In 2002, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation began with a vision to establish leadership capabilities in Africa by implementing diverse programmes including education and training as well as creating a support system. The foundation is a combination of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Cecil John Rhodes Education and Entrepreneurship Legacy.
Closing Date
21 April 2024
Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
Mandela Rhodes Foundation invites individuals who qualify to apply each year for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Programme. The MRF Scholarship Programme provides financial support to postgraduate students as well as a Leadership Development Program that aims at strengthening leadership skills in Africa.
The scholarship is only for postgraduate study in (Master’s or honours degrees), but not MBAs. The scholarship must be used to study at a recognized South African institution.
The scholarship covers:
- The institution will set the tuition and registration fees.
- Allowance for study materials
- The MRF sets the rates for accommodation, meals, and medical assistance allowances.
- Travel allowance in economy class for international Scholars. (Only the airfare from the Scholar’s home to the institution where they will begin their degree).
- MRF Personal Allowance
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation will not pay your university application fees or your SAQA accreditation, if that is a requirement for you to enter your course. We also do not provide financial support for visa applications.
The MRF Leadership Development Programme is composed of three components: residential workshops, regional groups pods and mentoring. The Foundation will hold three residential workshops for five days, each focusing on four MRF principles:
- Leading
- Reconciliation
- Entrepreneurship and
- Education.
The workshops will allow the scholars to meet with experts and leaders, as well as foster a sense community and association within the Mandela Rhodes Foundation and the Mandela Rhodes Community. The group pods are regional gatherings aimed at strengthening local support networks, improving learning and enhancing scholars’ residential experiences.
The Foundation offers a mentoring programme as a voluntary service to provide one-on-one advice and support to scholars. It also organizes intergenerational networks between MRF scholars, as well as serves as a means of giving back to MRF through MRF alumni. All of these workshops and activities must be completed by all MRF scholars.
Scholarship Eligibility and Requirements
- You must be a South African citizen or a citizen of any African country.
- Students from South African universities and tertiary education institutions can study at these approved institutions as postgraduates.
- 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 (NMMU)
- North West University
- Rhodes University
- Tshwane university of technology (TUT).
- 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
- You must be between the ages 19-29 (and under 30 when you accept the scholarship).
- Possession of first degree, or its equivalent. Or in the process to complete one within the next year
- Academic records must be above average
- You must intend to study towards a postgraduate qualification only (Masters or Honours degrees).
- You must study at an institution of higher learning in South Africa that is recognised.
- Attendance at all mandatory elements of MRF’s Leadership Development Programme, which can be held during the week and on weekends.
- The candidate must be able to demonstrate the MRF founding principles of education, leadership, entrepreneurialism, and reconciliation.
- If you are shortlisted for a scholarship, SAQA verification is required. This is not necessary to apply initially.
Note: The responsibility for applying to the selected tertiary or university lies with the applicants, not the MRFs.
How to Apply and Application Details
All applicants meeting the eligibility criteria are required to apply online via the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship application.
Before they can login, applicants will need to register an account.
Please submit a copy of all supporting documents along with the completed application form.
- Your ID document certified
- If you are not a citizen of SA, please provide a certified copy of your passport.
- Your Degree Certificate in certified form
- Transcripts of academic results
- Please include details of the course you plan to study. Although university applications are not mandatory, it is highly recommended that applicants apply as soon as possible.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation from people who are familiar with you and your character. You must first submit your application before requesting recommendations.
- Two (2) short essays. Two (2) short essays. One on your journey and one more about a question relating to MRF principles.
Contact Details
Coralie Valentyn
Programme Associate
Tel: 021 424 3346
E-mail: [email protected]
Please refer to the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Website to find out more about the scholarship.