5 Fully Funded Scholarships in South Africa
South Africa is a leading destination for international students seeking high-quality education supported by a wide range of fully and partially funded scholarship opportunities. Prestigious programmes such as the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in partnership with universities like the University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, and the University of Pretoria, as well as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) In-Country/In-Region Scholarships, provide extensive funding for outstanding students across the region.
These scholarships are designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies by covering key costs such as tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, study materials, travel, medical insurance, and academic support services.
Beyond financial assistance, many of these programmes also focus on leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement, empowering scholars to become future leaders and change-makers. Together, these funding opportunities make South Africa a hub for accessible, inclusive, and transformative higher education for international students from across Africa and beyond.
Fully Funded and Partially Funded Scholarships in South Africa
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious leadership and funding opportunity designed to support outstanding African students pursuing postgraduate studies in South Africa. Open to students undertaking a one-year Honours degree or a two-year Master’s degree in any field at a recognised South African higher education institution, this scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to reduce the burden of studying abroad.
The scholarship covers essential study-related expenses including tuition and registration fees, accommodation, meals, study materials, research support, medical aid, personal allowance, and economy-class travel to and from the recipient’s home country. Beyond financial funding, the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship also focuses on leadership development, empowering scholars to become impactful leaders committed to positive change across Africa.
Covers:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Study materials
- Leadership Development programs
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2. University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a transformative scholarship and leadership initiative designed to support highly talented and service-oriented international students, particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa, in accessing higher education. In partnership with institutions such as the University of Cape Town, this funding program provides comprehensive scholarships for undergraduate, honours, and master’s studies, ensuring that students can pursue world-class education without financial barriers.
The scholarship covers full study costs including tuition, living expenses, accommodation, travel, medical aid, and academic support services, making it one of the most inclusive funding opportunities for international students. Beyond financial assistance, the program emphasizes leadership development, community engagement, mentorship, and career preparation, empowering scholars to become ethical and transformative leaders who contribute meaningfully to social and economic development in their home countries and across Africa.
Covers:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation
- Living allowance
- Books
- Travel costs
- Medical Insurance
- Academic Support services.
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3. University of Western Cape Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a transformative scholarship and leadership initiative designed to support highly talented and service-oriented international students, particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa, in accessing higher education. In partnership with institutions such as the University of Western Cape, this funding program provides comprehensive scholarships for undergraduate, honours, and master’s studies, ensuring that students can pursue world-class education without financial barriers.
The scholarship covers full study costs including tuition, living expenses, accommodation, travel, medical aid, and academic support services, making it one of the most inclusive funding opportunities for international students. Beyond financial assistance, the program emphasizes leadership development, community engagement, mentorship, and career preparation, empowering scholars to become ethical and transformative leaders who contribute meaningfully to social and economic development in their home countries and across Africa.
Covers:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation
- Living allowance
- Books
- Travel costs
- Medical Insurance
- Academic Support services.
Explore More: Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today
4. University of Pretoria Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
University of Cape Town Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is a transformative scholarship and leadership initiative designed to support highly talented and service-oriented international students, particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa, in accessing higher education. In partnership with institutions such as the University of Pretoria, this funding program provides comprehensive scholarships for undergraduate, honours, and master’s studies, ensuring that students can pursue world-class education without financial barriers.
The scholarship covers full study costs including tuition, living expenses, accommodation, travel, medical aid, and academic support services, making it one of the most inclusive funding opportunities for international students. Beyond financial assistance, the program emphasizes leadership development, community engagement, mentorship, and career preparation, empowering scholars to become ethical and transformative leaders who contribute meaningfully to social and economic development in their home countries and across Africa.
Covers:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation
- Living allowance
- Books
- Travel costs
- Medical Insurance
- Academic Support services.
Explore More: Get Expert Scholarship Application Guidance today
. DAAD In-Region/In-Country Scholarships (South Africa)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) In-Country/In-Region Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa is a development-focused scholarship and funding opportunity designed to strengthen higher education systems and support sustainable development across the region. This scholarship is open to graduates and postgraduate students from Sub-Saharan Africa who wish to pursue Master’s degrees either in their home country or within another eligible country in the region. It is specifically targeted at individuals intending to build careers in teaching and research within higher education institutions, making it a key driver of academic capacity building.
The funding supports development-related Master’s programmes and typically covers monthly living support, study and research allowances, thesis publishing costs, and tuition fees for the full duration of study. The programme especially encourages applications from female candidates and individuals from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds offering them an opportunity to access quality postgraduate education while contributing to regional development and academic excellence.
Covers:
- Tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Study and research allowance
- Thesis publishing costs
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