Scholarship Selection Process for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Programme
If you wish to tender an application for the prestigious Mandela Rhodes Scholarship program, please thoroughly acquaint yourself with the procedures as outlined in this section.
Scholarships are open to all citizens of Africa under the age of 30, who are nominated by an accredited South African tertiary institution at which they are studying. All students at such universities MUST apply for the scholarship through the financial aid or student assistance office at their university (click here for their contact details). No application received directly from such a candidate, effectively bypassing the internal nomination process at their institution, will be considered. Only in the case of an individual based and/or studying in another African country, or an individual who is working and not currently registered at a university, may such candidates apply directly to the Mandela Rhodes Foundation as an Independent Nominee (self nominated). Our experience indicates that such applications can tend to be less thorough and complete, often disqualifying an otherwise promising applicant from being short-listed, so we urge all to ensure they fulfil the application requirements. Please note that Independent Nominees must show proof of registration/entry acceptance at an accredited South African tertiary institution before they will be considered for short-listing.
Scholarship Selection Process
The Scholarship Selection process is subject to annual review
Stage 1
On the first Friday of April, each year, the institutions are notified as to the start of the annual MRF scholarships selection process. Through April the MRF will conduct Road-shows at selected institutions (click here for 2009 Road-show schedule). Communication known as the "Call for Nominations" is sent to all accredited tertiary institutions throughout South Africa. This communication contains key documentation such as the scholarships principles; the selection process and criteria and a list of required documents from candidates and timeline. The Scholarships Programme has a contact person at each institution who receives this first communication. A follow-through enquiry is made to all contact people within the institutions, to ensure documents have reached the relevant people and the institutional dissemination of information to students takes place. The application and selection process are outlined as follows:
Stage 2
Tertiary institutions receive applications from students for the scholarship and an internal short-listing process takes place. Currently, institutions are asked to nominate up to seven candidates for either Honours or Masters Degrees (or equivalent) in any field, on a full time basis. An application for each nominated candidate must be accompanied by an endorsement letter from the Dean of Students or similar role incumbent of the tertiary institution which has nominated the student for The Mandela Rhodes Scholarships. Students who do not have a first degree but an equivalent thereof, and believe they qualify for the Scholarship, must apply for recognition of prior learning to a suitable tertiary institution in South Africa. The institution may then nominate such a student for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. Applications for recognition of prior learning must be addressed to Dean of Faculties or Schools where the student is registered or intends to register for the Honours or Masters Degree.
Regarding references: all nominees must please attach all 3-5 references to their application documents. Should a referee be unwilling to give their reference to the applicant, they are asked to send this directly to the MRF, and the applicant needs to inform the MRF of this expected reference. It is strongly recommended that nominees and institutions begin this process and send the applications in good time so that applications are received in good time to be processed. Late applications unfortunately cannot be accepted.
Stage 3
Tertiary institutions forward the applications of their nominees to the MRF before the appointed deadline (15 June 2009 for 2010 scholarship applications). Applications are reviewed and a shortlist developed by The Mandela Rhodes Foundation based on the set selection criteria as well as letters of appraisal. Nominating institutions and individual applicants are notified by mail whether they have been short listed or not. Short listed applicants are requested to submit an essay on a specific leadership topic and invited for an interview at the MRF head office in Cape Town.
Stage 4
A selection panel appointed by the Executive Committee of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation following the interviews and other assessments recommend to the Mandela Rhodes Trustees a set number of candidates for election as Mandela Rhodes Scholars. Scholars are selected both on the basis of their leadership qualities and scholastic ability as well as evidence that they can make a significant contribution to society.
Stage 5
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation informs tertiary institutions of the outcomes of the applications, regarding both successful and unsuccessful candidates. Communication detailing the administration of the Scholarships is sent to tertiary institutions, via the designated contact person. Successful candidates receive letters confirming the award of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, and setting out its terms and conditions. Acceptance of the Scholarship by successful candidates is required by The Mandela Rhodes Foundation in writing.
Stage 6
A launch function is conducted in the first quarter of each year, to further orientate students to the requirements of the Scholarships programme and to introduce them to the Mandela Rhodes tradition.
Stage 7
Students register at chosen institutions, the mentoring process begins a few weeks later, and is coupled with supplementary courses during selected institutional holidays.
Stage 8
Initial contact is made and maintained with supervisors of students at each institution until the scholar graduates.
