Scholarships in South Africa

After discussing the costs of studying and living in South Africa, in this article we will present another topic that helps the students in their study journey, which is the scholarships. Here you are some of the available scholarships in South Africa:

University of Cape Town Postgraduate Research Scholarships

The University of Cape Town offers postgraduate research scholarships in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

As a leading public research university, it offers big opportunities for those who have an interest in different fields. These scholarships will provide master and PhD students with financial aid.

Moreover, the recipients of this scholarship will assist a research team in the Department of Child Health and Pediatrics.

University of Pretoria – Masters Degree Scholarships in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa

The Human Rights Center in the University of Pretoria offers this scholarship, with the partnership of 13 leading African universities. This scholarship is valid for a one-year master course: master of law or of human rights and democratization in Africa.

This unique program is suitable for those who hold a bachelor of law (LLB) or honors in disciplines related to human rights and democratization. Around 25-30 students benefit annually from this scholarship.

MasterCard Foundation Scholarships at University of Cape Town (UCT)

The University of Cape Town, with the partnership of MasterCard Foundation, offers scholarships in South Africa for the international students.

These scholarships are offered for individuals from Sub-Saharan Africa, who are professional academics but lack the financial resources to pursue studies.

Each recipient receives a comprehensive scholarship, together with the academic support, training opportunities, career guidance, and transition to work support and access to a global alumni network. 

The partnership offers 58 fully funded scholarship opportunities in South Africa: 13 undergraduate, 15 honors, and 30 masters’ degree scholarships.

Mandela Rhodes Scholarships for International Students

These scholarships are open for the individuals between 19 and 29 years old, who want to study postgraduate (masters and honors) degrees in South African universities. This program combines between the financial support for the postgraduate students and a high-quality leadership program that aims to develop exceptional leading capacities in Africa.

Through this program, the researcher can study for a maximum of two years in one of the South African universities and get an accredited postgraduate degree.

Learn more about this South African scholarship 

To be eligible for the Mandela Rhodes scholarships, international students are to be registered in a South African university for a master’s degree (except for an MBA) or honors degree in any fields. Distance learning is not allowed. Moreover, you absolutely have to study in South Africa where you have to attend compulsory leadership workshops, regional pods and mentoring programs. 

This other condition goes without saying: academic excellence is necessary, since the scholarship is competitive. Your grades should be above 70% to be eligible, and you must have leadership abilities put to work in your community and your university to raise your chance to get this scholarship.

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Environmental Humanities at the University of Pretoria (UP) 

The Center for the Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria (UP) offers a postdoctoral fellowship in the environmental humanities. It is available to any international or national candidate.

Qualification Conditions

To join the program, students must:

• Be a holder of a PhD degree for no more than five years prior to their appointment as postdoctoral fellows.
• Be a young researcher (up to 40 years of age).
• Hold a PhD in any discipline of Humanities, such as Anthropology, English / Literature, History, Philosophy. This is in addition to certain disciplines in Social Sciences, such as Sociology and Geography.
• Have work experience in the area of environmental studies and/or related field. Otherwise, student should show potential for research interest in environmental humanities.

Added Advantages

• Candidates who show interest in the impact of extraction industries on the environment.
• Those who have proof of active research and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

English Language Requirement

Usually, candidates should submit proof of English language proficiency, with a higher level than that required by the university.

Turning the Tide International Masters and PhD Scholarships in South Africa

This South African scholarship is a partial funding offered by the Stellenbosch University for students in arts and social sciences. The funding award is up to 400,000 ZAR for a PhD and up to 105,000 ZAR for a master’s degree. International students in South Africa can apply for this scholarship. 

To be eligible, you have to achieve minimum grades of 75% for your previous degree. Document required include providing a preliminary research proposal of 1000 words maximum as well as a motivation letter of 600 words. Along with full academic records and passport copy, international students must also provide a proof of English language proficiency. 

Learn more on the subject on the website of the Stellenbosch University

To make sure you get all your expenses covered while you pursue your study in South Africa, read also our article on the cost of living and studying in South Africa