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 RAIN 2025 Scholarship Programs. This is your chance to advance your career in robotics and AI with scholarships from Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN).
Date Posted: 17 May, 2025

Afreximbank, through its Creative Africa Nexus programme (CANEX) is excited to announce the 3rd edition of CANEX Shorts. This short film competition for young filmmakers in Africa and the Diaspora. CANEX Shorts has been established in order to further engage with the film community ahead of CANEX at IATF2025.
Date Posted: 17 May, 2025

Are you passionate about photography? Do you have a story to tell through your lens? Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, this is your moment to shine on the global stage! Apply for the International Photography Contest "Educating the Eye" 2025.
Date Posted: 16 May, 2025

Applications are open for the Forrest Research Foundation Fellowships 2026. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 16 May, 2025

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) invites you to apply for the Youth Capacity Enhancement Programme on Climate Mobility 2025-2026: Accelerating Youth-Led Action in Addressing Climate Mobility in Africa.
Date Posted: 16 May, 2025

The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) is pleased to launch the second edition of the Africa Science Journalism Awards (ASJA). These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in health, science, and development reporting across Africa.
Date Posted: 16 May, 2025

S+T+ARTS Afropean Intelligence (#AI) opens a call for artists to support 10 artistic residencies in Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Date Posted: 16 May, 2025

Global Warming Mitigation Project invites applications for its 2025 Constellations Summer Fellowship. Fellows gain real-life, hands-on professional development and career-building skills.
Date Posted: 16 May, 2025

Applications are invited for the EY SDG Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs 2025. The EY SD Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs is designed to help close this gap by supporting women-led Al ventures that align with the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) - fostering solutions that tackle climate change, improve livelihoods, and build resilient communities across the Global South.
Date Posted: 16 May, 2025

The UNICEF Internship Programme offers students and recent graduates from diverse academic backgrounds the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with UNICEF through global internship opportunities.
Date Posted: 16 May, 2025

YDC is pleased to receive applications from young leaders active in the Youth Democracy Cohort members to participate in the OGP Global Summit 2025.
Date Posted: 15 May, 2025

DAAD is accepting applications for its Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 May, 2025

Research Ireland seeks applications for its Enterprise Partnership Scheme (Postdoctoral) 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 May, 2025

Research Ireland’s Industry RD&I Fellowship Programme seeks to support academia-enterprise interactions through the placement of an academic researcher with an industry partner.
Date Posted: 15 May, 2025

Applications are now open for the develoPPP Ventures Ideas Competition. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 May, 2025

Celebrating its eleventh year, The Global Citizen Waislitz Awards are annual cash prizes totaling $300,000 that recognize the excellence of individuals in their work to end extreme poverty. The grand prize and two additional prizes are $100,000 each, for a total of three prizes. The awards are presented by the Waislitz Foundation and Global Citizen.
Date Posted: 15 May, 2025

Applications are open for the Startupbootcamp X Meta Llama Design Drive 2025. This is a hands-on accelerator for startups in MENA to build and deploy Llama-powered Al agents that solve real-world problems in healthcare, education, tourism, public services, economic development, and more - with direct support from Meta.
Date Posted: 15 May, 2025

Applications are open for the Digital GreenTalents Award 2025. Click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
Date Posted: 15 May, 2025

Do you work within grassroots Global South civil society organisations at the intersection of biodiversity and livelihoods? Are you struggling to directly access funds for your projects and programmes. If so, please apply for GDF Conservation and Communities Fellowship 2025!
Date Posted: 15 May, 2025

Applications are open for the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival 2025. PLURAL+ is a youth video festival that encourages and empowers global youth to explore the issues of migration, diversity, social inclusion, and the prevention of xenophobia and to share their creative vision with the world.
Date Posted: 14 May, 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.