South Africa is one of the best countries in Africa for pursuing further studies. It is a popular destination within the continent for both undergraduate and postgraduate education, particularly for those who wish to remain in Africa while furthering their education. Below is a list of scholarships available for international students at South African universities.
1. University of Western Cape (UWC)
UWC is a national university dedicated to excellence in learning, teaching, and research. The university provides educational opportunities to disadvantaged students through the provision of scholarships for higher education. A variety of internal and external scholarships are available at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
2. University of Kwa Zulu Natal (UKZN)
UKZN is another excellent option for international students seeking scholarships at South African universities. The institution provides loans for Zimbabwean students through Educate, a specialized education finance provider in Zimbabwe. Scholarships are also available for international students from all over Africa, including the Frene Ginwala Scholarship, which awards R20,000 towards studies to the first 10 female African entrants who register at UKZN.
3. University of Johannesburg
The University of Johannesburg, one of the top ten universities in South Africa, offers academic merit bursaries on an annual basis to students who display exceptional academic achievement. These bursaries are available to students from the following SADC countries: Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Congo DRC, Namibia, and Seychelles.
4. Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University is a public research university located in Stellenbosch, a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The institution awards bursary loans and bursaries based on financial need. Prospective recipients must not only demonstrate financial need but also show potential to succeed in their studies.
5. University of Pretoria (UP)
UP is one of the largest research universities in South Africa and a top-ranked university on the continent. Scholarships available at UP include achievement awards and managed bursaries for all levels of study. Individuals can also apply for the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at this university. Early application for scholarships at UP is encouraged to ensure coverage of educational costs.
6. University of Witwatersrand
The University of Witwatersrand is another excellent option for international students seeking scholarships at South African universities. It is currently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. International students at this institution can only apply for postgraduate scholarships, including postgraduate merit awards and postgraduate bursaries. These awards do not cover living expenses.
7. University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT is South Africa’s oldest university and a leading teaching and research institution on the continent. It is currently ranked as the top university in Africa. The institution offers a limited number of postgraduate scholarships for deserving international applicants. In addition to these scholarships, faculty-based bursaries are also available to help reduce termly fees. These bursaries are awarded by Faculty Deans based on financial need, academic merit, and faculty requirements.
In conclusion, scholarships for international students at South African universities are readily available if you know where to look. The list above provides an excellent starting point.