🎓 Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2028: Fully Funded Honours and Master’s Study in South Africa

The scholarship does not fund undergraduate degrees, MBAs, programmes delivered predominantly online or block courses. Eligibility for the scholarship does not guarantee admission to a university; both requirements must be satisfied.

Application opening date and deadline

Applications for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Class of 2028 open on 9 March 2027 and close on 14 April 2027 at 23:59 GMT+2. The Foundation states that late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should prepare well before the application window opens. In particular, they should identify suitable universities and degree programmes, contact prospective referees, gather academic documents and begin reflecting on their leadership experiences.

How to apply

1. Visit the official Mandela Rhodes Foundation application page.
2. Review the Class of 2028 eligibility criteria and application timeline.
3. Identify a suitable Honours or Master’s programme at a recognised South African institution.
4. Prepare your academic transcripts, degree certificates and identity documents.
5. Arrange three referees who can provide meaningful recommendations. All three letters must be uploaded through the application platform by the deadline.
6. Prepare the required personal essays, including the essay about your personal journey and the essay addressing the Foundation’s principles.
7. Complete the online application and ensure all required documents and recommendations have been submitted before the deadline.
8. Apply separately to your chosen university or universities. The scholarship application does not replace the university admission process.

Application advice

A strong application should explain more than academic achievement. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have taken responsibility, responded to challenges, worked with others or contributed to your community.

When preparing your essays, avoid simply repeating your CV. Explain what you learned from your experiences, how your values influence your decisions and what you hope to contribute to Africa through your education and future work.

Choose referees who know your work, character or leadership well enough to provide detailed examples. Contact them early, explain the scholarship’s purpose and give them sufficient time to prepare their recommendations.

Research your proposed degree carefully. Confirm that the institution recognises your existing qualifications and that you can meet the programme’s admission requirements. Applicants with qualifications obtained outside South Africa should review whether SAQA verification may be needed; this process can take several weeks.

Finally, remember that this is a competitive scholarship. Meeting the minimum requirements makes you eligible to apply, but does not guarantee selection or university admission.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship fully funded?

It covers the core costs of an eligible postgraduate degree, including tuition and registration, specified living allowances, medical aid, study materials and eligible travel. Some expenses, including visa and university application fees, are excluded.

2. Can Nigerians apply?

Yes. Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply because Nigeria is an African country. Applicants must also satisfy the age, academic, language and other programme requirements.

3. Can I study any course?

The scholarship supports a broad range of academic fields for eligible Honours and Master’s degrees. However, MBAs, block courses and programmes delivered predominantly online are excluded. Check both the Foundation’s rules and the university’s admission requirements.

4. Must I already have university admission when applying?

The Foundation does not require proof of university application at the initial scholarship application stage, but it strongly recommends applying to suitable universities early. You must secure admission to an eligible institution to take up the scholarship.

5. Do I need recommendation letters?

Yes. Three recommendation letters are required. Your referees must submit their letters through the online application platform, and all required recommendations must be uploaded by the deadline.

6. When does the Class of 2028 application close?

The deadline is 14 April 2027 at 23:59 GMT+2. The application window opens on 9 March 2027.

7. Does the scholarship cover undergraduate study?

No. It supports eligible postgraduate Honours and Master’s degrees, not undergraduate degrees.

Current application status

Upcoming opportunity — applications open 9 March 2027. The Class of 2028 deadline is 14 April 2027. Applicants should use the official Foundation website to check the latest requirements and submit their applications.