About Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for Young African Changemakers is a prestigious program designed to empower and support exceptional young leaders from across the African continent in their pursuit of academic excellence, leadership development, and positive social impact.

In 2003, the scholarship program embodies the vision and values of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s iconic anti-apartheid leader and former president, by promoting reconciliation, education, and ethical leadership among Africa’s youth.

They look for young leaders who aspire to the principles below and who have demonstrated the potential to live them out.

• LEADERSHIP: Do you aspire to be a visionary leader who has moral authority? Do you see leadership as more than just personal ambition – as a way to pursue the advancement of equality and freedom, human rights and human dignity? And do you want to guide and inspire others to reach their full potential?
• RECONCILIATION: Do you believe that reconciliation – combined with reparation – is the key to harnessing an imperfect past to develop a more just world? And are you prepared to start the process by looking at your own internal landscape?
• EDUCATION: Do you have excellent academic results but believe that your education should not only benefit you but make a difference for others? And do you agree that intellectual excellence must be accompanied by character and a rounded personality?
• ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Do you want to see Africa take its rightful place as an equal and competitive presence in the global world? Have you demonstrated individual effort, innovation and creativity to this end?

Eligibility Criteria for Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

• You must also have demonstrated leadership on your campus or in your community.
• Be between the ages of 19 and 29 at the time of applying.
• Students who are citizens of an African country, no matter where they are currently living or studying, are eligible.
• The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is for postgraduate study (Honours and Masters degrees) in any field, with the exception of MBAs, which they do not fund.
• You 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.

Benefits of Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

• Tuition and registration fees as set by your university or institution
• A study materials allowance as set by the MRF
• Accommodation and meal allowances as set by the MRF
• A medical aid allowance as set by the MRF
• A personal allowance as set by the MRF
• Research and conferencing grants can be made available on request
• Economy-class flights for international scholars from their home countries to their institutions at the start and end of their studies.

Application for Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

1. Log onto their applications platform to access your application
2. Upload your documents and essays.
3. The three people who write your recommendation letters must also log onto the platform to upload their letters directly.
4. Must give them plenty of time to write their letters, sign onto the platform, and upload them.
5. Your application cannot be submitted without the letters and will not be considered.

Deadline: April 21, 2024.

Apply here