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Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship 2023

About The Mandela Rhodes Foundation

It was founded in partnership with the Rhodes Trust in 2003 and is one of the late Nelson Mandela’s 3 official legacy organisations. 
They offer 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.

About The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship

They are inviting students to apply for their scholarship award, for the 2023 academic year. It is open to students from all African countries, who would like to pursue Postgraduate studies (Honours or Masters degree – it does NOT cover MBA’s), in ANY field of study in South Africa.

It will provide cover for up to 2 years – Honours students will receive funding for 1 year and Masters students will receive funding for 1 or 2 years.

Fields Covered By The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship

Any Field

Expenses Covered By The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship

It will cover the following study related expenses: 
  • Registration fees
  • Tuition fees
  • Study material allowance
  • Meal and accommodation allowance
  • Personal allowance
  • Medical aid allowance 
  • Economy-class flights for scholars from countries outside of SA (at the start and end of their studies). 

Scholars may also receive research and conferencing grants on request.

Eligibility Criteria For The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship

The following are the minimum requirements for the scholarship. If you do not meet the requirements, your application will not be considered.

  •     You must be a South African citizen OR a citizen of any other African country
  •     You must be between the ages of 19 and 29 old (and under the age of 30 at the time you take up the scholarship)
  •     You must be willing to travel to South Africa to study (if residing in another African country – the scholarship does NOT cover studies in any other country)
  •     You must study at one of these approved institutions: AFDA the School for the Creative Economy, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Monash University, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, North West University, Rhodes University, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Cape Town, University of Fort Hare, University of Free State, University of Johannesburg, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Limpopo, University of Pretoria, University of Stellenbosch, University of the Western Cape, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Venda, University of Zululand, Vaal University of Technology, Walter Sisulu University
  •     Must have completed a first degree qualification or you must be completing your undergraduate degree in 2022 (must be completed by the time the Scholarship begins in January 2023)
  •     Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in your Degree qualification
  •     Must intend on studying towards a Postgraduate qualification (Honours or Masters degree – MBA studies are NOT covered)
  •     Must have strong leadership skills and have been in a position of leadership
  •     Must have made an impact on your campus or community
  •     Must show potential to embody the MRF’s founding principles (education, leadership, entrepreneurship, reconciliation)
  •     Must have SAQA verification of your qualifications if you are shortlisted, not required for initial scholarship application (see if your qualification is SAQA verified, visit the SAQA website 

Documents Required For The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship

The following documents are required for the bursary programme. If you do not submit the documentation along with your application, your application will not be considered.
  •     ID document, if a South African
  •     Passport, if not a South African
  •     Degree certificate (applicants from outside SA may need to complete SAQA verification to begin their studies at a South African university – see notes below for more information)
  •     Transcripts of academic results
  •     3 letters of recommendation from people who have relevant experience of you and insight into your character (applicants must register each recommender on the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship application platform and the recommender will then receive an email asking them to log on and upload their letter)
  •     2 short essays (1 about your personal journey, and 1 about a specific question relating MRF principles)

How To Apply For The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship

If you are interested in applying, you can do so by following the steps below:

Closing Date For The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship 

21 April 2022 
Any applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered. Apply before the closing date. 

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