The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is a renowned organization established in 2003 as one of Nelson Mandela’s official legacy organizations in partnership with the Rhodes Trust. The Foundation’s primary objective is to cultivate exceptional leadership skills among Africans. Through the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, the organization empowers young Africans, encouraging them to utilize their talents to serve their societies and the continent at large.
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship provides African students with the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in South Africa and participate in the Leadership Development Programme. Over the past 16 years, the Foundation has supported more than 500 students from 28 African countries.
MRF Scholarship Program for 2024: The Mandela Rhodes Foundation invites applications for the scholarship award for the 2024 academic year. The scholarship covers postgraduate studies, including Honours and Masters degrees, in any field. It is open to students from all African countries who wish to study at selected institutions in South Africa.
Expenses Covered, Duration, Payment, and Obligations: The scholarship covers various study-related expenses, such as registration fees, tuition fees, study material allowance, meal and accommodation allowance, personal allowance, medical aid allowance, and economy-class flights for students from countries outside of South Africa. Scholars may also receive research and conferencing grants upon request.
The duration of the scholarship is up to two years, with Honours students receiving funding for one year and Masters students receiving funding for one or two years. Allowances are paid twice a year, and scholars are required to provide proof of registration at the beginning of the year and a progress report from their university two weeks after the start of the second semester. Allowances are paid directly to scholars, while tuition and registration fees are paid to the tertiary institution.
Scholars also participate in leadership development workshops, including residential workshops, regional pods, and a Mentoring Programme.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen or a citizen of any other African country
- Be between the ages of 19 and 29
- Be willing to travel to South Africa if residing in a country other than South Africa
- Intend to study at one of the approved institutions (application or acceptance is not required at the time of application)
- Have completed or will complete an undergraduate degree qualification by 1 January 2024
- Intend to pursue a postgraduate qualification (Honours or Masters degree) in 2024
- Have a minimum overall average of 70% in their undergraduate degree qualification
- Possess strong leadership skills and have held a leadership position on campus or in the community
- Be committed to using their talents to advance equality, freedom, and human dignity in Africa
- Demonstrate potential to embody the MRF’s founding principles of education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation
- Commit to participating in the MRF leadership development program, including in-person and online workshops and activities
- Respect the conditions of the scholarship and not defer it to another year
- Maintain high standards of work and conduct during the studies
- Not be receiving any other scholarship or funding opportunity
- Not engage in paid work for more than 12 hours a week during the studies
Application Process:
Applications for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship must be submitted online through the scholarship application platform. Applicants need to register an account before proceeding with the application. It is necessary to indicate “Uni24.co.za” as the source of information about the scholarship.
Applicants must provide clear copies of supporting documentation, including ID documents or passports, degree certificates, academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and two short essays.
Selection Process:
The selection process follows a specific timeline:
- Applications open on 14 March 2023.
- Applications close on 21 April 2023.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the end of June 2023 for the second round.
- Further shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the end of July 2023 for the third round.
- All candidates will be informed by the end of August 2023 if they have been unsuccessful or invited for an interview in the final round.
- Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in South Africa by the end of October 2023. Students residing outside of South Africa will be flown in for an in-person interview.
- Selected Mandela Rhodes Scholars must secure a placement at a university and obtain a study visa between October and December 2023 for the 2024 academic year.
Closing Date:
The closing date for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is 21 April 2023. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries related to the scholarship program, applicants can contact the Mandela Rhodes Foundation directly via email at info@mrf.org.za or through their contact page: https://www.mandelarhodes.org/contact/.
