Are you a young African leader eager to transform your future and contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development? The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026 presents an exceptional opportunity for academically talented and ethically grounded individuals to pursue fully funded postgraduate studies in South Africa. More than just a scholarship, it is a comprehensive Leadership Program designed to shape the next generation of African changemakers through academic excellence, personal growth, and transformative leadership training.

Offered by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, one of the official legacy organizations of Nelson Mandela, this prestigious scholarship empowers students to further their education while participating in a unique, world-class leadership development journey. With a firm belief in building character, collaboration, and courageous leadership, the program stands as one of the most competitive and respected postgraduate Scholarships in Africa.

If you aspire to drive inclusive change across your community, nation, or the African continent at large, the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship provides the foundation and platform you need to accelerate that journey.

Program Details

Host Country:
South Africa

Degree Level:

• Honours Degree (1 year)

• Master’s Degree (up to 2 years)

Host Institutions:
Any recognized South African university offering postgraduate programs

Program Themes or Focus Areas:

• Inclusive leadership and ethical governance

• Social and economic justice

• Academic excellence and innovation

• African unity and sustainable development

Benefits

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship offers a fully funded experience, covering all essential academic and personal expenses:

• Full tuition and university registration fees at a South African institution

• Accommodation and meals throughout the study period

• Study materials allowance for books and resources

• Personal stipend and medical aid coverage

• Research and thesis grants for applicable programs

• Round-trip economy class airfare from your home country to South Africa

• Intensive participation in the Foundation’s Leadership Development Program, including:

  • Residential workshops

  • Mentorship sessions

  • Peer learning and cultural exchange

  • Retreats focused on personal mastery and African leadership

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a citizen of any African country, residing on the continent

• Aged between 19 and 29 years by the time of application

• Possess a strong academic record (typically a minimum of 70% or upper second-class Honours)

• Must be completing or must have already completed an undergraduate degree by January 1, 2026

• Demonstrate leadership potential, active community engagement, and a commitment to ethical leadership in Africa

• Must be able to pursue higher education in English (the primary language of instruction)

• Align with the core values of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation: reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership

How to Apply

Applicants must complete all required steps via the official Mandela Rhodes online application platform. Follow these instructions carefully:

1. Visit the Mandela Rhodes Foundation website and access the application portal.

2. Register and create an applicant profile.

3. Complete the application form, including personal, academic, and leadership experience details.

4. Prepare and upload the following documents:

   • Official academic transcripts

   • Certified degree certificates (or expected completion proof)

   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)

   • Personal statement and leadership essays (specific prompts provided in the portal)

5. Request three letters of recommendation—these must be submitted directly by your referees via the platform. One should be academic, and the others can be professional or leadership-related.

6. Review and submit the full application by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Important Note:
Applicants must begin early, especially when requesting recommendation letters. Submissions without referee input will not be considered.

Deadline

21 April 2025

All parts of the application, including referee letters, must be submitted by this date. Early submission is encouraged due to high competition and the importance of timely review.