2025 Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for Young Africans

Applications are open for the 2025 Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for study in Africa.

This offer is for young people who want to grow as leaders while studying at a postgraduate level.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation supports those who care about fairness, freedom and equal rights.

The award includes full school support and a series of workshops.

The sessions take place during study and focus on personal growth and leadership learning.

Receive Full Student Benefits

The scholarship covers the following:

• Tuition and school fees based on what the school sets
• Study materials based on the set amount
• Housing and food based on the set amount
• Health care cover based on the set amount
• Monthly allowance based on the set amount
• Travel support for start and end of study if from another country
• Funds for research or conference trips if requested

Check Who Can Apply

To qualify, you must:

• Be a citizen of any African country
• Be between 19 and 29 years old
• Have an undergraduate degree with over 70% or upper-second class honours before 1 January 2026
• Be ready to study in English
• Have a wish to lead with fairness and respect
• Care about human rights and dignity
• Be open to change and learning through the workshops

Know What Matters in Selection

Selection is based on four ideas:

Leadership

• Do you aim to lead by guiding others?
• Do you want to help people reach their best?

Reconciliation

• Do you believe in fixing old problems for a better future?
• Can you look inward and face your own past?

Education

• Do you have strong school results?
• Do you want your learning to help others too?

Entrepreneurship

• Do you act on your own to solve problems?
• Have you shown action or new ideas for Africa’s progress?

Use the Application Page

Submit your form through the Mandela Rhodes online application portal.

Learn more from the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship application guide page.

All documents and referee letters must be sent by 21 April 2025.