Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship South Africa
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for the 2026 intake is closed for applications. The deadline was 21 April 2025, and applications must be submitted through the MRF online platform. The next round will open in March 2026. At BursaryForms, we keep you updated so you don’t miss your chance.
About the Mandela Rhodes Foundation
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) is a scholarship and leadership development programme for young Africans. Its purpose is to combine postgraduate studies with leadership, ethics, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation. Scholars receive funding and take part in workshops aimed at personal growth and leadership capacity.
Fields Covered by the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
The scholarship supports postgraduate studies in any field via Honours (1 year) or Master’s (1–2 years) at a recognised South African institution.
Expenses Covered by the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
The scholarship covers core costs including:
- Tuition and registration fees at the university.
- Accommodation and meal allowances.
- Study materials, research grants where applicable, and medical aid.
- Personal allowance.
- Economy class travel to/from their home country at the start and end of the scholarship term (for international scholars).
Eligibility Requirements for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be a citizen of an African country.
- Be between 19 and 29 years old in the year of application.
- Have completed an undergraduate degree (or be completing one by 1 January of the upcoming year) with excellent academic results (usually above 70% or upper second class).
- Be studying full-time for an Honours or Master’s degree at a recognised South African university.
- Fluency in English (written and verbal), as English is the medium of instruction.
- Demonstrated leadership, aligned with the foundation’s values: reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
- Commitment to participate in the leadership development programme and workshops.
This page was updated on September 25, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.
Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.
How to Apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
When applications are open, use the following steps:
- Apply online via the Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s website
- Upload required documents: degree certificate or proof of soon completion, academic transcript, proof of citizenship, essays/personal statements, three recommendation letters.
- Ensure recommenders upload letters before the application deadline.
- Verify that your qualifications will be accepted by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), especially if from outside South Africa.
Related Bursaries in South Africa
Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.
Closing Date for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
21 April 2025 was the deadline for applications for the 2026 cohort.
Contact the Mandela Rhodes Foundation
If you have questions or want to prepare for the next application cycle, contact:
Mandela Rhodes Foundation
Tel: +27 21 424 3346
Email: info@mandelarhodes.org
Website: Mandela Rhodes Application Page