Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2025-2026 for Emerging African Leaders

Application Deadline: April 21, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, a prestigious leadership and academic program for young African changemakers. This transformative scholarship provides financial assistance alongside a leadership development initiative designed to foster growth, challenge perspectives, and connect recipients with a network of like-minded individuals across the continent.

The program is based on core values such as reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, with an emphasis on personal transformation as the foundation for impactful leadership. Through intensive, week-long residential workshops, scholars will engage in deep learning experiences aimed at equipping them with the skills to drive meaningful change in Africa.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship will receive:

• Full tuition and registration fee coverage at their chosen institution
• A study materials stipend
• Accommodation and meal allowances
• Medical aid support
• A personal allowance for additional expenses
• Research and conference funding (available upon request)
• Round-trip economy-class flights for international scholars at the beginning and end of their academic program

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of an African country
• Be between 19 and 29 years old
• Have completed an undergraduate degree with at least 70% or upper-second class honours by January 1, 2026
• Be proficient in English for postgraduate studies
• Exhibit ethical leadership qualities and a commitment to promoting equality, human dignity, and freedom in Africa
• Embrace Nelson Mandela’s vision of unity and collaboration

Selection Process

The ideal candidates are young leaders who exemplify the scholarship’s guiding principles:

• Leadership – Commitment to ethical leadership and inspiring others to achieve their full potential
• Reconciliation – Willingness to address past challenges and work towards social justice and unity
• Education – Dedication to academic excellence and using knowledge for the benefit of society
• Entrepreneurship – A drive to foster innovation and economic development across Africa

Application Process

Applications must be submitted by April 21, 2025, along with all required documentation. Additionally, referees must upload their recommendation letters before the deadline for applications to be considered complete.

Click here to apply

For further details, visit the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship website.