10 open · updated today · what South African applicants usually need
Every listing below links to its official source and shows when we last checked it. Local awards come first; open ones from abroad that accept applicants from South Africa follow.
Funded 8-day residential leadership programme in Cape Town and Hermanus, April 2027, for courageous leaders of any age; self-nomination allowed.
12 fully funded 4-year PhD fellowships at the University of Cape Town for African citizens under 35 with a master's, on climate and development topics.
Two-year pre-university programme in Johannesburg for young Africans who have finished Grade 10 / SS1; nearly all students receive need-based financial aid.
Full scholarship for African students taking an honours, coursework master's or health-sciences PG diploma at the University of Cape Town from 2027.
Six-week leadership institute at a US university in summer 2027 for Sub-Saharan Africans aged 25-35 who are already leading in business, civic life or public service.
German-funded scholarships for Sub-Saharan African graduates to take selected development-related master's degrees at partner universities across Africa.
12-month paid placement in the executive office of the AfDB, UNECA or ITC for experienced African professionals under 40 with a master's degree.
Apply to ALU in Kigali for January 2027; admitted students with financial need can be considered for full Mastercard Foundation scholarships or ALU tuition grants.
Free challenge for young changemakers aged 20 and under in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa leading civic projects; prizes up to $5,000 plus a funded summit.
We leave out listings that show scam signs. Check a scholarship if something looks off.
NSC (matric) results with a level per subject, % average for postgraduate, CV + statement, 2–3 references.
From the Requirements Matrix, with sources. Each scholarship’s own list always wins.