Applications are currently being accepted for the 2025 Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships. This scholarship offers financial aid alongside a leadership program crafted to engage, nurture, and connect young African influencers seeking change.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Proficiency in English at a postgraduate level. A free test is available for those uncertain about their English proficiency.
- Citizenship of an African country.
- Age between 19 and 29 years.
- Possession of an undergraduate degree with outstanding academic performance (above 70% or upper-second class Honours) by January 1st, 2025.
Financial Support:
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship provides extensive funding to address the fundamental costs associated with your academic pursuits. This includes tuition fees for either a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognized South African higher education institution. The financial support covers tuition and registration fees, allowances for study materials and research, medical assistance, accommodation and meals, a personal stipend, and economy-class travel to and from your home country to your South African university at the beginning and end of your academic program. Additionally, recipients will receive a personal allowance.
The leadership development program
The leadership development program is founded on principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, reflecting our commitment to fostering inner transformation as the cornerstone of effective leadership. The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) endeavors to honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy by empowering young African leaders with the skills and courage to catalyze positive change across the continent, ensuring equal opportunities for all to thrive. The program primarily consists of a series of residential workshops held throughout your tenure.
Benefits of the program include:
- Coverage of tuition and registration fees according to your university’s or institution’s rates.
- Allowances for study materials as determined by the MRF.
- Accommodation and meal allowances provided by the MRF.
- Allocation for medical aid expenses as determined by the MRF.
- Personal allowance provided by the MRF.
- Research and conference grants may be available upon request.
- Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the beginning and conclusion of their studies.
Timeline:
- March: Applications open on Thursday, 14 March 2024. During this time, candidates can add recommenders on the platform, begin uploading their documentation, and work on their personal essays. Please consult the ‘requirements’ section for further information.
- April: Applications close by the end of Sunday, 21 April 2024. Under no circumstances will late or incomplete applications be considered.
- June: Notification regarding advancement to Round Two will be sent out by the end of June.
- July: Notification regarding advancement to Round Three will be sent out by the end of July.
- August: Notification regarding invitation for an interview in the Final Round, or unsuccessful status, will be sent out by the end of August.
- October: Interviews will be conducted in South Africa during October. If you are in the final round and reside outside South Africa, you will be flown in for an in-person interview with our selection committee. Notification of selection as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar will be sent out by the end of October.
- October-December: Selected Mandela Rhodes Scholars must endeavor to secure acceptance at their chosen university and obtain their study visa for travel to South Africa in January.
For further information,
Application Deadline: April 21, 2024
