Masters, HonoursFully Funded Verified active

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

Last verified 12 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offers young African leaders a unique opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in South Africa while participating in a transformative leadership development program.

Provider: Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
Host country: South Africa
Deadline: Annual – typically April/May

Official source Track this application

Topics

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: Applicants must be young leaders from anywhere on the African continent who wish to pursue postgraduate study in South Africa. The scholarship supports study for any one-year Honours degree or two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters, Honours
Deadline: Annual – typically April/May

Key eligibility criteria

Applicants must be young leaders from anywhere on the African continent who wish to pursue postgraduate study in South Africa. The scholarship supports study for any one-year Honours degree or two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (2026)

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a comprehensive program designed to cultivate young African leaders. It goes beyond mere financial assistance, providing an immersive experience that combines academic pursuits with a robust leadership development curriculum. ## Funding and Coverage The scholarship is fully funded, covering all essential costs associated with postgraduate study. This includes tuition and registration fees for any one-year Honours degree or two-year Masters degree at a recognized South African university. Additionally, scholars receive allowances for study materials, research expenses, and medical aid. Accommodation and meals are also covered, ensuring a comfortable and focused learning environment. ## Leadership Development Programme A core component of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is its compulsory Leadership Development Programme. Depending on the duration of the scholar's course, this program spans either one or two years. It is primarily delivered through a series of intensive, week-long in-person workshops, bringing together each cohort of Mandela Rhodes Scholars. This program offers access to a dedicated mentorship scheme and fosters a vibrant community of young leaders from across the African continent, all united by a shared passion for Africa's positive transformation. ## Eligibility and Application This scholarship is open to young leaders from any country on the African continent. Prospective applicants must demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to contributing to Africa's development. The scholarship supports postgraduate studies across all academic fields. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official Mandela Rhodes Scholarship website to understand detailed eligibility criteria and the application process. The application window is currently open, as indicated on the scholarship website. ## The Value of the Scholarship Winning a Mandela Rhodes Scholarship provides more than just financial relief; it offers a life-changing journey. Scholars not only gain access to world-class education at a South African institution but also develop critical leadership skills through the structured program. The opportunity to connect with a diverse network of peers and mentors from across Africa creates a powerful platform for collaboration and impactful change. This scholarship empowers individuals to become active agents in addressing Africa's challenges and contributing to its future prosperity.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Applicants must be young leaders from anywhere on the African continent who wish to pursue postgraduate study in South Africa. The scholarship supports study for any one-year Honours degree or two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.mandelarhodes.org/scholarship/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: Applicants must be young leaders from anywhere on the African continent who wish to pursue postgraduate study in South Africa. The scholarship supports study for any one-year Honours degree or two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Annual – typically April/May. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: Annual – typically April/May. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Annual – typically April/May
Provider deadline information: Annual – typically April/May. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

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Editorial verification note

Auto-curated from official source (top-tier batch).

Last checked 5/12/2026

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship?+

Applicants must be young leaders from anywhere on the African continent who wish to pursue postgraduate study in South Africa. The scholarship supports study for any one-year Honours degree or two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.

What funding does the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Annual – typically April/May. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.mandelarhodes.org/scholarship/ to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Applicants must be young leaders from anywhere on the African continent who wish to pursue postgraduate study in South Africa. The scholarship supports study for any one-year Honours degree or two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Annual – typically April/May. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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