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 Africa region of the World Bank Group (WBG) is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for the 2026 WBG Africa Fellowship Program for Ph.D. candidates and recent Ph.D. graduates who are Sub-Saharan Africa nationals.
Date Posted: 04 Jul, 2025

Apply now for the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) Africa co-production fellowship
Date Posted: 04 Jul, 2025

The Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center invites applications for the Bretton Woods 2.0 Fellowship, a competitive eight-month program (August–April 2026) designed to cultivate the next generation of global economic leaders.
Date Posted: 03 Jul, 2025

Supporting early-career scholars from around the world to make substantial and original contributions to the field of art history.
Date Posted: 03 Jul, 2025

The Global Youth Convention 2025, hosted by HISA – Public Policy Research Institute, is a globally recognized platform for emerging youth leaders, policy advocates, and social innovators.
Date Posted: 03 Jul, 2025

Applications are open for the 2026 Future for Nature wards!
Date Posted: 03 Jul, 2025

The Women’s Leadership Programme allows senior and emerging female leaders to navigate the unique leadership challenges that deter female professionals in the workplace.
Date Posted: 03 Jul, 2025

Application for the 5th Cohort of the Visa Acceleration Program - are now open!
Date Posted: 03 Jul, 2025

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
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.