Scholarships

Master's Scholarships in South Africa

7 master's scholarships available for international students in South Africa.

South Africa · Government

NRF Postgraduate Scholarships 2026

National Research Foundation (NRF)

Covers tuition, housing, a living allowance and study materials, at full or partial cost.

Master's PhD
Open · Next: The NRF runs an annual cycle, usually opening around mid-year for the next academic year with separate Master's, Doctoral and extension windows. Exact dates are published per cycle; university internal deadlines are typically earlier.
United States · NGO

Margaret McNamara Education Grants 2026

Margaret McNamara Education Grants (MMEG)

One-time grants for women from developing countries; up to US$15,000 (US-Canada), US$7,000 (S.Africa/Latin Ame

Master's PhD
Open · Next: Deadlines vary by program: US-Canada and Trinity Washington close January 15; France closes January 15; South Africa closes September 14; Latin America & Caribbean closes September 30. Confirm current dates on the MMEG site.
South Africa · University

AIMS Structured Master's Scholarship 2026

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)

Full Ride

Master's
Open · Next: AIMS opens applications annually, with deadlines typically several months before the intake begins; specialised tracks may have separate dates. Confirm current deadlines on the official AIMS website.
South Africa · NGO

RUFORUM Graduate Scholarships 2026

Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM)

Usually covers tuition, a living stipend and research support; some calls are fully funded.

Master's PhD
Open · Next: RUFORUM scholarship calls open at different times during the year and each sets its own closing date; confirm current deadlines on the official RUFORUM website.
South Africa · University

University of Cape Town International Scholarships 2026

University of Cape Town

A partial contribution toward study costs, not full funding; amount varies each year.

Master's PhD
Open · Next: UCT holds one annual call when funding allows, with dates published each cycle. For 2026, the university indicated the call may not open due to funding constraints. Confirm the current status with the UCT Postgraduate Funding Office.
South Africa · NGO

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship 2027

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation

Full Ride

Master's
Open · Next: Applications generally open early in the year and close around mid-April for the following year's intake; confirm the exact 2027 cycle deadline on the official Mandela Rhodes Foundation website.
South Africa · University

Stellenbosch University Postgraduate Scholarships 2026

Stellenbosch University

Master's awards of R75,000-R150,000/yr (up to 2 yrs); doctoral up to R170,000/yr (up to 3 yrs).

Master's PhD
Open · Next: Applications generally open around September and close around the end of October the year before study. For 2026 entry, the cycle ran from September 2025 to the end of October 2025. Confirm exact dates with the Postgraduate Funding Office.