South Africa Scholarships for International Students (2026/2027)

In 2026, South Africa is still the best place on the African continent to do research. The 2026/2027 academic year focuses on advanced postgraduate research and transformative leadership in the scholarship landscape. In South Africa, unlike in many other places, you often have to apply for funding almost a full year in advance.

1. The Full-Ride Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

This is Africa’s most prestigious leadership scholarship for young Africans who want to start their own businesses and work towards peace.

• The Prize: 100% Paid for.
  • Benefits include full tuition, a large living allowance, a book allowance, medical help, and travel expenses.
  • The Leadership Programme includes required high-level leadership workshops and a network of alumni that lasts a lifetime.
• Timeline for 2027 Intake:
  • Deadline for applications: April 14, 2026 (now).
  • Choice: Interviews are held in October 2026 for a job that starts in January 2027.
• Requirements: Citizens of any African country between the ages of 19 and 28 who want to study for a master’s or honours degree at a recognised South African university.

2. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

A worldwide effort to help talented students from poor backgrounds in Africa.

• The University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of Pretoria (UP), and Wits University are the host universities.
• The award includes full tuition, housing, books, and a full stipend.
• 2027 Intake: * UCT: The deadline for applications for 2027 is usually in September or October 2026.
  • UP: For international applicants, the deadline is often August 2026.
• Focus: Students who have shown that they care about helping their communities.

3. International Awards for Specific Universities

The “Big Three” universities in South Africa have large internal funding pools for international researchers.

International Student Scholarships from the University of Cape Town (UCT)

• The Prize: Between R20,000 and R100,000 for graduate school.
• The last day to apply for the 2027 intake is November 10, 2026, but many independent awards close as early as August 2026.
• You must apply to UCT for admission at the same time as or before you apply for funding.

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University)

• The Wits International Postgraduate Grant helps pay for some of the tuition costs for master’s and PhD students.
• The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office handles applications for the 2026–2027 school year. The main deadlines are in September 2026.

Iso Lomso Fellowship at Stellenbosch University

• Target: African researchers who are just starting out or in the middle of their careers.
• The award is a three-year membership in the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), which includes a 10-month stay and money for travel.
• The deadline for applications for the first semester of 2028 is July 1, 2026, and the deadline for applications is October 31, 2026.

4. How to avoid taking the IELTS or TOEFL in South Africa in 2026

Because English is the main language of instruction in South Africa, requirements are flexible:

• SADC and African Students: If you finished your secondary school or bachelor’s degree in English (which is common in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and other places), you don’t have to take the IELTS at UCT, Wits, or Stellenbosch.
• Medium of Instruction (MOI): If you are an international student, your previous university registrar’s official MOI letter is almost always accepted instead of a standardised test.
• South African Matric: You don’t need to take any more tests if you have a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) and passed English.

5. Important Timeline for 2026 and 2027

1. The last day to apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship (for 2027 entry) is April 14, 2026.
2. June 2026: The National Research Foundation (NRF) stops taking applications for master’s and doctoral degrees for the 2027 school year.
3. August to September 2026 is the best time to apply for UCT and Wits international postgraduate grants.
4. Most South African universities start their school year in January 2027.

Final Thoughts

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is the best way for international students to get full funding and be a leader. If you are a high-level researcher, the best way to make sure you have enough money is to get a paid PhD or postdoc at Stellenbosch or UCT. When you apply, focus on your academic merit and social responsibility. South African committees value scholars who want to help solve problems in Africa.