Studying abroad allows South African students to access top-tier education, build global networks, and gain international exposure. Many countries and institutions across all continents offer bursaries and scholarships specifically for international students, including South Africans. These bursaries often cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and academic materials.
North America
United States: South African students can apply for programs such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, which funds postgraduate studies. Many U.S. universities also offer need-based and merit-based scholarships, including full tuition and stipends.
Canada: Options include the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships for doctoral study and various funding schemes offered by institutions like the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia, and McGill University.
Europe
United Kingdom: South African students may apply for Chevening Scholarships (postgraduate), Commonwealth Scholarships, and university-specific funding such as the Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford) and Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
Germany: The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers full scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students across various fields.
Netherlands: The Holland Scholarship and Erasmus+ programs support South African students studying at participating Dutch universities.
France: The Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program and funding through Campus France provide support for Master’s and PhD studies.
Ireland, Sweden, Norway, and Finland also offer generous government or university scholarships for international students.
Asia
China: The Chinese Government Scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and a living stipend for students studying at Chinese universities.
Japan: The MEXT Scholarship (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) is open to undergraduate and postgraduate South African students.
South Korea: The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) offers full funding for students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs.
India: Various government scholarships, such as those under the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), support South African students.
Australia and Oceania
Australia: The Australia Awards Scholarships provide full financial support for South African postgraduate students. Many universities, such as the University of Melbourne and University of Sydney, also offer institutional scholarships.
New Zealand: The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (funded by the government) are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate study.
South America
Brazil: Through agreements with African countries, Brazil offers educational exchange programs and scholarships at public universities.
Argentina and Chile also have bilateral scholarships available for international students, although opportunities may be limited and language requirements apply.
Africa
African Union Scholarships and the Pan African University Scholarships are offered to students from across the continent, including South Africans, for Master’s and Doctoral studies in areas like science, technology, governance, and education.
Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia also offer scholarships through bilateral government agreements or university-led programs.
Middle East
Turkey: The Türkiye Scholarships are fully funded opportunities for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees at top Turkish universities.
Saudi Arabia: Government and university scholarships are available for international students studying in the kingdom, especially in technical and Islamic studies.
United Arab Emirates: Institutions such as Khalifa University and UAE University offer merit-based scholarships for foreign students.
If you’re considering studying abroad, be sure to check the eligibility criteria, application timelines, and visa requirements for each program or country. Most international bursaries are highly competitive, so early preparation is key.