FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarship

FIRSTRAND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FOR INTERNATIONAL POSTGRADUATE STUDY

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF) scholarship, up to the value of R1.5 million for a Masters degree and up to R2 million for a PhD, is available to previously disadvantaged South African citizens for postgraduate study outside South Africa, in any discipline, at an international university of their choice.

APPLICATION DATES

Applications will open on
Monday, 20 October 2025 and close on Thursday, 19 February 2026.

The successful candidates will have excelled academically in their chosen fields and will have been able to demonstrate:

leadership qualities

strength of character

community involvement and

potential to be a destiny changer in his or her chosen field.

Preference will be given to candidates under the age of 35.

Candidates who are currently, or have been studying overseas for degree purposes will not be considered for this scholarship.

Successful candidates are required to return to South Africa for at least five years after completing their studies.

Apply here