With the cost of education rising, scholarships provide an invaluable opportunity for both local and international students. These scholarships support various fields of study, from science and technology to business and the arts.
Scholarships are financial aid awards designed to help students pay for an undergraduate or graduate degree. Here are the 10 most popular scholarships you can find in South Africa.
Mandela Rhodes Scholarships
The scholarship offered by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation combines financial support with a leadership programme. 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.
Mastercard Foundation Scholarships
African students will be awarded the opportunity to study at UCT as part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme. The Programme provides students with a top-level education, as well as leadership, career development, mentorship and access to a global alumni network.
This scholarship will cover undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Department of Higher Education International Scholarships
The South African government offers scholarships to students through its Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). These scholarships allow students to pursue undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. programs at universities outside of South Africa, such as in Hungary, Turkiye, Russia, China, etc.
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Fellowship is a well-known scholarship program aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial talent in South Africa. The scholarship is designed to provide students with the financial resources and mentorship they need to become successful entrepreneurs.
It also includes leadership training and access to an entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Anglo American Scholarships
Anglo American offers a variety of scholarships to students in South Africa, particularly for those interested in studying engineering, mining, and related fields. The scholarship programme provides financial support and internship opportunities with the company, offering students valuable industry experience.
South African citizens, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who want to study towards a qualification in engineering, mining, and business should apply.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarship
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provides a scholarship for postgraduate students from developing countries, including South Africa. This scholarship focuses on funding students pursuing studies in fields that aim to address global health, poverty, and education issues.
The Gates Scholarship covers full tuition, travel costs, and living expenses.
NRF Scholarships
The National Research Fund (NRF) offers scholarships to students wanting to pursue postgraduate studies.
The NRF’s main goal is to promote research and development within the country and to contribute to a knowledge-based economy by funding students, researchers, and institutions engaged in academic and scientific projects.
Canon Collins Trust Scholarships
The Canon Collins Trust believes that Southern Africa’s development depends on strong leadership in key fields and therefore offers scholarships for students in South Africa. Canon Collins scholars are outstanding academics and professionals who are dedicated to the development of their countries.
University of the Witwatersrand Wits Scholarships
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers several scholarships for students. These scholarships are based on academic merit. Scholarships offered:
- Vice-Chancellors Scholarship
- VC Equality Scholarship
- University Entrance Scholarships
- University Council Merit Scholarships
- Sports Scholarships
Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme (NESP)
The NESP is a three-year programme that includes a 2 year Master's scholarship followed immediately by a 1-year academic internship at a recruiting South African university.
South Africa offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for students aiming to further their education and unlock their potential. From government-backed initiatives to private sector and university-specific scholarships, there are numerous options catering to diverse fields of study, including science, technology, arts, and business.
