Below is a list of ongoing fully-funded and partial scholarships for students in South Africa to help fund your studies abroad or in South Africa. View list, learn how to apply for scholarships and win a scholarship today.
Applications are open for the International Telecommunication Union (ITU 1st UN Citiverse Challenge 2025. The 1st UN Citiverse Challenge invites students and startups to reimagine and design innovative solutions that leverage the transformative potential of the citiverse and digital public infrastructure to address pressing global challenges. By focusing on three critical themes-access to public services, sustainability and resilience, and tourism and digital culture-participants will develop bold ideas and prototypes to shape the cities of tomorrow.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2025
King Saud University (KSU) invites talented and distinguished graduate students from Saudi Arabia and around the world to apply for its King Saud University Initiative, a PhD scholarship in Riyadh. Approved by the KSU Board of Directors, this initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to advance higher education, enhance scientific research, and support sustainable development.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2025
In response to this crisis caused by road traffic injuries, the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety has launched the 2025 Local Actions Call for Proposals, empowering young leaders to implement innovative, community-driven projects addressing road safety challenges.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the University of Auckland Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies (CAPS) Non-Residential Fellowship 2025. The University of Auckland's Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies (CAPRS) focuses on generating and amplifying rigorous scholarly research, particularly that which is led by those with lived experience of forcible displacement.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Wikipedian-in-Residence (WiR) Fellowships to Digitalise Youth Voices in Africa 2025. Code for Africa (CfA) is offering stipend-based fellowships to Six (6) African Wikipedians-in-Residence to empower youth voices and promote a secure digital space through Wikimedia projects.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the African Observatory on Responsible Al Scholarship for African Women 2025. The African Observatory on Responsible Al is committed to fostering ethical Al governance across the continent. As part of its Women in Focus initiative, the Observatory is offering five fully funded scholarships for African women to participate in a short course on Al Ethics and Policy.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Gender Grants 2025. The ACU Gender Grants are awarded annually to member universities to support initiatives that will boost gender equity and equality on campus.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Biomimicry Institute Ray of Hope Accelerator 2025. The Biomimicry Institute's Ray of Hope Accelerator is a 6-month program to accelerate the growth of nature-inspired startups to scale systemic solutions to the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
Date Posted: 27 Mar, 2025
For the twenty-fifth consecutive year, Canon and Visa pour l’Image will present the prestigious Canon Female Photojournalist Grant, recognizing outstanding contributions to photojournalism by female photographers. If you are a Female Photojournalist with outstanding contributions and achievements in social, economic, political, or cultural subjects in a journalistic manner, don’t miss this grant.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2025
Applications for the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships 2025/2026 are now open. The Royal Academy of Engineering offers Research Fellowships each year to outstanding early-career researchers to support them to become future research leaders in engineering.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 SOAS University of London Hyundai Motor Group Scholarships.Hyundai Motor Group is offering five scholarships intended to nurture talent from Africa at SOAS University of London. Apply now!
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the SKU CP Accelerator 2025 for Consumer Package Businesses. The SKU CPG Accelerator is a renowned 12-week program designed specifically for market-validated companies seeking to scale their innovative products across various consumer-packaged goods (CPG) categories.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2025
The IUCN World Conservation Congress - Call for Changemakers 2025 is now open. IUCN is searching for the next generation of young innovators leading the way in nature conservation and sustainability. The IUCN World Conservation Congress Changemakers brings together young innovators and visionary leaders who are developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions to biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development challenges in their communities.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the ETH4D Research to Action Grants 2025. The ETH4D Research to Action Grant aims to ensure that research results are being used, implemented, and disseminated. It supports ETH Zurich bachelor students, master students, doctoral candidates, post-docs, senior scientists, and professors to develop prototypes, explore opportunities for entrepreneurship and discuss their work with practitioners.
Date Posted: 26 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the ETH4D Teaching Stay Grant. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 25 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the ETH4D Visiting Scientist Grant. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 25 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the German Bundestag International Parliamentary Scholarship Programme 2026. The German Bundestag is inviting politically and socially committed young university graduates from southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa), East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) and West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal) to participate in a scholarship programme in Berlin.
Date Posted: 25 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Scholarship Programme 2025-2027. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is inviting applications for the IPCC Scholarship Programme from doctoral degree students who have been enrolled for at least a year, as well as those conducting post-doctoral research.
Date Posted: 25 Mar, 2025
The New York University Stern School of Business (NYU Stern Climate Economics for Journalists Fellowship) is accepting applications from international journalists2025. This fellowship offers an exclusive opportunity to bridge the gap between climate science, finance, and economic policies
Date Posted: 25 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Young Professionals Programme 2026. The WTO Young Professionals Programme was launched in 2016 as an opportunity for qualified young professionals from developing and least-developed members of the WTO to enhance their knowledge regarding the WTO and international trade issues.
Date Posted: 25 Mar, 2025
1. Why should I study in South Africa?
South Africa is home to some of the top universities in Africa, offering world-class education across various disciplines. The country has a vibrant cultural life, breathtaking landscapes, and opportunities for students to immerse themselves in a multicultural society.
2. What are the top universities in South Africa?
Some of the most prominent universities in South Africa include:
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
3. What are the admission requirements to study in South Africa?
Admission requirements vary depending on the university and program. Generally, students need:
A high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs.
Proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL (for nonnative speakers).
For postgraduate programs, a relevant bachelor's degree is required.
Some programs may have specific subject or grade requirements.
4. Are there scholarships available for international students in South Africa?
Yes, scholarships are available for both domestic and international students. Scholarships can be provided by:
The South African government through initiatives like the National Research Foundation.
Universities
International organizations and partnerships such as the Commonwealth Scholarships
5. Do I need a student visa to study in South Africa?
Yes, international students need a student visa to study in South Africa. The process requires you to provide:
Proof of admission to a South African university.
A valid passport.
Proof of financial means to support yourself during your studies.
Proof of medical insurance valid in South Africa.
6. Can I work while studying in South Africa?
Yes, international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during university holidays, as long as they hold a valid study visa.
7. What is the process for recognizing foreign qualifications in South Africa?
If you obtained your qualifications outside of South Africa, you may need to have them recognized through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This process ensures your previous academic qualifications meet South African standards for higher education.