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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.
Each year the Swiss Confederation awards Government Excellence Scholarships to encourage international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. Recipients are selected by the awarding body, the Federal Commission for Scholarships for Foreign Students (FCS).
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 AI for SDGs — Global Youth AI Future Innovation Competition. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
Launched in 2015 as part of the GCSP’s Creativity and Innovation Initiative, the GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security recognises groundbreaking contributions that address the world’s most pressing security challenges.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the Google Startups for Sustainable Development Program 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
The National Geographic Society is calling for proposals on Building Resilience in Agriculture. This funding opportunity will support innovative projects that apply science and innovation in a real-world context, focused on feasible, nature-positive solutions.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 University of Pretoria Commonwealth Doctoral Scholarships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Africa-Europe Foundation Youth Awards. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Startup|Energy initiative Energy Camp. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 05 Aug, 2025
Applications for the MDP| Sustainability Foundation World Sustainability Award 2026 are now open. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
The Neville Shulman Challenge Award aims to further the understanding and exploration of the planet - its cultures, peoples and environments - while promoting personal development through the challenges involved in undertaking a research project or expedition.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
The Ran and Ginny Fiennes Award is given in support of humanitarian, scientific or educational projects which follow in the Transglobe Expedition's tradition of challenge and perseverance and enable those benefiting from the Award to achieve worthwhile ambitions and inspire others to do likewise.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
The Madam CJ Walker Institute PACE Bootcamp is a cornerstone program of the New Voices Foundation, designed to empower entrepreneurs by providing the essential tools to launch & execute and grow & scale their businesses.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Are you a journalist with a great idea for a high-impact story that “Follows the Money” but few resources to get it done? The McGraw Fellowship for Business Journalism would like to hear from you.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 McGill University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 France–South Africa Scholarship Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
The Walters Kundert Fellowship offers awards annually to support field research in physical geography within Arctic and/or high mountain environments, with preference for field studies that advance the understanding of environmental change past or present.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2025 Ye! Youth Ecopreneurs Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Applications are open for the Feminist Centre for Racial Justice Activist-in-Residence (AiR) Programme 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 04 Aug, 2025
Are you an organization looking to enhance your capacity in environmental investigative journalism? Do you have innovative project ideas for upskilling investigative journalists in reporting on environmental issues? The Professional Development Grants for Environmental Journalism offer an exceptional opportunity to turn your ideas into reality. This grant facility promotes collective development and support services for environmental investigative journalism.
Date Posted: 02 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.