If you are a South African student looking to further your studies abroad, the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships could be your golden opportunity.
FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2025
FirstRand is offering six different scholarships for the 2025 academic year, providing financial support to students who want to study internationally.
These scholarships cover different fields and universities, helping students gain world-class education and bring their knowledge back to South Africa.
Study Fields Covered by FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships
The scholarships cover a wide range of study fields, depending on the type of scholarship you apply for.
Below are the different scholarships and their respective study fields:
- FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship – Available for any postgraduate field at any international university.
- FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Scholarship – Open to previously disadvantaged students in any postgraduate field at any international university.
- FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship – For an MSc in African Studies at the University of Oxford.
- FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship – For a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford.
- FirstRand Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment Scholarship – For an MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise, and the Environment at the University of Oxford.
- FirstRand IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship – For an MSc in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft, Netherlands.
Bursary Coverage
Each scholarship provides different levels of financial support:
- FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar and FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Scholarships: Up to R1.5 million for a Master’s degree and R2 million for PhD studies.
- Oxford Scholarships: Full funding for one year of study, including housing at Wadham College.
- IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship: Full funding for one year of study.
Funding Duration and Renewal
These scholarships are awarded for one academic year.
Students pursuing multi-year degrees must find additional funding beyond the first year.
The scholarships are not automatically renewable, so recipients must secure alternative sources of funding if required.
Who Can Apply for FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships?
To be eligible, applicants must meet these basic requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have an excellent academic record.
- Show leadership skills, community involvement, and potential to make a difference in their field.
- Must not have previously studied abroad.
- Must return to South Africa for at least five years after completing their studies.
- Some scholarships, like the Empowerment Foundation Scholarship, require candidates to come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Specific Oxford and IHE Delft scholarships require candidates to have secured admission to the respective universities before applying.
Steps to Apply for FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships
To apply for the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships, follow these steps:
- Register Online – Visit the FirstRand website and create an account to begin your application.
- Complete the Application Form – Fill in all required details about your academic background, leadership roles, and study plans.
- Submit Supporting Documents – You must provide:
- Two reference letters (at least one from an academic if you graduated within the last six years).
- University acceptance letter (must be submitted by 11 April 2025).
- Any other required supporting documents.
- Wait for Confirmation – All applicants will receive an email confirming receipt of their application.
- Attend Interviews – Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews in Cape Town, Sandton, or online.
- Final Selection – The winners will be announced before the end of May 2025.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting applications is 20 February 2025.
For any queries regarding the scholarships, contact:
- Contact Person: Giselle Ras
- Email: firstrandpgscholarship@firstrand.co.za