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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 now open for the 2025 Claire Mathonsi Young Feminist Scholarship. In partnership with Planned Parenthood Global, the RHNK PanAfrican Conference is proud to announce the launch of the Claire Mathonsi Conference Scholarship – a fully sponsored opportunity for a young African feminist to attend the 8th RHNK Pan African AYSRHR Scientific Conference 2025 in Mombasa, Kenya.
Date Posted: 02 May, 2025
Nothing should stop you achieving the goals you’ve set yourself. And Standard Bank is passionate about giving every young person the opportunity to thrive. That’s why they’ve developed the Standard Bank Group Bursary for South Africans. Apply now!
Date Posted: 02 May, 2025
Applications are invited for the Ahimsa Fellowship 2025. Through this prestigious 8-month programme, individuals will gain the skills and knowledge to address pressing animal welfare issues and play a key role in shaping a more compassionate, sustainable future for India and the world.
Date Posted: 02 May, 2025
The Early Career Conference Grants help to ensure that emerging researchers - and the universities that employ them - can benefit from the valuable opportunity of attending and taking part in in-person conferences in Commonwealth countries outside of their country of work. You can now apply for these grants.
Date Posted: 02 May, 2025
Applications are open for the CAPSI Ph.D Writing and Methodology Workshop 2025. This workshop is ideal for students who require coaching with framing and submitting successful proposals, as well as candidates who are seeking guidance from seasoned academic supervisors in developing their thesis. Delegates will gain practical knowledge on aspects such as writing skills training, developing research questions, developing research methodology, writing time and supervision.
Date Posted: 02 May, 2025
Applications are ongoing for the AfDB Pan-African Fellowship for Emerging Fund Managers 2025. This 8-month fellowship is designed to support emerging African fund managers who are actively investing across the continent and seeking to scale their impact. The program directly addresses the core challenges faced by fund managers, offering a strategic blend of technical training, tailored expert support, and networking opportunities to unlock the next stage of their growth.
Date Posted: 02 May, 2025
Applications are open for the Cavendish Arts Science Fellowship 2025. The Fellowship supports the Cavendish Arts Science ethos of experimenting, decentring and re-imagining. It is designed for artists to develop thought-provoking ideas through engagement with physicists and those in other fields, and to experiment with new approaches to their practice that are transformative and push boundaries.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2025
The Hague Program on International Cyber Security invites researchers and professionals with an interest and/or background in international cyber security at any stage of their career (from early-career researchers to established professionals) to apply for one of the visiting fellowships in order to conduct research and fieldwork, exchange with the program and with The Hague policy community, and present their research to a wider audience.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2025
Applications are invited for the Octavia E. Butler Fellowship Program 2025. This fellowship is named in the honor of science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler, one of the progenitors of afro-futurism. EcoHealth Strategies is a form of afro-futurism in that they believe their work will not only safeguard the future, but it will help shape it.Theye are inspired by the past, future and present - combining storytelling, history, justice, technology and so much more.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2025
Applications are open for the African Women's Development Fund (AWDF) Siza Grant Program 2025. "Siza" is a Zulu word that means assistance or help and creates a sense of community and collective care. Apply now!
Date Posted: 01 May, 2025
Applications are open for the Fetola Fire Program 2025 for Entrepreneurs in South Africa. FetolaFIRE is a 12-month business acceleration process designed to equip high-potential businesses with the skills, mindset, and strategic insights to attract investment and scale sustainably. This programme provides hands-on support to help entrepreneurs refine their vision, strengthen financial foundations, and prepare for external funding.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2025
Westlake University invites undergraduates from around the world for her 2025 Undergraduate Summer Camp. This short, two-week program is designed to bring together bright minds worldwide. The summer camp helps students explore cutting-edge life science research and innovations.
Date Posted: 01 May, 2025
Are you a professional looking to make a difference by supporting young planet-positive innovators? If yes, apply now for the beVisioneers: The Mercedes-Benz Fellowship Mentorship 2025/2026.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the IRENA NewGen Renewable Energy Accelerator - Cohort 2025. Join this four-month hybrid acceleration programme to work closely with renewable energy and business experts to consolidate your business model, widen your customer base and enhance your investment readiness.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 UNITAR Global Youth Scholars Development Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 2025
Refugees International is excited to announce a call for applications for the 2025 cohort of its Refugee Fellows Program, set to start in August 2025.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the WomenEntrepreneurs4Good Accelerator 2025. Organized by the Women's Forum for Economy & Society, this program aims to support green entrepreneurs at the early stages of their journey.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the AFS Global STEM Educators 2025 - Full Scholarship for STEM Teachers. AFS Global STEM Educators is a 6-week, full-scholarship, virtual exchange program for in-service Educators worldwide (ages 18+) teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) at the secondary level / high school level (working with students ages 13-18). This online, interactive certificate program is designed for Educators to build the skills needed to become globally competent leaders and foster global competence in their school communities and beyond.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the AFS Global STEM Accelerators 2025 - Full Scholarship for Young Girls in STEM. The Global STEM Accelerators program is an award-winning virtual exchange that tackles gender barriers in STEM and helps young women to become changemakers in their communities.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 2025
The Goethe-Institut Johannesburg, the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), and the South African Podcasting Guild (SAPG) are excited to announce an open call for applications running from 29 April to 23 May for Sound Waves: Podcast Training for Audiovisual Professionals – a unique, in-person training programme aimed at early to mid-career audiovisual creators from South Africa, Lesotho, and Malawi.
Date Posted: 30 Apr, 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.