Known as the Rainbow Nation and now recognizing 12 official languages, including South African Sign Language, South Africa opens many opportunities to international students. This country has a highly diverse population, breathtaking natural geography, and a rich history. It can be a strong option if you’re looking for a new country to take your studies to the next level.
Aside from the country’s gems, education in South Africa is another thing to look at. Universities offer world-class and affordable education to both local and foreign students. South Africa continues to attract students from across the region and beyond, and applicants should compare programs, fees, and funding opportunities carefully before applying.
South Africa scholarships are also provided to incoming and current international students in this country. If you’re looking for awards and scholarships to support your studies, this country can help you finance your education.
Top Scholarships in South Africa for International Students
| Scholarship Name | Scholarship Type | Eligible Degrees | Scholarship Value |
|---|
| University of Pretoria Ph.D. Commonwealth Scholarships | University of Pretoria | Ph.D. | R190,000 per year for accommodation, living costs, fees, medical aid |
| The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship | External | Master’s, Honors | Tuition plus study materials, research support, medical aid, accommodation and meals, a personal allowance, and economy-class travel for international scholars. |
| University of Cape Town – International and Refugee Scholarships | University of Cape Town | Master’s, Ph.D., Honors | R25,000 for Honors, R30,000 for master’s, and R35,000 for Ph.D. as supplementary support |
| Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships | External | Master’s | Full tuition and academic fees, living allowance, arrival, laptop, and departure allowances, economy-class flights, and applicable visa and health-related costs. |
1. The University of Pretoria Ph.D. Commonwealth Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: R190,000 per year for accommodation, living costs, fees, medical aid
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
The University of Pretoria (UP) is a public research university and is also considered one of the best universities in South Africa. The University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship is intended for academically strong applicants from Commonwealth countries outside South Africa who plan to begin doctoral studies at UP.
UP listed the Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarship as doctoral funding for studies. The available call materials stated that applicants had to be citizens of Commonwealth countries other than South Africa, had to have applied for admission to UP for doctoral studies, and had to identify a UP supervisor before applying.
The UP Commonwealth scholarship award is based on academic performance, research potential, leadership qualities, and evidence of research accomplishments. Applicants should follow the instructions in the current call and prepare documents such as academic transcripts, a passport, a motivation letter, a proposed research outline, and other documents requested by UP. Since this is a competitive scholarship, late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
2. The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Tuition plus study materials, research support, medical aid, accommodation and meals, a personal allowance, and economy-class travel for international scholars.
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Honors
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation offers scholarships to citizens of African countries who want to pursue Honors or master’s degrees at recognized South African institutions. The scholarship combines financial support with a leadership development program, and the foundation looks for students with strong academic results and leadership potential.
The application for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is made online. Applicants should prepare documents such as recommendation letters, academic transcripts and certificates, a copy of their passport, and essays connected to their personal journey and the foundation’s principles. Applicants must also apply separately to their chosen South African university because the scholarship is conditional on receiving a place in an eligible program.
The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is open to African citizens who are usually between 19 and 29 years old in the year of application and who can study in English. The scholarship does not cover university application fees, SAQA application fees, or visa-related support, so applicants should budget for these costs separately.
3. University of Cape Town – International and Refugee Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: R25,000 for Honors, R30,000 for master’s, and R35,000 for Ph.D. as supplementary support
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s, Ph.D., Honors
Founded in 1829, the University of Cape Town (UCT) in Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa, is a public research university and is considered the oldest university in South Africa. UCT describes itself as one of Africa’s leading universities and has been ranked first in Africa by major global university rankings.
UCT has offered International and Refugee Scholarships to help support international and refugee students in Honors, master’s, and doctoral programs. Published scholarship listings have described these awards as supplementary support rather than full funding, with historical values of R25,000 for Honors, R30,000 for master’s, and R35,000 for Ph.D. students.
For the qualifications, requirements, values, and deadlines, applicants should contact UCT’s Postgraduate Funding Office or check the current UCT funding pages before applying. These scholarships have been competitive and may be renewable depending on satisfactory academic progress, but availability and award amounts can change from year to year.
4. Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Amount: Full tuition and academic fees, living allowance, arrival, laptop, and departure allowances, economy-class flights, and applicable visa and health-related costs.
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
The Beit Trust Postgraduate Scholarships award scholarships to nationals of Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi who are domiciled in those countries and intend to return after their studies. The Beit Trust supports postgraduate study at partner universities in the United Kingdom and South Africa. Its current guidance states that its focus is on master’s study and that it does not award Ph.D. scholarships from the start, except in exceptional cases as an extension for outstanding Beit Scholars.
In South Africa, Beit Trust partner universities include Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, Rhodes University, and the University of Pretoria.
You can apply for this scholarship through the Beit Trust application process and should also follow the admission requirements of your chosen partner universities. For South African partner universities, Beit Trust allows applicants to submit course choices before receiving a university offer because South African university applications may open after the Beit deadline.
We hope that this article on the best scholarships in South Africa was helpful! To find more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
