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.

Merck Group is currently being accepted for the Innovation Cup Summer Camp 2026. Applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about the opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the UK government Women in Innovation Awards 2025-2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Rest of World is currently accepting applications for its Photo Contest for Photographers 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the African Impact Challenge for Innovators 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Foodpreneur Lab Step Up, Scale Up Program - Cohort 3 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is currently accepting applications for its Women in AI Fellowship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Thailand International Postgraduate Program (TIPP) 2026. Interested applicants are encourgaged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

The Wilson Home Trust is currently accepting applications for its Holiday Grant Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for The East-West Center Pacific Islands Leadership Program (PILP) 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Global Future Forum 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Innovation Fund Denmark is accepting applications for its Green Research, Technology and Innovation 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) is currently accepting applications for its Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Cwmpas is currently accepting applications for its Perthyn Grant Scheme for Community-Led Social Enterprise and Housing Development 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) is currently accepting applications for its Climate Investigations Training Scholarship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

UNESCO is currently accepting applications for The World Heritage Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland International Scholarship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Forte is currently accepting applications for its Starting Grant Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)-X Summer Internship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Jan, 2026

University of Lethbridge is currently accepting applications for its Dena McMartin Environmental Research Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Neporany Doctoral Fellowship at University of British Columbia 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Jan, 2026

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is currently accepting applications for its Global Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 27 Jan, 2026
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.