Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarship 2026 – Honours, Master's, PhD

Scholarship Description

The Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarship provides financial support to outstanding students pursuing Honours, Master's, or PhD degrees at one of South Africa's leading universities. Rhodes University, located in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), is renowned for its academic excellence, research output, and commitment to producing leaders who create positive change in their communities.

The scholarship is open to applications across all fields of study. In addition to the general Postgraduate Scholarship, Rhodes University offers a wide range of specialised scholarships and bursaries, including the Ada & Bertie Levenstein Scholarship, the Guy Butler Research Award, the Ian Mackenzie Scholarship, the Ruth First Scholarship, the David Ryan Memorial Scholarship, and many others. Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria and application procedures.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Rhodes University in Makhanda (Grahamstown), Eastern Cape, South Africa. Students must be registered for full-time study at Rhodes University.

Scholarship Deadline

Applications for the 2027 academic year will open on 1 June 2026 and close on 15 August 2026. Please note that various specialised scholarships may have earlier or different deadlines.

Host Institution

Rhodes University is a prestigious public research university in Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Established in 1904, Rhodes is known for its academic excellence, small class sizes, and strong research culture. The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in South Africa and Africa.

Level and Fields of Study

Levels: Honours, Master's (coursework or research), and PhD.

Fields: All fields of study are eligible. Rhodes University offers programs across all faculties, including Humanities, Science, Commerce, Law, Education, and Pharmacy.

Target Group

The scholarship is open to all eligible students who meet the academic requirements. Some specialised scholarships may be restricted to South African citizens or specific fields of study. The Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarship is open to both South African and international students, depending on the specific funding source.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Funding Duration (subject to satisfactory academic progress):

• Honours: funded for 1 academic year only
• Master's: funded for up to 2 academic years
• PhD: funded for up to 3 academic years

Note: If you will be entering your second year of Master's or PhD in 2027, you will only be considered for funding for the remaining years.

Typical Award Values (varies by scholarship):

• Honours: R100,000 – R145,000 per annum
• Master's: R120,000 – R145,000 per annum
• PhD: R130,000 – R145,000 per annum

Additional Scholarships Available (subject to specific eligibility):

• Ada & Bertie Levenstein Scholarship
• Guy Butler Research Award
• Ian Mackenzie Scholarship (Environmental Studies)
• Ruth First Scholarship (Social Sciences)
• David Ryan Memorial Scholarship (Philosophy)
• Rhodes University Postgraduate Merit Awards
• South African Reserve Bank (SARB) CEJ Scholarship
• Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Scholarships
• And many others

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria for the general Postgraduate Scholarship:

• Level: Honours, Master's, or PhD candidates only.
• Academic requirement: Applicants should have obtained an average of 65% or above.
• Enrollment: Must be registered or intending to register for full-time study at Rhodes University.
• Fields: All fields of study are eligible.

Additional criteria for specialised scholarships (varies):

• Some scholarships are restricted to South African citizens only.
• Some scholarships are restricted to specific fields of study.
• Some scholarships require financial need in addition to academic merit.
• Some scholarships have additional requirements (e.g., tutoring, community engagement).

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Ensure you meet the academic requirements (65%+ average) and are applying for an eligible level of study (Honours, Master's, or PhD).
2. Apply for admission – If you are not already a Rhodes University student, you must first apply for admission to your chosen program through the Rhodes University online system (ROSS).
3. Visit the ROSS application portal – Go to ross.ru.ac.za and log in to your account.
4. Select the scholarship application – Go to Menu and select "Rhodes University Postgraduate Scholarship Application".
5. Prepare required documents – Gather the following:
   • Academic transcripts (official, with percentages)
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • Motivation letter
   • Research proposal (for Master's and PhD applicants)
   • Letters of recommendation or support from supervisors/academics
   • Any additional documents required for specific scholarships
6. Submit your application online – Complete the application form and upload all required supporting documentation before the closing date. Applications will be accepted online only via ROSS.
7. Wait for notification – Should you not receive an outcome by 30 November 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Important notes: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Ensure that all required supporting documentation is uploaded before the closing date. For specialised scholarships (e.g., Ada & Bertie Levenstein, Ruth First, Ian Mackenzie), you may need to submit a separate application or additional documents via [email protected].

Official Website & Application Links

Rhodes University – Postgraduate Funding Internal Page

Application Portal (ROSS): ross.ru.ac.za

Contact Email: [email protected]

Phone: (046) 603 8755

Address: Research Gateway, Rhodes University, Prince Alfred Street, Makhanda, 6139, South Africa