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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.
The ADC Fellowship seeks emerging design leaders with demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice and environmental responsibility through their work, deeply rooted in African heritage.
Date Posted: 03 Jul, 2025
The EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge is a strategic initiative aimed at catalysing innovation and entrepreneurship within South Africa’s 26 public universities
Date Posted: 03 Jul, 2025
The Getty Scholars Program supports a vibrant intellectual community to carry out innovative research about art and its histories.
Date Posted: 02 Jul, 2025
The Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards were established to celebrate entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Date Posted: 02 Jul, 2025
The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) is pleased to announce an additional funding envelope as part of the 2025–26 grant cycle, focusing specifically on gender-based violence (GBV) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with a particular emphasis on (STEM) disciplines.
Date Posted: 02 Jul, 2025
African Futures Lab (AfaLab) is launching AfaRise Fellowship for visionary young researchers and activits dedicated to dismantling racial injustice across Africa and the global diaspora.
Date Posted: 02 Jul, 2025
Johannes Phumani Phungula (JPP) Local Municipality invites local entrepreneurs, informal traders, co-operatives, and SMMEs to apply for Grant Funding as part of their commitment to Local Economic Development (LED).
Date Posted: 02 Jul, 2025
Join a diverse community of over 260+ Atlantic Fellows from over 60 countries worldwide dedicated to protecting the world’s aging populations from threats to brain health.
Date Posted: 01 Jul, 2025
CCAC is seeking to fund innovative, cross-sector projects that respond to a specific “challenge” — especially those that unite the super pollutant community around a common goal.
Date Posted: 01 Jul, 2025
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship program is intended to recognize international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school.
Date Posted: 01 Jul, 2025
Nobel Women’s Initiative (NWI) invite applications for the 2025 Sister-to-Sister Young Feminist Leadership Program.
Date Posted: 01 Jul, 2025
The fellowship aims to bring eminent scholars from a wide range of academic fields to the Institute and allow them to pursue cutting-edge research on all aspects of the digital society.
Date Posted: 01 Jul, 2025
Young Leaders Union Paris 2025 is a global initiative bringing together emerging leaders from across the world to collaborate, exchange ideas & unite under a shared mission to make the world a better, more inclusive place.
Date Posted: 01 Jul, 2025
The Allan Gray Scholarship Programme offers high school entrepreneurial scholarships to learners who have a curious, entrepreneurial mindset; have the potential to excel academically and are financially deserving.
Date Posted: 01 Jul, 2025
The Kader Asmal Fellowship Programme is a fully-funded scholarship opportunity offered to South African students to study at Master’s level in Ireland’s world-renowned Higher Education Institutions.
Date Posted: 01 Jul, 2025
GCSP Prize for Innovation in Global Security recognises groundbreaking contributions that address the world’s most pressing security challenges.
Date Posted: 30 Jun, 2025
This award was established to acknowledge the achievements of young women investigators in the field of engineering and to inspire young women to consider research and careers in engineering
Date Posted: 30 Jun, 2025
Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory provides an annual scholarship for a three-month research stay at the Institute
Date Posted: 30 Jun, 2025
The Digital Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy in the Age of Algorithms forum serves as a high-level, interdisciplinary platform that convenes policymakers, thought leaders, digital strategists, scholars, and cultural actors to critically examine the evolving intersections between technology, culture, and diplomacy.
Date Posted: 30 Jun, 2025
Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award enables journalists to send in their best stories to be examined by the judges.
Date Posted: 30 Jun, 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.