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.

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

The APF Direct Action Visionary Grants seek to fund innovative interventions, based on psychological knowledge, that directly address pressing needs of communities.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

The UNESCO Prize for Global Citizenship Education provides an exceptional global platform to promote the visibility and recognition of projects and initiatives in the field of GCED from around the world.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

The NHR Graduate School of the NHR Alliance awards up to nine PhD scholarships a year to doctoral students from all over the world.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

Applications are open for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), ONE World Sustainability Awards.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

The Apple Scholars in AI/ML PhD fellowship program recognizes the contributions of emerging leaders in computer science and engineering at the graduate and postgraduate level.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

Talented, creative and newly promoted researchers can now apply for a Veni grant.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

The Prize, with the support of the European Parliament, will be awarded annually to in-depth journalism pieces undertaken by EU-based professional journalists.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

SALC is excited to announce its open call to support emerging civil society organisations in Southern Africa through small organisational development grants.
Date Posted: 28 Jun, 2025

Applications are open for the The Sky Is Not the Limit Social Impact Grant
Date Posted: 27 Jun, 2025

A leading company, in collaboration with Desall, is looking for an innovative cap for the personal care, cosmetics, and food sectors that integrates a child-resistant safety system.
Date Posted: 27 Jun, 2025

The Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) is Ireland’s flagship initiative supporting the role of the private sector in sustainable food systems development.
Date Posted: 27 Jun, 2025

A bootcamp designed to equip Africa's next green leaders with knowledge, skills and networks to scale sustainable startups and initiatives across the continent.
Date Posted: 27 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.