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.

YouthConnekt Africa (YCA) is a pan-African initiative dedicated to empowering young people across the continent. To strengthen its governance, enhance its legitimacy, and ensure its strategies and programs are youth-centric and impactful, YCA is establishing a Youth Advisory Council (YAC). This council will serve as an essential, independent voice, providing strategic advice and authentic youth perspectives directly to YCA's leadership.
Date Posted: 31 Jul, 2025

L'Oréal Groupe, the world's leading beauty company, paves the way for a more sustainable future in seeking, advancing and scaling pioneering solutions through a Sustainable Innovation Accelerator programme.
Date Posted: 30 Jul, 2025

The African Union CIEFFA and ImpactHER are cohosting the public phase of the Online Capacity Building Training starting from September 2025 under the theme "#AfricaEducatesHer - Digital Skills for All: Bridging the Gender Gap in STEAM, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurship".
Date Posted: 30 Jul, 2025

Applications for the Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) 2025 are now open. The Joint Innovation Facility (JIF) is a new Africa-Europe initiative designed to accelerate innovation and to foster meaningful collaboration across ecosystems on the African continent and between Africa and Europe, to scale up transformative solutions that address shared challenges-particularly those related to the digital transformation and the green transition.
Date Posted: 30 Jul, 2025

Are you a journalist passionate about human rights, gender justice, and youth voices? Do you want to tell compelling and impactful stories about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) that challenge stereotypes, stigma, and spark change? Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) invites journalists, editors, producers, media networks, and Guilds from the East and Southern Africa regions to apply for the Journalists for SRHR Masterclass, a dynamic six-month journalism fellowship focused on impactful, ethical, and solutions-oriented reporting on sexual and reproductive health rights.
Date Posted: 30 Jul, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 CSIR-SASOL Foundation Bursary Programme. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 30 Jul, 2025

The UN Human Rights Council accepting application for the Youth Delegate Program to the 2025 Social Forum, a unique platform hosted for open dialogue among civil society, governments, and international organizations.
Date Posted: 29 Jul, 2025

The STREETS Global Awards celebrate outstanding early-stage social enterprises and initiatives driving positive social impact through hospitality and tourism.
Date Posted: 29 Jul, 2025

Applications are open for the South Park Commons Founder Fellowship. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Jul, 2025

Savvy is a Fellowship program for young professionals seeking to be part of the new generation of impact.
Date Posted: 29 Jul, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 World Bank Group GovTech Innovation. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Jul, 2025

Commonwealth Professional Fellowships are for mid-career professionals from low and middle income countries to spend a period of time at a UK host organisation working in their sector for a programme of professional development.
Date Posted: 29 Jul, 2025

Applications are now open for the2026/2027 DAAD/EPOS Scholarships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Jul, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2026 University of California (UC) Berkeley Visiting Fellowships. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 29 Jul, 2025

The United Nations Development Program is offering the UNDP Digital Transformation Internship, a global opportunity for students and graduates.
Date Posted: 29 Jul, 2025

Applications are open for the Marcellus Policy Fellowship Fall 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 28 Jul, 2025

The Kokuyo Design Award is an international competition for product design that aims to co-create with talented designers and support their activities.
Date Posted: 28 Jul, 2025

The Al for Climate Resilience Program is a new initiative by Klarna that aims to support pioneering projects that leverage artificial intelligence for climate adaptation in underserved, climate-vulnerable regions.
Date Posted: 28 Jul, 2025

The iF Social Impact Prize supports projects that contribute to improving the society. If you work towards achieving one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, your project is eligible.
Date Posted: 28 Jul, 2025

Are you an early-career woman lawyer from Sub-Saharan Africa? Join a powerful network of changemakers advancing justice, accountability, and equality for women and girls. Apply now for the Clooney Foundation for Justice (CFJ) Waging Justice for Women Fellowship 2026.
Date Posted: 28 Jul, 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.