Fees: Full coverage as set by the university or institution.
- Study Materials Allowance: A designated amount for necessary academic resources.
- Accommodation and Meals: Allowances to cover living expenses.
- Medical Aid: Provision for health insurance or medical expenses.
- Personal Allowance: Additional funds for personal expenses.
- Research and Conferencing Grants: Available upon request to support academic endeavors.
- Travel Costs: Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies.
Application Process:
To apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, follow these steps:
-
Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above.
-
University Application: Apply to a South African university of your choice for a postgraduate program. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible, as acceptance into a university is a prerequisite for the scholarship.
-
Prepare Required Documents:
- Recommendation Letters: Secure letters from recommenders who can attest to your qualifications and character. These must be submitted through the application platform.
- Academic Records: Provide certificates of completion for your degrees and transcripts of your academic results.
- Identification Documents: Upload scans of your ID and passport.
- Essays: Write two short essays—one detailing your personal journey and another addressing a specific question related to the foundation’s principles.
- SAQA Certificate: Non-South African applicants must obtain a South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) certificate to validate the equivalence of their degree with a South African degree. This process can take 4-8 weeks, so initiate it promptly.
-
Online Application: Complete the application form on the Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s official application page.
-
Submit Application: Upload all required documents and submit your application before the deadline.
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: April 21, 2025, by 23:59 GMT+2. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Selection Process:
- June 2025: Notification of advancement to Round Two.
- July 2025: Notification of advancement to Round Three.
- August 2025: Invitation for interviews in the Final Round or notification of unsuccessful application.
- October 2025: Final interviews conducted in South Africa; selected scholars notified by the end of October.
- October-December 2025: Selected scholars secure university acceptance and study visas for travel to South Africa in January 2026.
Additional Notes:
- Leadership Development Programme: Attendance at residential workshops and regional pods is mandatory and forms a core component of the scholarship.
- University Admission: Acceptance into a South African university is a prerequisite for the scholarship. Applicants are advised to apply to their chosen institutions as early as possible to ensure timely processing of applications and visas.
For more detailed information and to access the application portal, visit the Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s official website.
Embarking on this journey requires careful preparation and adherence to timelines. Ensure all components of your application are thoroughly completed and submitted on time to enhance your chances of success.
