Nelson Mandela University Postgraduate Research Scholarships in South Africa Scholarship 2026

Are you thinking about studying further at Nelson Mandela University in 2026? Great news! The university is now accepting applications for the Postgraduate Research Scholarships (PGRS) designed to help talented students complete their Honours, Masters, and Doctoral degrees. This funding is designed to help talented students complete their Honours, Masters, and Doctoral degrees without financial stress, allowing them to focus entirely on their research. It's a fantastic opportunity to focus on your studies without worrying so much about the cost, creating space for academic excellence.

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Quick Overview

• University: Nelson Mandela University

• Country: South Africa

• Scholarship Name: Postgraduate Research Scholarships (PGRS)

• Study Levels: Honours, Masters, Doctoral degrees

• Scholarship Types: Full Cost of Study (FCS) and Partial Cost of Study (PCS)

• Eligible Applicants: South African citizens, permanent residents, and international students

• Application Deadline: 3rd October 2025

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Why This Scholarship Matters

The goal is to help students move smoothly from their Honours to their Doctorate without long delays, creating a seamless pathway for academic progression.

• Helps attract and keep a diverse group of students by covering the full cost of study for those who qualify

• Removes financial barriers to advanced education

• Builds a strong community of researchers who can contribute meaningfully to knowledge creation and national development

• Through investment in human capital, Nelson Mandela University contributes to South Africa's growth and development by producing skilled graduates

South Africa needs smart, skilled people to help the country grow, and Nelson Mandela University wants to support students who can become future researchers and scholars through this initiative.

Who Can Apply

The scholarship is open to three main groups of students, ensuring broad access to this funding opportunity.

• South African citizens and permanent residents – can apply for this prestigious funding

• International students – also welcome to apply, making this a globally accessible opportunity

• Full-time students – must be planning to study full-time for an Honours, Masters, or Doctoral degree in 2024 (program starting during that academic year)

• z-registration students – even Masters and Doctoral students who register after April (called z-registration) are eligible

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Funding Targets and Diversity Commitment

Nelson Mandela University is committed to fairness and diversity, with the PGRS funding allocated using specific goals to ensure broad representation.

Geographic Distribution

• 90% of funding – South African citizens and permanent residents

• 10% of funding – students from SADC countries and the rest of the world

Gender Representation

• 55% of scholarships – aim to support women, addressing gender imbalances in postgraduate education

South African Student Targets

• 75% of funding – Black students (including African, Coloured, and Indian candidates)

• 24% of funding – White students

• 1% of funding – specifically set aside for students living with a disability

These targets help ensure the scholarship supports a wide range of students from diverse backgrounds.

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Funding Amounts and Types

The scholarship offers two main types of funding designed to meet different student needs and circumstances.

Full Cost of Study (FCS)

• Comprehensive package covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend

• Makes postgraduate study accessible without financial worry

Partial Cost of Study (PCS)

• May cover a portion of your costs depending on available funding and application strength

• Provides valuable support even if not fully comprehensive

The exact amounts are shown in a table in the official document, with variations based on degree level and individual circumstances. The amount you get depends on your degree level and your application quality, designed to make a real difference in affording your studies.

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Funding Duration

The scholarship supports you for a set amount of time for each degree level, designed to help you finish your degree on time without unnecessary delays.

• Honours degree: Maximum one year of support

• Masters degree: Up to two years of funding

• Doctoral degree: Up to three years of support

As long as you perform well in your studies each year, meeting academic progress requirements, the funding can continue without interruption throughout your program duration.

Required Documents

Prepare all necessary documents before starting your online application to ensure complete submission.

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates – demonstrating educational qualifications and performance

• Research proposal – outlines intended research for Masters or Doctoral applicants

• Letters of recommendation – from academic referees supporting your application

• Proof of citizenship or residency – verifies eligibility for specific funding categories

• Any additional documents – specified in the framework document

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How to Apply

The application process has two main steps that applicants must complete in order to be considered for funding.

Step 1: Apply for Admission

• First, you need to apply for admission to your chosen Honours, Masters, or Doctoral programme at Nelson Mandela University

• Secure your place in the academic program – you must be accepted into a degree programme first

Step 2: Apply for PGRS Funding

• After securing admission, apply for the PGRS funding through the official online system

• Submit all funding applications online at: https://apps.mandela.ac.za/pgrs

• Create an account and submit all required materials

• Attach all required documents as listed in Section 4 of the main framework document

Important Note

• Your application will be rejected if it is incomplete – missing documents, wrong information, or not following instructions will disqualify your application

• Double-check everything before you submit

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Technical Support

If you have questions about the online application system or experience technical problems, contact the ICT Helpdesk for prompt assistance.

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:30 South African time

• Phone: +27 (0) 41 504 3000

• Email: helpdesk@mandela.ac.za

Don't leave your application to the last minute in case you run into any issues that need time to resolve. Planning ahead ensures a smooth application experience.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 3rd October 2025

The call for applications is open now. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare your materials and submit before the deadline.

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Why Choose Nelson Mandela University

• Quality Education: Study at a respected South African university committed to research excellence

• Diverse Community: Join a student body with strong diversity and inclusion commitments

• Research Focus: Engage in meaningful research that contributes to knowledge creation

• Supportive Environment: Benefit from scholarship funding that removes financial barriers

• Pathway to Doctorate: Seamless progression from Honours to Doctoral studies

• National Impact: Contribute to South Africa's growth and development through your research

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Tips for a Strong Application

• Start Early: Begin preparing your documents well before the October 3rd deadline

• Apply for Admission First: Ensure you have applied to your degree program before seeking scholarship funding

• Prepare Research Proposal: For Masters and Doctoral applicants, a strong proposal is essential

• Secure Recommendations: Ask academic referees who know your potential well

• Check Eligibility Categories: Confirm which funding target group applies to you

• Complete All Sections: Incomplete applications will be rejected

• Double-Check Documents: Ensure all required materials are included and properly formatted

• Submit Early: Don't wait until the last day to avoid technical issues

Final Thoughts

The Nelson Mandela University Postgraduate Research Scholarships offer a transformative opportunity for talented students to pursue advanced degrees with comprehensive financial support. With clear diversity targets (90% for South Africans, 55% for women, 75% for Black students), substantial funding packages including Full Cost of Study covering tuition and living stipends, and support for the full duration of study (up to 3 years for Doctoral programs), these scholarships remove barriers to postgraduate education.

The scholarship is open to South African citizens, permanent residents, and international students pursuing Honours, Masters, or Doctoral degrees full-time. The application deadline is 3rd October 2025, and all applications must be submitted online through the official PGRS portal after securing admission to a degree program.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, prepare your application carefully and submit before the deadline. This could be your pathway to advanced research and academic excellence at one of South Africa's respected universities.

Good luck with your application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to submit your online application, visit the official Nelson Mandela University PGRS portal:

Apply for Nelson Mandela University Postgraduate Research Scholarships 2026 South Africa