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 SCB Graduate Student Research Fellowship Awards 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 ACT Foundation’s Changemakers Innovation Challenge. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 Ernst & Young (EY) CA STREAM Bursary. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 Democratic Alliance (DA) Young Leaders Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 14 Aug, 2025

Applications are open for the DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program 2026. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 13 Aug, 2025

Are you between the ages of 18 and 35? Do you want to create policies that can make a change? Apply for the ACET Youth Policy Lab 2025.
Date Posted: 13 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 UNESCO AfriMAB-GRÓ LRT Land Restoration Fellowships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 13 Aug, 2025

The WSA Young Innovators Award is an open call for digital solutions (applications, projects, or products) driving positive change, created by young people under the age of 26 from all UN and UNESCO member states.
Date Posted: 12 Aug, 2025

Applications are open for IMG’s Leave Your Mark Grant for Organisations Worldwide. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 12 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 NVIDIA International Graduate Fellowship Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 12 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Youth Forum. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 12 Aug, 2025

The AIPH World Green City Awards is the first and only global awards for cities where plants and nature are the core focus. As an ongoing competition with entries open every 2 years, the Awards recognize the role of city authorities in promoting and supporting greater inclusion of plants and nature in urban environments.
Date Posted: 12 Aug, 2025

The Peace Fellowship program brings together rising leaders dedicated to conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and post-conflict reconciliation.
Date Posted: 12 Aug, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 ARES International Training Scholarships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 12 Aug, 2025

The Mastercard Foundation, in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), will provide graduate scholarships to train 120 young African professionals at the master’s level for various programs over 5 years (2025 – 2030). This is a fully immersive and traditional on-campus 2-year master’s program with an emphasis on technology and innovation. Recognizing the rapid evolution of the global digital economy, this program aims to equip African youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead in areas such as technology and sustainable innovation.
Date Posted: 12 Aug, 2025

In response to the profound changes experienced by NGOs in recent months, Action Contre La Faim is launching the third edition of its grant for a new humanitarian perspective - a renewed and reimagined version of the initiative.
Date Posted: 11 Aug, 2025

Applications are open for the Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio Latin America & Caribbean 2026. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Aug, 2025

Applications are open for the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Fellowship 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Aug, 2025

Applications are open for the Japan Africa Dream Scholarship (JADS) Program 2025-2026. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 Aug, 2025

Applications are open for the African Women for Change Network (AfNet) Flexible Grant 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 11 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.