The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship program aimed at supporting outstanding African students in pursuing postgraduate studies. Established in 2003, the foundation was founded with the vision of building exceptional leadership capacity in Africa through education, dialogue, and leadership development initiatives.
The MRF Postgraduate Scholarship is open to students from across the African continent who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond. The scholarship is awarded for full-time postgraduate study at recognized South African universities in various fields of study, including but not limited to, the humanities, social sciences, engineering, natural sciences, and law.
In addition to financial support for tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, the MRF Postgraduate Scholarship offers a comprehensive leadership development program. This program includes workshops, seminars, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to enhance scholars’ leadership skills, ethical decision-making abilities, and social responsibility.
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation places a strong emphasis on values such as integrity, reconciliation, and social justice, reflecting the principles and legacy of its namesakes, Nelson Mandela and Cecil Rhodes. Scholars are expected to embody these values and demonstrate a commitment to promoting positive change and sustainable development in Africa.
The MRF Postgraduate Scholarship provides a unique opportunity for exceptional African students to further their education, develop their leadership potential, and contribute to the advancement of their communities and continent.
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.
Requirements For The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) Postgraduate Scholarship
- I can study at a postgraduate level in English. Take this free test if you’re unsure.
- I am a citizen of an African country
- I am between the ages of 19 and 29
- By 1 Jan 2025, I will have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours)
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. You will also receive a personal allowance.
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 Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) 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.
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
Timeline:
- March: Applications open on Thursday, 14 March 2024. 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 Sunday, 21 April 2024. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted under any circumstances.
- June: You will be notified by the end of June 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.
Application Deadline: 21 April,2024.
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