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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.
Are you passionate about microscopy and photography? The Nikon Small World Competition 2025 invites scientists, artists, and enthusiasts worldwide to showcase their stunning images and videos captured through a light microscope. Celebrate the beauty and complexity of life at the microscopic level and compete for prestigious prizes.
Date Posted: 03 Apr, 2025
Are you dedicated to nurturing and growing your local ecosystem for Climate Tech entrepreneurship? Impact Pioneers '25 a leadership programme that welcomes you to exchange experiences with an international network of peers and gain first hand insights and experience from Sweden’s most successful Climate Tech entrepreneurship leaders and environments. The programme runs across 8 weeks, mixing weekly online sessions with a one-week onsite summit in Stockholm in October 2025.
Date Posted: 03 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the Pulitzer Center Africa Climate and Environment Micro Grants 2025. The Pulitzer Center's Africa Outreach Program, launched in 2022, engages young professionals and impacted communities on issues of deforestation, ocean and marine resource management, water resources preservation, and the impacts of climate change on labor and workers highlighted in Pulitzer Center-supported stories.
Date Posted: 03 Apr, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Peter Drucker Challenge Essay Contest. Enter this contest and stand a chance to win a trip to Austria!
Date Posted: 03 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the WFSA Scholarships to the World Congress of Anaesthesiologists (WCA) 2026. World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) is offering scholarships for the World Congress of Anaesthesiologists (WCA) 2026, made possible through generous donations from partner organisations and individuals.
Date Posted: 03 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the Paul Farmer Lectureship and Award for Global Health Equity 2025. To honour the legacy of Dr. Paul Farmer, the McGill School of Population and Global Health (SPGH) established the Paul Farmer Lectureship and Award for Global Health Equity in 2024 to be given annually to an individual who models and demonstrates Paul's vision of a 'preferential option for the poor' to achieve equity in health.
Date Posted: 02 Apr, 2025
The TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme provides postdoctoral researchers living and working in sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to make a three-month 'Cooperation Visit' to a research institute in Germany. Such visits must be undertaken within 12 months of the award.
Date Posted: 02 Apr, 2025
African creators are invited to join the Makifaa Lens on Africa Challenge 2025. Submit your best high-quality photos that capture the modern, diverse and dynamic spirit of Africa from street scenes and portraits to cultural traditions and innovation.
Date Posted: 02 Apr, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Universal Postal Union (UPU) International Letter-Writing Competition. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Apr, 2025
Applications for the UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists 2025 are now open. The UNESCO-AI Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists in STEM aims to boost research, education, and global cooperation to tackle challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Date Posted: 02 Apr, 2025
Applications for the ATKV × Global Changemakers Global Youth Summit 2025 are now open. The Global Youth Summit 2025 is a fully funded, life-changing opportunity for young Changemakers worldwide! This year, ATKV and Global Changemakers are bringing together passionate youth leaders in Cape Town, South Africa, from 20 - 24 October, 2025 for an immersive experience in leadership, innovation, and collaboration.
Date Posted: 01 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the Audi Environmental Foundation Scholarship to Attend One Young World Summit 2025. The Audi Environmental Foundation actively supports research into new technologies and scientific methods for a liveable future. Its stated goal is to make a contribution to environmental protection and to create and promote ways of behaving sustainably.
Date Posted: 01 Apr, 2025
Applications are invited for the UNICEF Call for Innovative WASH Solutions 2025. The UNICEF Sustainable WASH Innovation Hub sources, accelerates and scales transformative water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) solutions to drive lasting impact for children and their families.
Date Posted: 01 Apr, 2025
Nominations are open for the Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize 2025. The Prize honors outstanding leaders from any country or discipline who demonstrate the vision and courage to tackle the complexity of today's world. Nominate a leader today!
Date Posted: 01 Apr, 2025
Nominations are open for the Arrell Global Food Innovation Awards 2025. The Arrell Global Food Innovation Award recognizes global excellence in the broad area of food innovation and community impact.
Date Posted: 31 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant 2025. The grant aims to continue Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer's contribution to and passion for Africa, the environment, and pioneering science. The purpose of the grant is to support early-career scientists that are conducting impactful research that will provide solutions to some of Africa's most pressing problems.
Date Posted: 31 Mar, 2025
Are you an African entrepreneur passionate about revolutionizing agriculture with innovative solutions? If yes, apply now for the Digital Africa AgTech Startup Challenge 2025. The Digital Africa Ag Tech Startup Challenge is your chance to shine as an entrepreneur! Join the challenge at the 3rd African Forum on Investment and Sustainability in Agricultural Value Chains, happening on April 17, 2025, in Ben Guerir, Morocco.
Date Posted: 31 Mar, 2025
Applications are ongoing for the Climate Launchpad: The Green Business Ideas Competition 2025. The ClimateLaunchpad is part of the Entrepreneurship offerings of Climate KIC. Through ClimateLaunchpad, they create a stage for the people who have great ideas for climate innovation and help them take the first steps of entrepreneurial thinking, business planning, and a pitch around their idea - developing those ideas into start-ups and making a global impact.
Date Posted: 31 Mar, 2025
The Overseas Development Institute (ODI) Fellowship Scheme 2025-27 accepts applications. Since its founding in 1963, the Scheme has matched early-career economists with government positions worldwide. Through the ODI Fellowship program, early-career economists and statisticians can work as public sector civil servants for two years in low—and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Western Balkans.
Date Posted: 29 Mar, 2025
Applications for the AfCFTA Digital Innovation Challenge 2025 are now open. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Digital Innovation Challenge seeks to identify digital solutions with high potential to structurally influence intra-African trade by increasing efficiencies and enabling seamless cross-border commercial exchanges across AfCFTA markets.
Date Posted: 29 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.