The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

✓ The Mandela Rhodes Foundation offers young leaders from across the African continent a chance to become part of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of transformative impact.
✓ We offer a life-changing opportunity for personal growth via a prestigious postgraduate scholarship and Leadership Development Programme, for those who want to use their talents to serve Africa.
✓ 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.

✓ 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
✓ You are between the ages of 19 and 29 in the year of applying
✓ By 1 Jan 2027,you will have an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours)
✓ You aspire to be an ethical leader and I am committed to using my talents to advance equality, freedom and human dignity in Africa
✓ You admire Nelson Mandela’s ability to bridge divides and bring people together around our common humanity
✓ You are prepared to reflect deeply on my own leadership and undergo a process of personal change and growth

✓ Participation
The leadership development programme is delivered through a combination of in-person and online gatherings. Attendance is compulsory. Committing to full participation in the programme activities - which may take place during the week or on weekends - is a condition of the scholarship. There will be three workshops in your first year in residence, and two in your second year if you are on a two-year programme. The dates are given well in advance so that you can avoid clashes with your academic timetable.

✓ Feedback and updates
We will periodically ask that you complete feedback forms and reflections so that we can improve our offerings. Completing these timeously is a requirement, and an important component of your own learning. After the scholarship we will periodically request updates and details so that we can report on our impact and keep in touch with you.

✓ Respect the conditions of tenure
You must accept the scholarship for the year that it is offered - it cannot be deferred. You must have secured admission to your university of choice by January of your year in residence. You must attend and participate in all activities of the leadership development programme, and travel outside South Africa, even for research purposes, will not be accepted as a reason for absence. You must maintain high standards of work and conduct. You may not hold other scholarships and funded opportunities. You may not do paid work for more than 12 hours a week. You must uphold the values, principles and standards of the Foundation, and if you do not the MRF may cease payments to you and end your participation in the programme

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

✓ 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.