International students should think about studying in South Africa because it has a wonderful mix of fully funded scholarships, postgraduate fellowships, and low-cost tuition-based funding. It is especially appealing because it has universities that are recognised around the world, programs taught in English, and scholarships that are only for Africans and students from developing countries.
This guide tells you everything you need to know, from the best scholarships and benefits to who can apply and how to do it successfully.
Why Go to School in South Africa
South Africa has some of the best universities in Africa and a wonderful school system.
Some of the main benefits are the following:
- The main language of instruction is English.
- Universities that are known around the world
- Scholarships for African students
- The cost of living is lower than in Europe.
- A strong focus on research and new ideas
South Africa also has a lot of regional and international scholarships that help African talent grow.
The Best Scholarships in South Africa for Students from Other Countries
1. Fully Funded Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
This is one of the most important scholarships in Africa.
What It Covers
- All tuition costs
- Housing
- Food
- Materials for studying
- Programme for developing leaders
The scholarship is for honours and master’s degrees at accredited South African universities.
Main Benefit
- Gives money for school and teaches leadership skills
- Only African students can come in.
2. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme
One of the biggest scholarship programmes for African students is this one.
What It Covers
- Full cost of school
- Housing
- Costs of living
- Books and things to study
Level of Study
- Undergraduate
- Master’s
Several South African universities provide this program, targeting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
3. Scholarships from the Canon Collins Trust
A famous scholarship for African students.
What It Covers
- Full or partial payment of tuition
- Money for living
- Help with research
Level of Study
- Master’s
- Doctorate
This scholarship is available for students who want to study law, human rights, or development.
4. DAAD Scholarships for Students in South Africa
Germany pays for it, but South African universities host it.
What It Covers
- Fees for school
- Monthly payment
- Funding for research
Level of Study
- Master’s
- Doctorate
These scholarships are especially useful for programs that help people grow.
5. DRD Scholarships for Africans living in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (DRD) scholarship is very well-known.
What It Covers
- Full or partial payment of tuition
- Monthly payment
- Money for travel
Level of Study
- Master’s
- Doctorate
Students from Sub-Saharan Africa can attend, and the school focuses on development studies.
6. Scholarships from the University of Cape Town (UCT)
One of Africa’s best universities gives out a lot of scholarships.
What It Covers
- Free tuition
- Funding that is only partial or full
- Funding for research
Well-known Programmes
- Bertha Scholarships
- Funding for MTN Solution Space
These are very competitive, but you can find them easily.
7. Scholarships from the University of Pretoria
This college has a number of scholarships for students from other countries.
For example
- LLM/MPhil in Human Rights
Pros
- Paying for school
- Money for living
This programme is particularly adept in law and human rights.
8. Scholarships from Queen Elizabeth for the Commonwealth
A scholarship programme that is open to people all over the world in South Africa.
What It Covers
- Full cost of school
- Costs of living
- Costs of travel
Level of Study
- Master’s
Students from Commonwealth countries can apply for this scholarship.
Different kinds of scholarships in South Africa
There are three main types of scholarships in South Africa:
1. Scholarships that pay for everything
These include:
- School fees
- Housing
- Costs of living
- Go on a trip
For example:
- The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
- Programme for Scholars from the MasterCard Foundation
2. Scholarships that only cover part of the cost
These include:
- Fees for school (in whole or in part)
This is where most university scholarships fit.
3. Funding for research and fellowships
These are:
- Funding for research
- Fellowships for graduate students
- Academic jobs as an assistant
Requirements for Eligibility
Requirements differ, but some common ones are:
Requirements for School
- Good grades in school
- A good GPA or something like it
Country of origin
- Open to students from other countries
- A lot of them are aimed at African students.
Age Restrictions
- Undergraduate: less than 25
- Master’s: less than 35
- PhD: less than 40
Other Things You Need
- Passport that is still good
- Being healthy
Documents Needed
You need the following to apply successfully:
- Certificates for school
- Records
- Copy of your passport
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
For people who have already finished college:
- Proposal for research
Can you study in South Africa without taking the IELTS?
Yes, a lot of South African universities let international students apply without having to take the IELTS.
Other options are:
- Letter of English proficiency
- Previous study of English
This makes South Africa one of the easiest places in Africa to study without the IELTS test.
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Pick a scholarship
To begin:
- The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship
- The MasterCard Foundation
- Collins Canon
Step 2: Send in your application to a university
Most scholarships require you to apply first.
Step 3: Get your papers ready
Pay attention to:
- A strong personal statement
- Being great in school
Step 4: Send in your application for the scholarship
Send in your application:
- Group that gives out scholarships
- Portal for college
Step 5: Interview (If Necessary)
Some scholarships require interviews.
Step 6: Wait for the Results
Results usually come out in a few months.
Timeline for Applications (2026 Intake)
A normal timeline:
- Applications are open from March to May.
- Due dates: June to August
- Results: the end of 2026
For instance, the Mandela Rhodes scholarship usually closes around April each year.
Living Costs in South Africa
Compared to Western countries, South Africa is not too expensive.
Costs on average:
- Moderate accommodation
- Food: cheap
- Transportation: fair
Most costs are covered by scholarships.
Advantages of Studying in South Africa
Studying in South Africa provides:
- Education of high quality
- Access to networks in Africa and around the world
- Good chances to do research
- A place with people from many cultures
South Africa is especially good at:
- Studies of development
- Building
- Medical
- Work
Things You Shouldn’t Do
A lot of students miss out because:
- Putting off applying
- Weak personal statement
- Documents that aren’t complete
- Not applying for more than one scholarship
Last Words
South Africa is one of the best places in Africa for international students to study. It has a lot of scholarships, especially for Africans.
To do well:
- Concentrate on scholarships that cover all costs, like Mandela Rhodes.
- Apply to more than one programme
- Get ready for strong academic papers
- Get going early
With the right plan, you can get a scholarship in South Africa and go to school for very little money that is recognised around the world.