The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, founded in partnership with the Rhodes Trust in 2003, is one of the late Nelson Mandela’s 3 official legacy organizations. The goal of the Foundation is to build exceptional leadership skills within the African continent.
By way of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, the Foundation aims to empower young Africans and encourage them to use their talents to serve their societies and the continent.
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship allows African students to pursue their postgraduate studies in South Africa, and the chance to take part in the Leadership Development Programme. Since the Foundation started, more than 16 years ago, they have funded over 500 students from 28 African countries.
ABOUT THE MRF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is inviting students to apply for their scholarship award, for the 2024 academic year. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is open to students from all African countries, who would like to pursue Postgraduate studies (Honours or Masters degree – it does NOT cover MBA’s), in ANY field of study in South Africa.
The scholarship will provide cover for up to 2 years – Honours students will receive funding for 1 year and Masters students will receive funding for 1 or 2 years.
MORE ABOUT THE MRF SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE
The scholarship will provide cover for the following study related expenses: registration fees, tuition fees, study material allowance, meal and accommodation allowance, personal allowance, medical aid allowance and economy-class flights for scholars from countries outside of SA (at the start and end of their studies). Scholars may also receive research and conferencing grants on request.
Allowances are paid twice a year – scholars must submit proof of registration at the beginning of the year, and a progress report from your university 2 weeks after the second semester begins. Allowances are paid directly to scholars, while tuition and registration fees are paid to the tertiary institution.
Scholars will also take part in leadership development workshops – scholars will be required to attend residential workshops and regional pods, and may participate in the Mentoring Programme.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANDELA RHODES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen OR a citizen of any other African country
- You must be between the ages of 19 and 29 old (and under the age of 30 at the time you take up the scholarship)
- You must be willing to travel to South Africa to study (if residing in another African country – the scholarship does NOT cover studies in any other country)
- You must study at one of these approved institutions: 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, North West University, Rhodes University, Tshwane University of Technology, 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
- Must have completed a first degree qualification or you must be completing your undergraduate degree in 2024 (must be completed by the time the Scholarship begins in January 2024)
- Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 70% in your Degree qualification
- Must intend on studying towards a Postgraduate qualification (Honours or Masters degree – MBA studies are NOT covered)
- Must have strong leadership skills and have been in a position of leadership
- Must have made an impact on your campus or community
- Must show potential to embody the MRF’s founding principles (education, leadership, entrepreneurship, reconciliation)
- Must have SAQA verification of your qualifications if you are shortlisted, not required for initial scholarship application (see if your qualification is SAQA verified, visit the SAQA website
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE MRF SCHOLARSHIP
Before applying, students must first complete the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Quiz
Students who pass the quiz can then complete the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship Application
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- ID document, if a South African
- Passport, if not a South African
- Degree certificate (applicants from outside SA may need to complete SAQA verification to begin their studies at a South African university – see notes below for more information)
- Transcripts of academic results
- 3 letters of recommendation from people who have relevant experience of you and insight into your character (applicants must register each recommender on the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship application platform and the recommender will then receive an email asking them to log on and upload their letter)
- 2 short essays (1 about your personal journey, and 1 about a specific question relating MRF principles)
NOTES ABOUT THE MANDELA RHODES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
- Candidates are advised to apply to study at more than 1 approved university – although proof of application is not required for this scholarship application.
- In South Africa, South African Qualifications Agency (SAQA) is the framework for registering and rating qualification levels. In order to be accepted for your selected programme, it is advisable to find out what the National Qualification Framework (NQF) requirements for your course are, and if your qualifications meet these requirements. SAQA accreditation can take between 4 and 8 weeks, therefore it is advisable to apply ASAP. Read more about the SAQA requirements on the SAQA website.
- The MRF does not provide assistance with visa applications (which is required to take up the scholarship in South Africa). Candidates must ensure that they apply for their study visa in time – it is advised to apply for a visa as soon as you receive acceptance from your university. Students who do not get their visas in time to begin the academic programme and Leadership Development Programme, could end up forfeiting the scholarship award.
SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE MANDELA RHODES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Please note that following selection process and dates:
1) Applications open on 22 March 2024.
2) Applications close on 21 April 2024.
3) Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the end of June 2024 and moved on to round 2.
4) Further shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the end of July 2024 and moved on to round 3.
5) All candidates will be contacted by by the end of August 2024 to inform them if they have been unsuccessful or been invited for an interview in the final round.
6) Students will be invited to attend an interview in South Africa and will be notified by the end of October 2024 if they have been selected to receive a scholarship. Students residing outside of South Africa will be flown in for an in-person interview.
7) Selected Mandela Rhodes Scholars must then secure a placement at university between October and December 2021, and a study visa if they are from outside of South Africa in January.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE MANDELA RHODES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
21 April.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE MRF SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER
For any queries related to this scholarship programme, please contact the Mandela Rhodes Foundation directly:
Email: [email protected]