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.

Canon Collins Trust invites applications from current 3rd year students (going into their 4th year in 2026) studying for an LLB at the University of the Western Cape or the University of Fort Hare.
Date Posted: 08 Aug, 2025

Canon Collins Trust invites applications from current 2nd and 3rd year students (going into their 3rd and 4th year in 2026) studying for an LLB at the University of Fort Hare and the University of the Western Cape. They will provide funding for maximum of two years.
Date Posted: 08 Aug, 2025

Canon Collins invite applications for the postgraduate study in South Africa 2026. Canon Collins Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in South Africa is co-funded by the RMTF scholarship fund.
Date Posted: 08 Aug, 2025

FAO and the University of Helsinki's Viikki Food Design Factory have launched the global Data for Farm Value Challenge to support startups using farm-level data in innovative ways. The goal is to unlock value for smallholder farmers, who often generate key insights but are left out of the data-driven agrifood economy.
Date Posted: 07 Aug, 2025

Applications are open for the Nemetschek Innovation Award 2026. The Nemetschek Innovation Award is dedicated to ground-breaking innovations in Artificial Intelligence for the Built World throughout the entire lifecycle of built facilities.
Date Posted: 07 Aug, 2025

Ready to build something massive? Applications are now open for the CDL-San Sebastian Al stream, accepting founders developing science- or technology-based ventures with the potential for massive scale.
Date Posted: 07 Aug, 2025

The NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator aims to support the next wave of early-stage African startup businesses transforming the sports and creative sectors.
Date Posted: 07 Aug, 2025

Applications are open for the WBENC Industry Accelerator Program 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Aug, 2025

Chevening is the UK Government's global scholarship programme that offers future leaders the unique opportunity to study in the UK. These scholarships are awarded to outstanding professionals from all over the world to pursue a one-year master's degree in any subject at any UK university.
Date Posted: 06 Aug, 2025

The Chevening Clore Leadership Fellowship is a partnership between the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Clore Leadership, offering mid-career professionals in the arts and culture sector an exceptional opportunity to undertake an individually tailored leadership programme in the UK. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office funds up to five international fellows to join a cohort of approximately 20 fellows, from across the UK and internationally,
Date Posted: 06 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 YALI-RLC EA/Trevor Noah Foundation Education Change Makers Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 06 Aug, 2025

Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025

Launched in 2015 as part of the GCSP’s Creativity and Innovation Initiative, the GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security recognises groundbreaking contributions that address the world’s most pressing security challenges.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025

Applications are open for the Google Startups for Sustainable Development Program 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025

The National Geographic Society is calling for proposals on Building Resilience in Agriculture. This funding opportunity will support innovative projects that apply science and innovation in a real-world context, focused on feasible, nature-positive solutions.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 Africa-Europe Foundation Youth Awards. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 Startup|Energy initiative Energy Camp. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 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.