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 Leader of Africa Institute Grant Writing and Funding (GWF) Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 Feb, 2025
Are you a female mid-career professional working in a national ministry, international organization or civil society? Are you a citizen of a Global South country? Do you have proven professional experience in the field of international security? The GCSP’s New Issues in Security Course is offering a scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, to build your knowledge, skills and network within an inspiring, multidisciplinary and multicultural environment! Apply now!
Date Posted: 01 Feb, 2025
Know a young leader who has shown exceptional leadership in promoting or defending democracy? Nominate them for the third edition of the Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize. The Prize seeks to recognise exceptional leadership shown by a young activist in defending, renewing and promoting democracy.
Date Posted: 01 Feb, 2025
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) offers six-month internship opportunities to recent graduates or students specializing in areas relevant to IFAD’s mission. Interns can extend their experience for another six months, gaining broader exposure to IFAD’s work. Apply now!
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2025
Applications for the Romanian Government Scholarship are open to undergraduate and graduate students for the academic year 2025. International students with good results of at least 7 (seven) corresponding to the scoring system of Romania or the “Good” score are eligible to apply.
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2025
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization UNESCO Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest 2025 is now accepting applications. The competition seeks to encourage and aid aspiring young photographers in their quest for artistic excellence. The UNESCO Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest is open to photographers from any nation.
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Baraza Media Lab Data Storytelling Fellowship. This fellowship aims to strengthen evidence-based journalism.
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the Inside the Greenhouse Comedy & Climate Change Short Video Competition 2025. Humor is a tool underutilized in the area of climate change; yet comedy has power to effectively connect people, information, ideas, and new ways of thinking/acting.
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the Allianz Foundation Grants Program 2025. The Allianz Foundation's funding program focuses on projects in the areas of Arts & Culture, European Civil Society and Climate & Environment. Apply now!
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the National Geographic Society Slingshot Challenge 2025. This is your chance to earn up to USD 10,000 in funding towards an awesome cause. If you're 13-18 years old and passionate about your environment and community, submit a 1-minute video showcasing your innovative solution to a pressing environmental problem. Your ideas have the power to slingshot our planet forward!
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2025
Are you a young South African entrepreneur based in Cape Town and ready to take your business to the next level? Got an innovative product or service that could shake up the market? Looking to scale, grow your impact, and create job opportunities for fellow youth? If your business is all about making a positive difference and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this is your chance!
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the InsurTech Startup Competition 2025. Contestants will gain access to a prize pool of $200,000 in value, exposure to 10+ early-stage investors and insurance leaders, and have the chance to present in front of 400+ InsurTech influencers live in New York.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2025
The Rising Star Africa Prize is awarded to early-career research scientists based in Africa who are making an innovative contribution to the physical, mathematical and engineering sciences. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2025
Are you committed to advancing gender equality in STEM? Are you devoted to encouraging girls and young women to engage with STEM subjects and pursue careers in science? Apply now for the Inspiring Women in Science Awards 2025.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2025
Are you a professional or amateur photographer or simply passionate about camelids? Join the International Year of Camelids (IC) Photo Contest and help spread the word about the importance of these heroes of deserts and highlands! An international professional jury composed of photographers, photo editors, and camelid experts will select an overall winner. The four runners-up will go to a public vote on social media.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the RestorLife Awards 2025. These awards honor and recognize organizations and businesses that demonstrate exceptional dedication to environmental restoration and safeguarding livelihoods and ecosystems.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2025
Following the successful conclusion of the first edition, RES4Africa Foundation announces the launch of the Open Call for the 2025 Batch of RAISEAfrica - Renewables Accelerators for Innovative Startups and Entrepreneurs in Africa. Apply now!
Date Posted: 29 Jan, 2025
Are you an organization that supports the circular business model? Are you a non-governmental organization that empowers small businesses and entrepreneurs become sustainable? Are you owning a small business implementing or wanting to scale sustainable innovations? Become a Small Business Champion today!
Date Posted: 29 Jan, 2025
Applications are open for the DAWN Fellowship 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 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.