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 Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025. The theme for this year's competition is Our Commonwealth Journey. Journeys are a fundamental aspect of our lives, helping us to explore, to learn, and to grow. Throughout history, nations, communities, and individuals have undertaken their own journeys, navigating the tides of an ever-changing world.
Date Posted: 18 Mar, 2025
Nominations are open for the Global Youth Awards 2025 held annually in London. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and nominate a candidate.
Date Posted: 18 Mar, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 cohort of the Tällberg Leaders Mentoring Leaders (TLML) program,which offers extraordinary individuals the opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their perspectives, and prepare for values-based leadership through a focused one-on-one, year-long mentorship.
Date Posted: 18 Mar, 2025
The Don Lavoie Fellowship 2025-2026 currently open for applications. This highly competitive, renewable, and fully online fellowship is open to advanced undergraduates, recent graduates, and early-stage graduate students from any academic discipline who have a strong interest in political economy.
Date Posted: 18 Mar, 2025
Applications are now open for the Wim Duisenberg Fellowship. This Fellowship, named after the first President of the European Central Bank (ECB), invites senior professionals from academia, central banks, and research institutions to apply.
Date Posted: 18 Mar, 2025
Are you ready to take action to drive social change? If yes, the Awareness 360 Fellowship Programme 2025 is the perfect opportunity for you to turn your passion into action. Young people from around the world can participate in the 2025 fully-funded Awareness 360 Fellowship Programme.
Date Posted: 18 Mar, 2025
The Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance is requesting Letters of Intent (LOl) for the 2026 Health Equity Research Grant to support research projects that promote equity, inclusivity, and evidence-based approaches to overcome the barriers faced by marginalized communities with a focus on ovarian cancers and/or related gynecologic cancers.
Date Posted: 18 Mar, 2025
Do you love writing, publishing, or sharing stories about the mountains? Do you have an exciting story, stunning photos, or unique insights about mountain people, nature, or adventures? The 2025 Mountain Book Competition is your chance to share your mountain-themed work with the world at one of the most famous mountain festivals.
Date Posted: 17 Mar, 2025
Are you a young woman doing impactful work related to digital transformation and development? If yes, apply now to become an ITU160 Gender Champion and be part of a global movement for gender equality in digital transformation.
Date Posted: 17 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Girls Accelerating Sustainable Action (GASA) Competition 2025. The "I AM GASA" (Girl Accelerating Sustainable Action) is an initiative that aims to empower young women (ages 15-32) to accelerate sustainable action, sustainable action and emerge as leaders in their communities.
Date Posted: 17 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the ECO30 Sustainable Living Challenge 2025. The ECO30 Sustainable Living Challenge is aimed at promoting sustainable living practices among individuals and households. The primary goal of the challenge is to encourage individuals and households to adopt sustainable habits and lifestyle that contributes to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.
Date Posted: 17 Mar, 2025
Calling all young innovators! Do you have a business idea that can bring positive change to your community? If yes, apply for the BeChangeMaker 2025 program!
Date Posted: 17 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Toilet Board Coalition Accelerator 2026. The Toilet Board Coalition accelerates business solutions to the sanitation crisis via the sector's leading Accelerator. They match entrepreneurs with global business leaders and investors to drive progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6 - sanitation for all by 2030. The Accelerator is a 12-month virtual programme offered in English, Spanish, French and Khmer.
Date Posted: 17 Mar, 2025
Every year, the RSTMH Early Career Grants Programme grants individuals from all over the world who are just starting out in their careers to conduct their first research project in tropical medicine or global health. If you are a researcher or a global health practitioner who is just starting in your research career and is interested in or employed in tropical medicine or international health, you are qualified to apply for a grant.
Date Posted: 15 Mar, 2025
If you want to make a difference in the world and develop yourself in the process, you should apply for the GIZ NDC Partnership Readiness Project internship.
Date Posted: 15 Mar, 2025
Xiamen University (XMU) is accepting applications for the 2025 Xiamen University New International Students Scholarships. Monthly living allowances will be provided to outstanding postgraduates in accordance with the standards of Chinese Government Scholarships.
Date Posted: 15 Mar, 2025
Applications are now open for the TiE Women Global Program 2025. This is an incredible opportunity for women founders to showcase their innovative business ideas on a global stage.
Date Posted: 15 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the NOWEDIF Digital Entrepreneurship Program 2025. NOWEDIF (North-West Development and Investment Fund) is excited to announce a 1 Billion FCFA ($1.6M) Digital Entrepreneurship Program, an initiative designed to engage youths in the North-West Region of Cameroon, empower youth-led startups, and scale tech-enabled solutions to grow the region's digital economy.
Date Posted: 15 Mar, 2025
The University of East London (UEL) offers the Postgraduate Scholarship for the academic year 20225 in the UK. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 Mar, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 I AM NALA Fellowship on Women in Peace & Security. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 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.