Mandela Scholarship supported by FirstRand Empowerment Foundation

The Mandela Scholarship was established to protest against the injustice of apartheid and raise the profile of Nelson Mandela's struggle for freedom. Following his release from prison in 1990, Mandela wrote to the Scholarship Fund stating: 'the power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation'. Applicants must evidence how they embrace the values of Mandela and evidence their commitment to using the degree towards the educational, social, cultural and economic development of South Africa. Successful applicants will have their full masters tuition fee waived and receive £16,440 cash maintenance, paid across the year in monthly installments. The scholarship has been truly transformative since its founding in 1973, with more than 80 students having gained a qualification and 96% of scholars returning home to become leaders in their fields as scientists, environmentalists, development professionals and government ministers.