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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 for the MDP| Sustainability Foundation World Sustainability Award 2026 are now open. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
The Neville Shulman Challenge Award aims to further the understanding and exploration of the planet - its cultures, peoples and environments - while promoting personal development through the challenges involved in undertaking a research project or expedition.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
The Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award is given in support of humanitarian, scientific or educational projects which follow in the Transglobe Expedition's tradition of challenge and perseverance and enable those benefiting from the Award to achieve worthwhile ambitions and inspire others to do likewise.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
The Madam CJ Walker Institute PACE Bootcamp is a cornerstone program of the New Voices Foundation, designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing the essential tools to launch & execute and grow & scale their businesses.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Are you a journalist with a great idea for a high-impact story that “Follows the Money” but few resources to get it done? The McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism would like to hear from you.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 France–South Africa Scholarship Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
The Walters Kundert Fellowship offers awards annually to support field research in physical geography within Arctic and/or high mountain environments, with preference for field studies that advance the understanding of environmental change past or present.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the Feminist Centre for Racial Justice Activist-in-Residence (AiR) Programme 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Are you an organization looking to enhance your capacity in environmental investigative journalism? Do you have innovative project ideas for upskilling investigative journalists in reporting on environmental issues? The Professional Development Grants for Environmental Journalism offer an exceptional opportunity to turn your ideas into reality. This grant facility promotes collective development and support services for environmental investigative journalism.
Date Posted: 02 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for The Habitat Foundation Grants 2026. The Habitat Foundation Grants are awarded to individuals and organisations dedicated to biodiversity conservation and sustainability across these five pillars, which form the focus of the programme: Conservation, Research, Education, Sustainability, and Training.
Date Posted: 02 Aug, 2025
The MINDS Scholarship Programme for Leadership Development in Africa was successfully launched in 2017, bringing to realisation our vision of developing young leaders who have a continent-wide development mindset and leaders who can facilitate greater cooperation between African countries.
Date Posted: 02 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the IAEA Infographic Design Contest 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 02 Aug, 2025
The University of Oxford and the Mastercard Foundation have established an innovative and ambitious partnership under the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and the Africa Oxford Initiative (AfOx). In partnership with the Saïd Business School Foundation, up to five AfOx Graduate Scholarships are available for the 2026-27 MBA programme.
Date Posted: 02 Aug, 2025
Nominations are open for the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development 2025-2026. The UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development was created in 2008 to support the improvement of teaching and learning quality toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education, one of UNESCO's priorities. Awarded every two years, the Prize is generously supported by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences (Hamdan Foundation).
Date Posted: 01 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 Zonta International Amelia Earhart Fellowships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 UNESCO Open learning and mentorship program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 Aug, 2025
The South African National Parks (SANParks) is looking for aspiring youth entering their first year of undergraduate studies in the 2026 academic year to join our external bursary programme.
Date Posted: 01 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 United Nations OHCHR Indigenous Fellowship Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 01 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.