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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 open for the Harvard Academy Scholars Program 2025-2026. This program is open to recent PhD recipients and doctoral candidates in the social sciences.
Date Posted: 18 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the Kellogg Institute Postdoctoral Visiting Fellowships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 18 Aug, 2025
Nominations for the 2026 International and Global Health Awards are due by 11:59 pm PDT on October 1, 2025.
Date Posted: 18 Aug, 2025
In partnership with the British Academy, the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering and supported generously by the Leverhulme Trust, the APEX Awards (Academies Partnership in Supporting Excellence in Cross-disciplinary research) offer established independent researchers, with a strong track record in their respective area and proven ability to lead collaborative work, an exciting opportunity to pursue genuine interdisciplinary and curiosity-driven research to benefit wider society. Successful applicants will be expected to work in collaboration with relevant researchers from other disciplines.
Date Posted: 18 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the NTEN Nonprofit Cybersecurity Readiness Program 2025. Nonprofit Cybersecurity Readiness is a three-month learning program designed to significantly advance the functional security of nonprofits while building cybersecurity leadership, management, and confidence for nonprofit staff.
Date Posted: 16 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 UNESCO-UNEVOC Skills in Action Photo Competition. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025/2026 AAUW's International Fellowship Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 British Academy International Writing Workshops. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 McKinsey African Leaders on the Move UK Event. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 WomHub Female Funding Fit Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 Aug, 2025
Applications are invited from research scientists working in agriculture, forestry or fisheries who would like to conduct research projects abroad, in another member country of the Co-operative Research Programme (CRP) from 6 to 26 weeks. The aim of the Research Fellowships is to strengthen the international exchange of ideas and increase international mobility and cooperation among scientists working in these areas.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
The 2026 Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship round has now opened. Applications for domestic applicants closes on 31 October 2025, while international applications close on 30 September 2025. Successful applicants will commence their Higher Degree by Research at CDU between 12 January and 27 March 2026.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
Launching your Startup in Miami? Apply now for the Scale2Miami & Mana Tech Accelerator 2025 for a funding opportunity of up to $300,000 for your MVP-stage startup.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
Wege Prize is an annual competition that ignites game-changing solutions for the future by inspiring college/university students around the world to collaborate across institutional, disciplinary, and cultural boundaries to redesign the way economies work.
Participants contend for $65,000USD in total cash prizes with innovative solutions that are powered by human-centered design, underpinned by a shift to renewable energy, and built on the three core principles of the circular economy.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the IGH-BCCWH Seed Grant Competition 2025-2026. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
The African Futures Conference is the continent's premier platform to explore and amplify African-led foresight. In 2025, they invite policymakers, analysts, researchers, young changemakers, and foresight practitioners to engage in two days of bold thinking, rigorous analysis and practical collaboration.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Jacaranda FM Her Perfect Pitch. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 Stigler Centre Journalists in Residence Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 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.