The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026 for Africans | Fully Funded

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for young African leaders to pursue postgraduate studies in South Africa while developing their leadership skills. The program combines financial support with a leadership development program, empowering scholars to drive positive change in Africa.

This article provides detailed information about the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

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Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026 Summary

• Host Country: South Africa
• Study Abroad: Study in Africa
• Host Institution: Any recognised South African university
• Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships  or Honours degree
• Eligible Countries: African countries
• Reward: Full Scholarship | Stipends and more
• Applications Open: 17 March 2026
• Applications Deadline: 21 April 2026 

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Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026 Details

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious leadership and academic program designed to empower young African leaders. It integrates academic excellence with leadership development, equipping scholars with the skills and mindset to drive positive change in Africa.

The scholarship’s leadership program is based on the principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. It focuses on inner transformation as the foundation for impactful leadership. Scholars participate in a series of intensive, week-long residential workshops throughout their academic journey, fostering personal growth, networking, and leadership capacity building.

In addition to leadership training, the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, covering full tuition and registration fees, accommodation, meals, and study materials for postgraduate studies at any recognised South African university. It also includes a personal allowance and returns economy-class airfare, ensuring scholars can fully focus on their academic and leadership development.

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Eligibility Requirements for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026

Tip: See if you qualify for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship.

To qualify for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026, applicants must:

• Be between 19 and 29 years old at the time of application.
• Be a citizen of any African country.
• Have completed an undergraduate degree with strong academic performance (minimum 70% or equivalent GPA).
• Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in Africa.
• Be prepared to study full-time at a South African university for an Honours or Master’s degree.

Important: 

1. Applicants from outside South Africa may need to complete SAQA verification to start their studies at a South African university. Please see the relevant FAQs and the information under “Step 3: Get your documents ready” below.
2. Attendance at the residential workshops and regional pods is mandatory and a condition of the scholarship. Participating in the Mentoring Programme is optional.

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Benefits of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship provides full funding for selected scholars, covering:

• Tuition costs for any one-year Honours degree or two-year Master’s degree in any field at a recognised South African institution of higher education.
• 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
• Access to a mentorship program and a community of young leaders from across the African continent.
• Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies

Take note

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation does not pay for your application fees for university, or for the accreditation of your existing degrees through SAQA, which may be an entry requirement to your course. We also do not provide financial support for visa applications.

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Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026 for Africans Required Documents

To apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026, candidates must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Recommendation Letters: Three letters of recommendation must be submitted in English through the official application platform. Candidates should contact potential recommenders early to allow them enough time to write and upload their letters, as applications cannot be submitted without them.
• Academic Documents: Applicants must provide degree certificates, academic transcripts, and official identification documents (passport/ID scans). All documents must be in English.
• Essays: Two short essays are required—one on the applicant’s personal journey and another responding to a specific question related to the scholarship’s principles.
• Proposed Course of Study: While proof of university application is not required, applicants must indicate their intended course of study. It is strongly recommended to apply early to multiple universities.
• Qualification Verification: South African universities use the National Qualification Framework (NQF) to assess academic qualifications. International applicants may need SAQA accreditation, which can take 4-8 weeks and may delay university acceptance and visa processing.
• Work Experience (if required): Some South African Master’s programs require work or clinical experience for admission. Applicants should check their eligibility and apply for alternative options if necessary.

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How to Apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these steps to apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2026:

1. Check program requirements. Also, read the full terms and conditions of the MRS
2. Click on the “Apply now” button below to visit the application page
3. Create an Account 
4. Complete the application form – Provide personal details, academic history, and leadership experience.
5. Upload required documents
6. Submit before the deadline

Note: The application opens officially on 17 March 2026, so use this time to prepare all you need.

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Deadline

• Applications Open: 17 March 2026
• Application Deadline: 21 April 2026

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