The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships 2027 for study in South Africa (Fully Funded)

Application Deadline: 14 April 2026 23:59 GMT+2.

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships. The scholarship combines financial support with a leadership programme that will challenge you, grow you, and connect you to young African changemakers.

Requirements

• It is for young leaders who have a combination of intellect and character.
• You must be academically strong: your marks should be above 70% or an upper second.
• You must also have demonstrated leadership on your campus or in your community. 
• If you are between the ages of 19 and 29 in the year of applying, you are eligible.
• The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters degrees) in any field. 

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.

Cost Covered

• 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

The leadership development programme

• The programme is built on our founding principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, and a belief that leadership begins with inner transformation.
• The program 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.
• The programme is delivered primarily through a series of week-long residential workshops which you will attend during your time in residence.

Application Timeline

• March: Applications open on Monday, 9 March 2026. 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 Tuesday, 14 April 2026 23:59 GMT+2. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted under any circumstances.
• July: You will be notified by mid-July 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.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarships