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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 open for the TWAS-CAS Young Scientists Award for Frontier Science 2025. This annual prize, instituted in 2020, recognizes the scientific achievements of young scientists who work and reside in developing countries.
Date Posted: 07 Mar, 2025
Applications for the Global Centre for Climate Mobility (GCCM) Climate Mobility Fellowship 2025-2026 are now open. This year-long fellowship is designed to enable youth leaders from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Pacific, with the tools, networks, and expertise needed to drive impactful solutions in the growing field of climate mobility.
Date Posted: 07 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Jennings Randolph Senior Fellowship Program 2026. The USIP Jennings Randolph Senior Fellowship Competition, in support of Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) and USIP priorities, seeks applications from senior experts who will advance thought leadership and scholarly research at the intersection of security cooperation and conflict prevention. Priority will be given to research proposals which closely align with the missions of both U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) and DSCU.
Date Posted: 07 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the UNU-WIDER Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme 2025. The Visiting PhD Fellowship Programme gives registered doctoral students the opportunity to utilize the resources and facilities at UNU-WIDER for their PhD dissertation or thesis research on developing economies, and to work with the researchers in areas of mutual interest.
Date Posted: 07 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the UNU-International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) Policy Research Fellow 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 07 Mar, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Higherlife Foundation Joshua Nkomo Scholarships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity Program 2025. The 12-month Fellowship Experience invites changemakers throughout the Black diaspora and the wider world into a collective journey of deepening their leadership, grappling with the global complexities of race, and unlocking their creativity for social change.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
TWAS is inviting nominations for the 2025 Atta-ur-Rahman Award in Chemistry Award. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Resilience Innovation through Scaling Entrepreneurship (RISE) Urban Challenge 2025. The Challenge aims to convert innovative urban ideas that are meeting resilience needs in informality contexts and scale them to sustainable ideas.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Data Governance in Africa Research Fund 2025. Join the Data Governance in Africa Research Fund to shape data governance and data policies in African countries. The Initiative seeks African-based researchers to study current data governance trends and identify policy recommendations.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship 2025. Organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs in Geneva, in partnership with key international actors that empower youth in science diplomacy and global biosecurity, the Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship provide a unique learning and networking experience in the framework of the Biological Weapons Convention.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
Are you a passionate young leader actively involved in advocating for greater health equity within your community? Are you leading projects within a registered non-profit organisation? Are you ready to be part of a global network with other young people who are creating positive change for the future? Apply now for the AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Impact Fellowship 2025.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the |TU-Huawei Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) 2025. The Generation Connect Young Leadership Programme (GCYLP) is an exciting programme to engage, empower, and inspire young digital leaders and changemakers. GCYLP is supporting young visionaries from around the world who propose creative, far-reaching, innovative, and feasible community-driven projects aimed at creating a more inclusive and empowered digital future.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
Applications are open for the Africa Fellows in Education Program 2025/2026. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
Are you a young professional seeking an opportunity to experience different fields of work and to gain access professional networks? Apply for the Young Professional Development Program 2025 today!
Date Posted: 06 Mar, 2025
The Berlin-based Forum Transregionale Studien invites researchers to apply for up to 3 postdoctoral fellowships for the academic year 2025/2026 for the research program EUROPE IN THE MIDDLE EAST—THE MIDDLE EAST IN EUROPE (EUME).
Date Posted: 05 Mar, 2025
The Forum Transregionale Studien invites applications for 15 Fellowships in two tracks from October 2025 to July 2026 in Germany. This unique Fellowship program supports early-career scholars and practitioners working on democracy and the rule of law in Europe. Designed around Europe-wide mobility, interdisciplinary exchange, and a growing European Alumni Network, the program enhances critical debate and collaboration across academia and practice.
Date Posted: 05 Mar, 2025
Applications for the 2026 Bellagio Center Residency Program are now open. The Bellagio Center supports leaders to advance novel solutions and develop partnerships that may at first seem unlikely — unlocking breakthroughs essential to humanity’s well-being.
Date Posted: 05 Mar, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 African Liberty Writing Fellowship Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Mar, 2025
Are you ready to advance your skills in innovation, healthcare, and intrapreneurship? If yes, don't miss this special opportunity to participate in the 19th edition of the Social Intrapreneurship for Innovation in Health online course offered by Ashoka. This program is offered as part of the Making More Health initiative.
Date Posted: 04 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.