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.

Social Innovation in Health Initiative (SIHI) is currently accepting applications for its Fellowship Programme 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for The Amahoro Coalition Fellowship Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 31 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Internet Society Early Career Fellowship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is currently accepting applications for its AI for Good Impact Awards 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

Women's Refugee Commission (WRC) is currently accepting applications for its Humanitarian Futures: Gender, Displacement, and Justice Fellowship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the HP/HP Foundation Future of Work Accelerator 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

Tarbell has opened applications for its Grants for Original Reporting on AI and its Impacts 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is currently accepting applications for its PCT Fellowship Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

The World Academy of Science (TWAS) is currently accepting applications for its Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators (SG-NAPI) 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for its Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program 2026-2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for its Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program 2026-2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for its Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program 2026-2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

UNDP is currently accepting applications for its Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for The Holberg Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the Global Business School Network (GBSN) Africa Business Concept Challenge 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jan, 2026

UA Ruhr Research Academy is currently accepting applications for its Research Explorer Ruhr Summer Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Jan, 2026

Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW) is currently accepting applications for its Sharon Begley Science Reporting Award 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Jan, 2026

High Desert Museum is currently accepting applications for its Waterston Desert Writing Prize 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Jan, 2026

International College of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) is currently accepting applications for its Future Scientist Exchange Program (FuSEP) Summer Exchange Program. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Jan, 2026

Applications are currently being accepted for the The Japan Foundation - Japanese Language Learners Event Grant Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 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.