Studying abroad is a dream for many South African students. The opportunity to gain an international education not only broadens one’s horizons but also enhances career prospects. However, the cost of studying overseas can be prohibitive. Fortunately, several scholarships are available to South African students wishing to pursue higher education abroad.
This article explores some of the best scholarships available for South African students and provides guidance on how to apply for them.
1. Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships available to South African students. It is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, and a commitment to social justice. The scholarship is named after Nelson Mandela and Cecil Rhodes and aims to develop exceptional leadership skills in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of any African country.
- Be between the ages of 19 and 30.
- Demonstrate leadership and academic excellence.
- Must have a first degree or equivalent.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition fees.
- Provides a personal allowance for accommodation and meals.
- Offers leadership development programs and mentorship.
Application Process:
- Applications open annually, usually around March.
- Candidates must submit an online application, including academic records, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
2. Chevening Scholarship
The Chevening Scholarship is a UK government program that offers financial support to outstanding individuals with leadership potential. It allows students to pursue a one-year master’s degree at any UK university.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, including South Africa.
- Must have at least two years of work experience.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree that enables entry into a UK master’s program.
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to improving South Africa.
Benefits:
- Covers full tuition fees.
- Provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Covers travel costs to and from the UK.
- Includes additional grants for essential expenditures.
Application Process:
- Applications open annually from August to November.
- The application process includes submitting academic transcripts, references, and a personal statement.
3. Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship is an initiative by the UK government to support students from Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarship is designed for students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
- Must hold an honors degree or equivalent.
- Must not be able to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition fees.
- Provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Covers travel costs to and from the UK.
Application Process:
- Applications are typically open from November to December.
- Applicants must be nominated by their home country.
- The application requires submission of academic records, a research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
4. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a prestigious scholarship offered by the U.S. government. It provides South African students the opportunity to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at any university in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Demonstrate academic merit and leadership potential.
- Have a good command of English.
Benefits:
- Covers full tuition fees.
- Provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Includes health insurance and travel costs.
Application Process:
- Applications are open annually from February to April.
- The process involves submitting an online application, academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a research proposal or statement of purpose.
5. DAAD Scholarship for Postgraduate Studies
The DAAD Scholarship is funded by the German government and is aimed at students from developing countries, including South Africa. It supports students who wish to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of a developing country.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (for master’s applications) or a master’s degree (for doctoral applications).
- Have at least two years of professional experience.
- Demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential.
Benefits:
- Covers full tuition fees.
- Provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Covers health insurance, travel costs, and study or research allowance.
Application Process:
- Applications open annually from August to October.
- The process includes submitting an online application, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of work experience.
6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) are part of the European Union’s Erasmus+ program. These scholarships are awarded to students from all over the world, including South Africa, to study in Europe. The program allows students to earn a joint or multiple degrees from participating universities in different European countries.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must hold a first degree or equivalent.
- Meet the specific eligibility criteria of the chosen program.
- Demonstrate academic excellence.
Benefits:
- Covers full tuition fees.
- Provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Includes travel and installation costs.
Application Process:
- Applications open annually from October to January.
- Applicants must apply directly to the chosen EMJMD program, submitting academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a motivation letter.
7. Australia Awards Scholarship
The Australia Awards Scholarship is an initiative by the Australian government to provide educational opportunities for students from developing countries, including South Africa. The scholarship is aimed at students who wish to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a citizen of a participating country, including South Africa.
- Meet the academic and English language requirements for the program.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and a commitment to contributing to their home country after completion of the program.
Benefits:
- Covers full tuition fees.
- Provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.
- Includes travel costs, health insurance, and additional academic support.
Application Process:
- Applications are open annually from February to April.
- The process involves submitting an online application, academic records, references, and a personal statement.
8. Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship
The Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarship is designed to support students who wish to pursue graduate-level coursework or research in a foreign country. The scholarship is particularly focused on students who have a strong commitment to humanitarian work and peace-building.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be endorsed by a Rotary district or club.
- Demonstrate a commitment to Rotary’s areas of focus, such as peacebuilding, disease prevention, and education.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Benefits:
- Provides a scholarship of up to $30,000 to cover tuition, travel, and living expenses.
Application Process:
- Applications are typically open throughout the year.
- The process involves submitting a detailed application, including a personal statement and letters of recommendation, to a local Rotary club.
Read More: How to Apply for Bursaries for the 2025 Academic Year
Tips for Applying for Scholarships
Securing a scholarship can be highly competitive. Here are some tips to help increase your chances of success:
- Start Early: Begin researching scholarships at least a year before you plan to start your studies. This will give you enough time to prepare your application materials and meet all deadlines.
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Carefully read the eligibility requirements for each scholarship. Make sure you meet all the criteria before applying.
- Prepare Strong Supporting Documents: Your application will typically require several supporting documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Make sure these documents are well-prepared and clearly demonstrate your qualifications and achievements.
- Write a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your opportunity to tell your story and explain why you deserve the scholarship. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to your community.
- Get Recommendations from Reputable Sources: Letters of recommendation should come from individuals who know you well and can speak to your abilities and character. These could include professors, employers, or community leaders.
- Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your application is free of spelling and grammatical errors. A well-written application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
- Be Persistent: Don’t be discouraged if you don’t win a scholarship on your first try. Many successful applicants apply multiple times before securing funding.
Related: 5 Tips on How to Write an Outstanding Bursary Application Letter
Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, offering South African students the chance to gain a world-class education and develop valuable global networks. While the cost of international study can be daunting, there are many scholarships available to help make this dream a reality.
By carefully researching the options and preparing a strong application, you can increase your chances of securing one of these prestigious scholarships and taking the first step towards your international education.