Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2025
- Omran Aburayya
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
If you're a young African leader eager to further your education while enhancing your leadership skills, the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2025 offers a transformative opportunity. This prestigious scholarship not only provides comprehensive financial support for postgraduate studies but also immerses scholars in a leadership development program inspired by the values of Nelson Mandela. Everything you need to know about this exciting opportunity is in this article.
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2025 Summary
Location: South Africa
Host Universities: Recognized South African institutions of higher education
Study Level: Postgraduate (Honours and Master's degrees)
Areas of Focus: All fields of study
Target Group: Young African leaders
Funding Type: Fully functional
Duration: One-year Honours degree or up to two years for a Master's degree
Application Deadline: 21 April 2025
Start Date: January 2026
Eligible To: Citizens of any African country aged between 19 and 29, holding an undergraduate degree with excellent academic results (above 70% or upper-second class Honours)
Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Overview
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship aims to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa by offering financial support for postgraduate studies combined with a high-quality Leadership Development Programme. Scholars can pursue an Honours or Master's degree in any field at a recognized South African institution. The program seeks individuals who embody the principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, aligning with Nelson Mandela's legacy.
Scholarship Benefits
Full tuition and registration fees
Allowances for study materials, research, and medical aid
Accommodation and meals
Personal allowance for living expenses
Economy-class travel to and from South Africa at the start and end of the degree program
Other Benefits
Leadership Development Programme: Beyond financial aid, scholars participate in a comprehensive leadership development program that includes:
Residential Workshops: Three workshops in the first year (and two in the second year for two-year programs) focusing on personal growth, leadership skills, and community building.
Mentoring: Access to mentors who provide guidance and support throughout the scholarship tenure.
Networking: Opportunities to connect with a diverse cohort of young African leaders, fostering a continent-wide network committed to positive change.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, applicants must:
Be between the ages of 19 and 29.
Be a citizen of any African country.
Hold a first degree with above-average academic results (70% or upper-second class Honours).
Have demonstrated leadership and made an impact in their campus or community.
Must be able to do written and verbal academic work, in English, at a postgraduate level. English is the main medium of tuition at South African universities.
Application Procedure
1. Online Application:
Applications open on 17 March 2025 and close on 21 April 2025. Candidates must apply through the Mandela Rhodes Foundation's online platform after registering an account.
2. Recommendation Letters:
Applicants need to provide contact details of recommenders who will submit their letters through the application platform.
3. Documentation:
Required documents include certificates of completion for degrees, academic transcripts, and scans of ID or passport documents.
4. Essays:
Two short essays are required: one detailing the applicant's personal journey and another addressing a specific question related to the foundation's principles.
5. University Admission:
Applicants must apply separately to their chosen South African universities. Acceptance into a university is a prerequisite for the scholarship award.
6. SAQA Certificate:
Non-South African applicants may need to obtain a South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) certificate to verify the equivalence of their degrees. This process can take 4-8 weeks.
🗓️ Application Deadline: April 21, 2025
ℹ️ For further information, visit the official website here.
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
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