Written by The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is more than just financial support—it is a transformative leadership journey. It seeks to honor the legacy of Nelson Mandela by bringing together young Africans who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to the principles of Leadership, Reconciliation, Education, and Entrepreneurship.
The leadership development programme
Our programme is built on our founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and a belief that leadership begins with inner transformation. We 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. Our programme is delivered primarily through a series of week-long residential workshops which you will attend during your time in residence.
Financial Support
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offers comprehensive funding for the core costs associated with your studies. It covers tuition for a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Masters degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education. This includes tuition and registration fees, allowances for study materials, research, and medical aid, accommodation and meals, personal allowance and economy class travel to and from your home country to your South African university at the beginning and end of your degree
Benefits:
- Tuition and Registration Fees: Full coverage of your academic costs.
- Allowances: Generous stipends for study materials, research, and medical aid.
- Living Expenses: Coverage for accommodation and meals.
- Travel: Economy-class flight from your home country to South Africa at the start and end of the program.
- Leadership Development: A core, compulsory program featuring in-person workshops and mentorship.
Eligibility criteria:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of an African country.
- Age: You must be between 19 and 29 years old at the time of application.
- Education: You must have (or will have by Jan 1, 2027) an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (typically 70% or above).
- Language: You must be able to study at a postgraduate level in English.
How to Apply
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- Your academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Two short essays (one on your personal journey and one on the Foundation’s principles).
- Three letters of recommendation.
Deadline: 14 April 2026.