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 open for the ARUA Early-career Research Fellowships 2025. The African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), with support from the Mastercard Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York, is launching this Early-Career Research Fellowship program. The initiative will fund up to forty-two (42) early-career researchers to conduct globally competitive research at the host and affiliated institutions of ARUA's thirteen (13) Centres of Excellence (CoEs).
Date Posted: 16 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the Al for Good Scholarship to Attend the One Young World Summit 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Apr, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 Singapore International Graduate Award 2026 Scholarships. This is is a bond-free award offered to international students with excellent academic undergraduate and/or master’s results, and strong interest in doing research leading to a doctorate (PhD) or an EngD in Science and Engineering at a Singapore University.
Date Posted: 15 Apr, 2025
Applications are now open for the NewSchools GenAl Math Grant 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Apr, 2025
Applications for the Coded by Ventures People Accelerator 2025 are now open. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Apr, 2025
Are you a young photographer under 35 with a passion for storytelling and social justice? The Deloitte Foundation invites you to apply for the Photo Grant Award 2025, a prestigious international platform designed to spotlight visual projects exploring inequality, human rights, and the contradictions shaping modern society.
Date Posted: 15 Apr, 2025
Applications are now open for the Thrive Philanthropy Seed Grant Program 2025. Apply now and stand a chance to receive up to $5,000 USD.
Date Posted: 15 Apr, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 PriceWaterCooper (PwC) Reward Academy Graduate Programme. The Reward Academy is a three-year training programme aimed at transforming talented individuals into top-tier reward consultants.
Date Posted: 15 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Program 2025. This is a three-month hybrid accelerator program for Seed to Series A technology startups. The accelerator program is designed to bring the best of Google’s programs, products, people and technology to communities across Africa.
Date Posted: 15 Apr, 2025
Nominations are invited for the EE 30 Under 30 Class of 2025. EE 30 Under 30 recognizes young people across the globe who are building a sustainable future through education. Nominate yourself or someone you know today.
Date Posted: 14 Apr, 2025
Nominations are open for the Al-Sumait Prize in Food Security 2025. Kuwait's annual Al-Sumait Prize honors individuals or institutions who have, through their work or research, made significant advances in the fields of food security, health, and education in Africa. An initiative of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the late Amir of the State of Kuwait, its goal is to shine a light on those making a positive difference to sustainable development in Africa.
Date Posted: 14 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the UNICAF Online Scholarship Programme 2025-26. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 Apr, 2025
The Romanian Agency for Investments and Foreign Trade (ARICE), also known as InvestRomania, announces the launch of the file selection process for granting a number of 40 scholarships to foreign citizens to study in Romania starting with the 2025-2026 academic year
Date Posted: 14 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the Code for Africa Media Sentinel Fellowships in Southern Africa 2025. Code for Africa (CA) is offering four Media Sentinel Fellowships to frontline grassroots researchers with expertise in social media listening and analysis and with a good knowledge of social media cross-platform coordination and messaging on platforms such as Facebook, Telegram, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter).
Date Posted: 14 Apr, 2025
The S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Science in Kolkata, India, and TWAS have established a fellowship programme for foreign scholars from developing countries who wish to pursue postdoctoral research in physical sciences. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 Apr, 2025
The Polish National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Chair for Science, Technology, and Engineering at the AGH University of Krakow (Poland) are inviting applications for the UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships in Engineering. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the Schwarzman Scholars Program 2026/2027. Designed in collaboration with world-leading universities, Schwarzman Scholars stewards an international community that fosters cultural exchange and collaboration.
Date Posted: 12 Apr, 2025
Applications are open for the Commonwealth Distance Learning Masters Scholarships 2025/2026. The Commonwealth Distance Learning programme is one of three Master's programmes offered by the Commonwealth Scholarships Commission. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 12 Apr, 2025
The World Forum for Democracy calls for expressions of interest from innovative initiatives, from all over the world, aiming at enhancing democracy and contributing to sustainable peace.
Date Posted: 12 Apr, 2025
Applications are now open for the dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation Scholarship to Attend the One Young World Summit 2025. The dsm-firmenich Progress Foundation is happy to offer five impactful young leaders the opportunity to participate in the One Young World Summit 2025, which takes place in Munich, Germany, from 3 - 6 November.
Date Posted: 11 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.