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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 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Youth Forum 2025 taking place from 15 to 17 April at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Forum provides a platform for young people to engage in a dialogue with Member States and other stakeholders to share their views and concerns as well as galvanize actions and recommendations to transform the world into a fairer, greener and more sustainable place led by the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Date Posted: 08 Feb, 2025
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Applications are now open for the 2025 Africa Carbon Removal Accelerator (ACRA) Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 07 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Global Internship Program 2025. The Global Internship Program (GIP) offers highly motivated individuals an opportunity to be exposed to the mission and work of IFC and the broader World Bank Group and become part of the largest private sector development institution in the world.
Date Posted: 07 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the AWS Education Equity Initiative 2026. The AWS Education Equity Initiative expands access to future skills education for underserved learners globally. Amazon is committing up to $100 million in AWS credits and technical expertise to support socially-minded organizations develop innovative digital learning solutions that utilize cloud and Al technologies.
Date Posted: 07 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the UONGOZI Institute Youth Leadership Competition 2025. The Youth Leadership Competition is organised as a component of the African Leadership Forum (ALF) to provide a space for the youth of Africa and the next generation of leaders in the region to contribute to important discussions on leadership and sustainable development.
Date Posted: 07 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the Taco Kuiper Award for Investigative Journalism 2025. All South African and South African-based journalists are invited to submit entries for the 2025 Taco Kuiper Award for Investigative Journalism.
Date Posted: 07 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the Einstein Forum/Wittenstein Foundation Fellowship 2026. The purpose of the fellowship is to support those who, in addition to producing superb work in their area of specialization, are also open to other, interdisciplinary approaches - following the example set by Albert Einstein.
Date Posted: 07 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the WomEn Southern Africa Fellowship 2025. WomEn Southern Africa Fellowship powered by De Beers Group develops leadership, innovation, well-being and employability skills required by young engineering and technology graduates to succeed in the industry and beyond.
Date Posted: 07 Feb, 2025
Are you an ambitious young African professional seeking to enhance your leadership and innovation skills? The Young Innovation Leaders (YIL) Fellowship 2025 is now accepting applications!
Date Posted: 06 Feb, 2025
Are you a master’s, PhD, or medical student seeking an international research experience to complement your studies? The Bayer Foundation Fellowships 2025 provides an opportunity for students in natural sciences, medical sciences, and agricultural sciences to undertake research placements in different countries, fostering cross-border scientific exchange.
Date Posted: 06 Feb, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Austrian Development Cooperation Scholarships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Feb, 2025
The ETH Robotics Student Fellowship (ETH RSF) 2025 accepts applications from international master’s and final year undergraduate applicants. This program provides graduate students with a unique chance to engage in high-level robotics research during the summer. Participants will collaborate with renowned experts, gaining insights into the latest advancements in robotics.
Date Posted: 06 Feb, 2025
Nominations are invited for the IWMF Courage in Journalism Awards 2025. The WMF's annual Courage in Journalism Awards honor women and nonbinary journalists who set themselves apart by exhibiting extraordinary bravery, persistence and resilience. Doing whatever it takes to uncover the truth, they raise the bar for reporting under duress, or in the face of censorship.
Date Posted: 06 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) Nonresident Fellowship Program 2025-2026. Apply now!
Date Posted: 06 Feb, 2025
The Alpine Fellowship Foundation presents the Theatre Prize! The award is given for creating the finest play by theAlpine Fellowship‘s 2025 theme: Fear. The Theatre Prize winner will receive money to help write their planned play.
Date Posted: 05 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the 2025 Internet Society Connecting the Unconnected Funding Program. This 2 years program empowers communities and organizations to build and expand internet infrastructure in rural, remote, and low-income areas through community networks, municipal networks, cooperatives, and other complementary access solutions.
Date Posted: 05 Feb, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 World Food Prize Foundation Innovate for Impact Challenge. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Feb, 2025
Applications are now open for the GSMA Innovation Fund for Impactful AI. The GSMA Innovation Fund for Impactful AI will provide grants and venture building support to small and growing enterprises that leverage AI and other emerging technologies, in conjunction with mobile technology, to have a positive impact on the lives of people in LMICs.
Date Posted: 05 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the NASW Peggy Girshman Idea Grants Spring 2025. NASW invites proposals from individuals or groups for grants of up to $5,000 to support projects and programs that will help science writers in their professional lives and benefit the field of science writing. Projects must be aligned with NASW's mission and should be accessible to U.S.-based science writers.
Date Posted: 05 Feb, 2025
Applications are open for the Pernod Ricard Scholarship to Attend the One Young World Summit 2025. The scholarship will identify and connect an interdisciplinary team of 10 committed young leaders who are working to build positive social spaces and tackle harmful drinking and its wider impacts in their countries and communities. Scholars will receive full funding to participate in the One Young World Summit 2025 which takes place in Munich, Germany from 3 - 6 November.
Date Posted: 05 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.