South Africa has become a leading academic destination for students from across the continent and beyond. As the education sector continues to grow in reputation, so does the demand for financial aid. For the 2025 academic year, several institutions and organizations are offering fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, living allowances, and sometimes even travel costs. Whether you’re a local South African student or an international applicant, this guide provides everything you need to know about fully funded scholarships in South Africa for 2025.
Government-Funded Scholarships in South Africa 2025
The South African government and affiliated agencies provide a variety of fully funded opportunities for both citizens and international students. These scholarships aim to foster education equity, national development, and international collaboration.
1. NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
Overview:
NSFAS is the most prominent financial aid scheme in South Africa for undergraduate students. While it originally started as a loan system, it has evolved into a fully funded grant for eligible South African students.
What It Covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation or transport
- Living allowance
- Book allowance
- Incidental/personal care allowance
Who Qualifies:
- South African citizens
- Combined household income must be less than R350,000 per annum
- Accepted at a public university or TVET college
How to Apply:
Applications open around October 2024 for the 2025 academic year. Students must apply online via the NSFAS website.
2. Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
This is a government bursary administered through the Department of Basic Education to support students who want to become teachers in priority subjects.
What It Covers:
- Tuition
- Accommodation and meals
- Learning materials
- Monthly stipend
Conditions:
- Students must teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary.
- Priority is given to teaching subjects like Mathematics, Sciences, and indigenous languages.
3. DHET Bursary Scheme for TVET Colleges
Administered by NSFAS, this is tailored specifically for students attending Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Benefits:
- Covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and transport
- Provides allowances for textbooks and other academic materials
University-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships
Several top universities in South Africa offer fully funded scholarships for high-achieving students. These scholarships are often competitive and tied to academic excellence or financial need.
1. University of Cape Town (UCT) Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
UCT is one of only a few African universities selected for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program. The program supports academically talented yet economically disadvantaged youth.
Who Can Apply:
- African students (South African and non-South African)
- Undergraduate and postgraduate levels
- Must show leadership potential and a commitment to giving back to their communities
What It Covers:
- Full tuition
- Accommodation
- Books and materials
- Monthly stipend
- Travel costs (if applicable)
- Academic and psychosocial support
2. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Postgraduate Merit Awards
Wits offers a number of merit-based and need-based scholarships for postgraduate students. The NRF and Wits Scholarships are often fully funded, especially for research-based master’s and doctoral programs.
Benefits:
- Tuition and registration
- Living stipend
- Research and travel grants (for some fields)
3. Stellenbosch University Scholarships
Stellenbosch provides fully funded scholarships at the postgraduate level, particularly in collaboration with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and international partners.
Highlight:
- The Graduate School of Economic and Management Sciences (GEM) at Stellenbosch offers full funding for PhDs.
- International students are welcome.
International Fully Funded Scholarships to Study in South Africa
Many international organizations offer scholarships for students to study in South Africa, recognizing the country’s growing academic prestige.
1. DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds postgraduate students studying at selected South African universities.
Who It’s For:
- Citizens of sub-Saharan African countries
- Master’s and PhD students
Coverage:
- Full tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Travel allowance
- Health insurance
2. Canon Collins Trust Scholarships
The Canon Collins Educational Trust offers fully funded scholarships to Southern African students pursuing master’s or doctoral studies.
Areas of Focus:
- Law
- Education
- Humanities
- Social sciences
What It Includes:
- Full tuition
- Annual living allowance
- Research support
3. Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship
One of the most prestigious scholarships in Africa, it supports young leaders from across the continent to pursue postgraduate study in South Africa.
Benefits:
- Full tuition and registration fees
- Accommodation
- Meals and books
- Leadership development programs
- Personal allowance
Eligibility:
- African citizens under the age of 30
- Strong academic performance
- Leadership and entrepreneurial potential
Sector-Specific Fully Funded Scholarships
Certain scholarships in South Africa are geared towards critical skill areas and high-demand fields. These are often fully funded to attract talent into sectors that are vital to national development.
1. Health and Medical Sciences
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Scholarships
These fully funded postgraduate bursaries support master’s and PhD students in medical and health sciences.
Key Offerings:
- Tuition
- Monthly living stipend
- Research costs
- Conference travel
2. Engineering and Technology
Eskom Bursaries
Eskom, South Africa’s leading electricity public utility, offers fully funded bursaries to students in:
- Electrical engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Civil engineering
Inclusions:
- Tuition
- Accommodation
- Book and computer allowance
- Vacation work opportunities
- Guaranteed employment upon graduation
3. Agricultural Sciences
AgriSETA Bursaries
AgriSETA focuses on upskilling youth in agriculture and provides fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Covers:
- Tuition and books
- Monthly allowance
- Internship placement
Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students in South Africa 2025
International students increasingly consider South Africa for its affordable education, world-ranked universities, and growing global recognition.
Eligibility and Entry Requirements:
- Valid student visa
- Academic transcripts evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Proof of English proficiency (where applicable)
- Statement of purpose and letters of recommendation
Recommended Programs for International Applicants:
- UCT Mastercard Foundation Program
- Mandela Rhodes Foundation
- DAAD Scholarships
- Canon Collins Trust
Application Tips and Common Pitfalls
Applying for fully funded scholarships is competitive and often involves more than just good grades. Here’s how to stand out in 2025:
1. Start Early
Most scholarships open applications between August and November of the previous year. For 2025, that means starting your search in mid-2024.
2. Perfect Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement should reflect your background, goals, leadership potential, and commitment to community development.
3. Secure Strong Recommendations
Letters from lecturers, employers, or community leaders carry significant weight. Ensure they are well-written and tailored to the scholarship.
4. Avoid These Mistakes:
- Incomplete applications
- Poor proofreading
- Missed deadlines
- Failing to meet eligibility requirements
Biblical Perspective: “A Door Opened That No One Can Shut”
As Revelation 3:8 says, “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” For many, fully funded scholarships are that open door—a divine opportunity that can change the course of life for the better. Education, when accessible and equitable, becomes a powerful tool to unlock potential, break generational poverty, and fulfill God-given destinies.
How to Find and Track Scholarships
To find fully funded scholarships in South Africa for 2025, students can use the following platforms:
Top Online Resources:
- NSFAS Official Website
- ScholarshipPortal South Africa
- DAAD Scholarship Database
- Mandela Rhodes Foundation
- University-specific pages (UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch)
- Coursedemia.com
FAQs on Fully Funded Scholarships in South Africa 2025
Q1: Are these scholarships only for South Africans?
No. While many are geared toward South African citizens, several scholarships (like DAAD, Mandela Rhodes, and Mastercard Foundation) are open to other African nationals.
Q2: Do these scholarships require repayment?
No. Most fully funded scholarships in South Africa are grants, not loans. Some, like Funza Lushaka, may require service obligations.
Q3: Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes. However, you cannot usually receive multiple full scholarships at the same time. Apply broadly but accept the best offer that aligns with your goals.
Q4: Can postgraduate students apply?
Absolutely. Many of the best fully funded programs are at the master’s and PhD levels, especially those affiliated with research institutions.
Q5: Do scholarships cover visa and travel for international students?
Yes, some international scholarships like DAAD and Mastercard Foundation provide travel and visa support.