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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.
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship. This fellowship is a joint initiative with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. It offers candidates at the early-to-mid-stage of their career the opportunity to spend ten months at Chatham House working on an individual research project of their choosing.
Date Posted: 01 Mar, 2025
Proposals are invited for the 5th UfM Energy and Climate Business Forum Elevator Pitches. The 5th UfM Energy and Climate Business Forum 2025 offers young entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to showcase their innovative energy and climate solutions to a distinguished audience of investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Date Posted: 01 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Programme Sub-Saharan Africa 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Feb, 2025
You can now submit proposals for the 5th UfM Energy and Climate Business Forum Deal-Making Workshop. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the BBC News Komla Dumor Award 2025. In its 10th year, the BBC News Komla Dumor Award will be made to an outstanding individual living and working in Africa, who combines strong journalism skills, on air flair, and an exceptional talent in telling African stories with the ambition and potential to become a star of the future.
Date Posted: 28 Feb, 2025
Applications for the Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence 2026 are now open. The Eliza Moore Fellowship for Artistic Excellence is awarded annually to one outstanding, early-career artist who is developing new works that address plants, gardens, or landscapes in the broad sense.
Date Posted: 28 Feb, 2025
For the fourth consecutive year, Viva Technology is proud to host the Africa Tech Awards. This pan-African initiative recognizes and supports startups striving to make a positive impact across Africa in the Green Tech, E-commerce & Fin Tech, and HealthTech sectors. This event aims to provide a unique opportunity for startups while promoting the brightest African innovators shaping the future.
Date Posted: 28 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the L'Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents - Germany 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents - Sub-Saharan Africa 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the EIT Deep Tech Train the Trainer Programme - March 2025 Cohort. The programme runs for two months and consists of hybrid sessions and an online peer-to-peer forum, equipping educators to enrich their training methods and develop new content.
Date Posted: 28 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the EU40cean Summer School on Ocean Literacy & Collaboration 2025. In this training participants will be equipped and empowered to lead a cultural shift in ocean science, advancing transdisciplinarity, equity, inclusion, diverse knowledge systems, and international cooperation.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the 32nd International Leadership Workshop for Rural Youth organized by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the CIMPA-ICTP Fellowships 2026 "Research in Pairs". This fellowship supports mathematicians from developing countries by funding their visits to Europe to collaborate with a colleague.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2025
The 2025 Call for Nominations UNESCO-Greece Melina Mercouri International Prize for the Safeguarding and Management of Cultural Landscapes is now open. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and nominate an organization.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2025
Youth4Climate’s Call for Solutions 2025 is now open for applications. This is their 3rd round of funding and learning opportunities, to support youth-led climate solutions in 6 thematic areas. Apply now!
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the Presidential Precinct Corporate Leaders Program 2025. The Presidential Precinct, working in partnership with Axxess, will convene the 2025 Corporate Leaders Program, April 26 - May 4 for 12 business leaders who represent African and Diasporan communities. Together, these leaders will sharpen their business acumen and refine their business models for international trade and investment.
Date Posted: 27 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship 2025. This scholarship was created through a generous gift from Leakey Foundation Life Trustee Joan Cogswell Donner.
Date Posted: 26 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the Y Combinator Summer Fellows Grants 2025. This summer, Y Combinator will be giving grants to college students to work on their own technical projects.
Date Posted: 26 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the Dag Hammarskjöld Fund Fellowship 2025 for Journalists. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 26 Feb, 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.