Deadline: April 21, 2025.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation offers young leaders from across the African continent a chance to become part of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of transformative impact.

They offer a life-changing opportunity for personal growth via a prestigious postgraduate scholarship and Leadership Development Programme, for those who want to use their talents to serve Africa.

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.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

1. Citizen of an African country.
2. Be between the ages of 19 and 29 in the year of applying
3. By 1 Jan 2026, I will have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours)

BENEFITS

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

SELECTION CRITERIA

They look for young leaders who aspire to the principles below and who have demonstrated the potential to live them out.

1. LEADERSHIP:Do you aspire to be a visionary leader who has moral authority? Do you see leadership as more than just personal ambition – as a way to pursue the advancement of equality and freedom, human rights and human dignity? And do you want to guide and inspire others to reach their full potential?
2. RECONCILIATION: Do you believe that reconciliation – combined with reparation – is the key to harnessing an imperfect past to develop a more just world? And are you prepared to start the process by looking at your own internal landscape?
3. EDUCATION: Do you have excellent academic results but believe that your education should not only benefit you but make a difference for others? And do you agree that intellectual excellence must be accompanied by character and a rounded personality?
4. ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Do you want to see Africa take its rightful place as an equal and competitive presence in the global world? Have you demonstrated individual effort, innovation and creativity to this end?

APPLICATION

1. You must apply online.
2. You can log onto their applications platform to access your application and upload your documents and essays.
3. The three people who write your recommendation letters must also log onto the platform to upload their letters directly. You must give them plenty of time to write their letters, sign onto the platform, and upload them. Your application cannot be submitted without the letters and will not be considered.

Find more information on the OFFICIAL LINK