Apply for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2025–2026 for African youth. Study with full support while joining a leadership programme. Keep reading for rules, benefits and how to apply.
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.