Top Fully Funded Scholarships for South African Students in 2025
Wondering how funded scholarships for South African students are affording quality education at home and abroad in 2025?
Here’s the good news — they don’t always have to pay for it out of pocket.
Scholarships are unlocking opportunities that were once thought impossible. From full-ride international awards to local bursaries designed to support online education in South Africa, there’s something out there for nearly every student.
And in 2025? The list simply became more comprehensive, better, and longer.
If you’re wondering how South African students are paying for their education, whether it’s through e-learning platforms, tech boot camps, or American universities, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s explore the top scholarships available in 2025.
This one’s a standout.
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation offers fully-funded postgraduate scholarships to exceptional South African students. It’s not just about academic performance — leadership potential, community involvement, and character matter too.
What’s covered?
- Full tuition
- Accommodation
- Meals and study materials
- Leadership development programs
Ideal for students pursuing Master’s degrees in South Africa, this scholarship is perfect for those who want to change the world — and have already started doing so.
Are you interested in studying in the United States?
The Fulbright Program gives South African graduate students the chance to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees at accredited U.S. institutions — fully funded.
Highlights:
- Covers tuition, living expenses, travel, and more
- Offers cultural exchange experiences
- Opens doors to a global network of scholars
For American readers, this might be the scholarship equivalent of winning the Super Bowl. It’s that big.
And for South African students aiming for Ivy Leagues or top research institutions — it’s a life-changer.
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South African Government Bursaries (NSFAS & Others)
Let’s not forget local options.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides full bursaries to South African students attending public universities and TVET colleges.
- Coverage: Tuition, books, accommodation, and food
- Eligibility: Household income under a certain threshold
- Pro tip: Apply early—the demand is high
It’s part of a broader effort to make online education in South Africa more accessible and affordable — and to help students gain a global education from home.
Read More – Beginner’s Guide to Financial Literacy in South Africa (Free Course Inside)
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DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany has a reputation for no-tuition-fee public universities — and South African students can gain big time with DAAD Scholarships.
The program offers full-time Master’s and PhD students in a broad variety of fields.
Benefits include:
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel allowance
- Free language courses
Germany is also a popular choice because of its strong academic institutions and lower cost of living. For students interested in global careers, it’s a win-win.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa offers postgraduate students funding in areas such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The scholarships cover both full-time and part-time students.
In 2025, NRF also provide focused bursaries for:
- Female students in STEM
- Students with disabilities
- First-generation university attendees
For those diving into distance learning courses or doing hybrid research programs, the NRF also accommodates flexible learning models.
Focused on social justice and leadership, Canon Collins offers scholarships for Master’s and PhD students studying in the UK or South Africa.
This isn’t just about grades.
It’s about finding students who want to use education to improve their communities.
Fields supported include:
- Education
- Law
- Public Health
- Development Studies
The application process includes essays and interviews, but the personal support and network access are well worth it.
The University of Cape Town (UCT), one of Africa’s top institutions, offers merit-based entrance scholarships for incoming undergraduates.
In 2025, UCT has expanded its scholarship pool to include:
- Top academic achievers from rural schools
- Students using e-learning platforms for high school education
- Low-income families transitioning into university
What’s cool is how UCT recognizes digital learners too — it’s no longer just about your traditional report card.
StudyTrust acts as a connector between funders and talented South African students.
Bursaries offered through StudyTrust cover:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Travel
- Stipends for textbooks and materials
In 2025, many of their bursaries prioritize students involved in blended or online education South Africa models, reflecting how education has evolved post-pandemic.
Check out their centralized application system — one form can connect students to multiple funding opportunities.
South African students are eligible to apply for Commonwealth Scholarships, especially for study in the UK or other Commonwealth countries.
This scholarship is all about:
- Academic excellence
- Development impact in home countries
- Leadership potential
If a student plans to return and make meaningful change in their local community, this is a great fit.
Bonus: Many programs now include hybrid or distance learning courses, offering even more flexibility.
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Google Africa Developer Scholarships
This one’s for the techies.
Google, in partnership with Pluralsight and Andela, continues to offer scholarships that train African developers in software engineering, cloud technologies, and mobile development.
Here’s what students get:
- Access to industry-relevant courses
- Hands-on projects
- Certification Preparation
- Mentorship
And yes, it’s all online — perfect for tech-savvy students who want to level up from anywhere, anytime.
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University of the People (UoPeople) Scholarships
UoPeople is an accredited online university that offers degree programs at no tuition cost — only small fees per course assessment.
In 2025, they’ve expanded scholarships for African students, including:
- Refugee and displaced student scholarships
- Women in tech grants
- Health science student support
If affordability is the top concern, this is one of the most inclusive and flexible models out there.
It’s a prime example of how e-learning platforms are breaking barriers in higher education.
This program offers full scholarships to academically talented yet economically disadvantaged African students — and includes South Africans in its scope.
Partner universities include:
- University of Cape Town
- University of Pretoria
- International universities in the U.S. and Canada
It’s a long-term investment — not just in students, but in communities and economies.
The application process is rigorous but well worth the effort.
Quick Study Tips for Scholarship Applicants
Securing scholarships isn’t just about high grades. It’s about strategy too.
Here are some quick study tips and application hacks:
- Start early. Many deadlines are months before the academic year begins.
- Customize each application. Generic essays won’t get you far.
- Highlight impact. Show how your education will benefit your community.
- Organize your documents. Keep transcripts, references, and ID copies ready.
- Practice interviews. Some scholarships require face-to-face or virtual chats.
And remember — rejections happen. Don’t let them stop you from applying elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships are more than financial aid — they’re stepping stones to dreams once out of reach.
For South African students, 2025 is brimming with opportunity.
Whether it’s attending a top U.S. school via 21K School United States, mastering coding through Google’s initiatives, or earning a local degree through distance learning courses, there are scholarships to support every goal.
And as online education in South Africa continues to expand, expect even more funding designed for virtual and hybrid learning pathways.
No matter your background, the right scholarship could be your ticket to something incredible.
You just have to take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can South African students get scholarships in the U.S.?
Yes! There are programs like Fulbright, MasterCard Foundation, and even 21K School United States that have provisions for international students, including South Africans.
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Are there scholarships for online learning or e-learning platforms?
Yes! Online platforms like UoPeople and 21K provide scholarships for online students, and most South African universities now have provisions for distance learning courses.
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How is a bursary different from a scholarship in South Africa?
Scholarships are typically merit-based, whereas bursaries are typically need-based and can involve post-study work requirements.
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Is it hard to get a full-ride scholarship abroad?
It’s competitive, but not impossible. Strong academics, leadership qualities, and impactful community service can improve your chances significantly.
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Can high school students in South Africa apply for international scholarships?
Yes! Especially with online schools like 21K School United States, high school students can earn scholarships for virtual U.S. curriculums and eventually use them as pathways to international universities.
