Deadline: April 21, 2023.

The scholarship combines financial support with a leadership programme that will challenge you, grow you, and connect you to young African changemakers – just like you. The programme is built on their founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and a belief that leadership begins with inner transformation. They aim to keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive by equipping young African leaders with the competence and courage to transform the continent into a place where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive. Their programme is delivered primarily through a series of week-long residential workshops which you will attend during your time in residence.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. Citizen of an African country
2. Applicant must be between the ages of 19 and 29
3. By 1 Jan 2024, must will have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours)
4. Applicant can study at a postgraduate level in English
5. Applicants from outside South Africa may need to complete SAQA verification to start their studies at a South African university. 

BENEFITS

1. Tuition and registration fees as set by your university or institution
2. A study materials allowance as set by the MRF
3. Accommodation and meal allowances as set by the MRF
4. A medical aid allowance as set by the MRF
5. A personal allowance as set by the MRF
6. Research and conferencing grants can be made available on request
7. Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies

APPLICATION TIMELINE

• March: Applications open on Tuesday, 14 March 2023. Candidates can add recommenders on the platform and begin uploading their documentation and working on their personal essays. See ‘requirements’.
• April: Applications close by the end of Friday, 21 April 2023. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted under any circumstances.
• June: You will be notified by the end of June whether or not you are through to Round Two.
• July: You will be notified by the end of July whether or not you are through to Round Three.
• August: You will be notified by the end of August if you are invited for an interview in the Final Round, or if you have been unsuccessful.
• October: Interviews will be conducted in South Africa in October. If you are in the final round and you are based outside South Africa, you will be flown in for an in-person interview with our selection committee. You will be notified by the end of October if you are selected as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
• October-December: Selected Mandela Rhodes Scholars must do their best to secure acceptance at their university of choice, and their study visa for travel to South Africa in January.

OFFICIAL LINK