South African graduates seeking to pursue postgraduate studies at some of the world’s leading universities can now explore the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships, a prestigious funding programme that supports future leaders, innovators, and change-makers.
The scholarship programme provides 12 international postgraduate scholarships for South African citizens to undertake master’s degrees and other postgraduate qualifications at internationally recognised institutions, including the University of Oxford, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, IE University, and the University of Sussex.
The initiative is designed to strengthen leadership, academic excellence, and innovation while equipping scholars with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to South Africa’s social and economic development.
About the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships
The FirstRand Foundation’s international scholarship programme aims to invest in exceptional South Africans who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and professions.
The programme supports postgraduate study across a variety of disciplines, including public policy, sustainability, African studies, water management, technology, business analytics, and government.
Recipients gain access to world-class education while becoming part of a network of future leaders committed to driving meaningful change in South Africa.
Scholarships Available
A total of 12 scholarships are offered through the programme.
They include:
- Two FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarships for international postgraduate study.
- Three FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Scholarships for international postgraduate study.
- One FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship for an MSc in African Studies at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies.
- One FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship for a Master of Public Policy.
- One FirstRand Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment Scholarship for an MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise and the Environment.
- One FirstRand IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship for an MSc in Water and Sustainability.
- One FirstRand IE School of Science and Technology Scholarship for either:
- Master in Business Analytics and Big Data, or
- Master in Computer and Business Technology.
- Two Mandela Scholarships, supported by the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, for a Master’s degree at the University of Sussex.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarships are intended for South African citizens who wish to pursue postgraduate studies abroad.
The programme seeks applicants who demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic achievement.
- Leadership potential.
- A commitment to contributing to South Africa’s development.
- The ability to become future innovators, policymakers, entrepreneurs, or thought leaders.
Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the scholarship and host institution.
Areas of Study
The scholarships support postgraduate study in a broad range of disciplines, including:
- African Studies
- Public Policy
- Sustainability
- Environmental Management
- Enterprise and Innovation
- Water and Sustainability
- Business Analytics
- Big Data
- Computer and Business Technology
- Government and Leadership
Some scholarships are open to a wide range of postgraduate programmes, while others are linked to specific master’s degrees at partner universities.
Partner Universities
Successful applicants may study at internationally recognised institutions, including:
- University of Oxford
- Blavatnik School of Government
- Oxford School of Global and Area Studies
- Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
- IHE Delft Institute for Water Education
- IE School of Science and Technology
- University of Sussex
These institutions are globally recognised for excellence in research, innovation, and leadership education.
Beyond Scholarships: Higher Education Support
In addition to its international scholarship programme, the FirstRand Foundation invests in several higher education initiatives aimed at expanding access to quality education and supporting skills development in South Africa.
Its Higher Education Support Programme includes partnerships with:
- Thuthuka Bursary Fund – Supporting Chartered Accountancy students and promoting transformation within the profession.
- Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme – Providing financial assistance to university students.
- Black Academics Advancement Programme – Supporting Black academics undertaking PhD and postdoctoral research in partnership with the National Research Foundation.
- South African Actuarial Development Programme – Developing critical actuarial skills in South Africa.
These initiatives reflect FirstRand’s broader commitment to strengthening higher education and building future talent across multiple sectors.
Why Apply?
The FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships offer more than financial support. They provide exceptional South African students with the opportunity to gain internationally recognised qualifications, build global professional networks, and develop the leadership skills needed to address complex social and economic challenges.
Graduates of the programme are expected to return with valuable expertise that can contribute to innovation, policy development, sustainable growth, and long-term national development.
For ambitious South Africans looking to study abroad while making a lasting impact at home, the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships represent one of the country’s most prestigious postgraduate funding opportunities.
