Scholarship Alert: Major International and Local Funding Opportunities Open for South Africans in 2026
Urgent Scholarship Deadlines Approaching for Students, Researchers and Academics
South African students, researchers, academics and professionals seeking funding opportunities for postgraduate studies, research fellowships and international academic exchange programmes are encouraged to submit their applications as several prestigious scholarship programmes approach their closing dates.
Opportunities currently available span South Africa, Colombia, France, the Netherlands, the United States, Thailand and other international destinations, offering funding for Master’s degrees, PhD studies, research fellowships, academic mobility programmes and specialised training initiatives.
Whether applicants are looking to pursue postgraduate education abroad, undertake advanced research, or participate in international academic exchanges, these programmes provide valuable opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills and global networks.
South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) 2026
Celebrating Women Driving Scientific Innovation
The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) continue to recognise and celebrate exceptional women scientists, researchers and postgraduate students whose work contributes to advancing scientific knowledge, innovation and socio-economic development in South Africa.
The awards aim to promote gender equality within the science, technology and innovation sectors while encouraging greater participation by women in research and scientific leadership.
Categories Open for Applications
- Distinguished Women Researchers
- Distinguished Young Women Researchers
- DSTI Master’s Fellowships
- DSTI PhD Fellowships
- Innovation for Impact: Women Leading Change
Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
Beca Colombia Scholarship Programme for Foreigners 2026-02
Study in Colombia Through Fully Funded Opportunities
The Government of Colombia is offering up to 70 scholarships to international applicants through the Beca Colombia Scholarship Programme.
The initiative aims to attract talented students from around the world while strengthening international academic cooperation and cultural exchange.
Available Scholarship Categories
Postgraduate Studies
Funding for applicants pursuing:
- Specialisation programmes
- Master’s degree studies
at accredited public and private higher education institutions in Colombia.
Postgraduate Studies with Spanish Language Training
This category is designed for students who require Spanish language preparation before commencing their academic programmes.
Application Deadline: 05 June 2026
New Opportunity: French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme 2027–2028
Research Excellence in France
Applications have opened for the prestigious French Institutes for Advanced Study (FIAS) Fellowship Programme for the 2027–2028 academic year.
The programme provides researchers with an opportunity to conduct advanced research in a stimulating international environment while collaborating with leading scholars from across the globe.
Fellowship Benefits
- 10-month research fellowships
- Placements across seven institutes in France
- 29 fellowship positions available
Eligible Research Areas
Applications are welcomed from researchers working in:
- Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH)
- Interdisciplinary fields connected to SSH disciplines
Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
International Scholarships Still Open for Applications
Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme 2027–2028
Research Opportunities in the United States
The Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme invites university faculty members and research professionals to undertake advanced research at academic and research institutions in the United States.
Participants may spend between three and nine months conducting research while building international partnerships and contributing to academic collaboration between South Africa and the United States.
Application Deadline: 30 August 2026
Thailand Scholarships Programme for International Students 2026
More Than 211 Academic Programmes Available
Thailand continues to expand its international education offerings through a comprehensive scholarship programme supporting international students.
Funding opportunities are available for:
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- Master’s Degrees
- PhD Programmes
- Exchange Programmes
- Short-Term Training Courses
More than 211 academic programmes are available across participating Thai higher education institutions.
NL Scholarship
Study Opportunities in the Netherlands
The NL Scholarship provides financial support for international students pursuing higher education at participating Dutch universities and institutions.
Funding is available for:
- Bachelor’s Degree Studies
- Master’s Degree Studies
Applicants should consult their preferred institutions for programme-specific deadlines and requirements.
Application Deadlines: Vary by institution
Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme 2026/2027
Strengthening African Higher Education
Funded by the European Union, the Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme seeks to strengthen cooperation among African higher education institutions while promoting mobility for students, trainees and academic staff.
The programme supports:
- Students
- Researchers
- Academic Staff
- Trainees
through partnerships among African universities and higher education institutions.
The current Call for Proposals forms part of the 2022–2027 programme cycle administered through the European Commission’s Funding and Tender Portal.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship Programme
Prestigious Multi-Country Master’s Degrees
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship Programme remains one of the world’s most sought-after international scholarship opportunities.
The programme supports students pursuing integrated Master’s degrees jointly designed and delivered by consortia of leading universities across multiple countries.
Key Features
- Internationally recognised qualifications
- Study opportunities in multiple countries
- Diverse academic disciplines
- Strong international networking opportunities
Application Deadlines: Vary according to participating institutions and programme offerings.
Upcoming Fulbright Information Sessions
Prospective applicants interested in the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme are encouraged to attend upcoming online information sessions.
Session One
Date: 11 June 2026
Time: 12:00 – 13:00
Session Two
Date: 15 July 2026
Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Registration is required to attend.
Important Notice for DHET Funda Germany Scholarship Applicants
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has thanked all applicants who submitted applications for the DHET Funda Germany Scholarship Programme and has announced the commencement of the selection process.
Applicants are reminded that admission to Constructor University does not automatically guarantee scholarship funding. The programme remains highly competitive and only a limited number of scholarships are available.
Following an extensive review process, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in additional selection stages.
Selection Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Closing Date for Bachelor’s and Master’s Applications | 15 February 2026 |
| Closing Date for PhD Applications | 31 March 2026 |
| Applications Received for Shortlisting | 10 April 2026 |
| Interviews of Shortlisted Candidates | 06–15 May 2026 |
| Final Nominations | 30 May 2026 |
| Feedback to Applicants | June 2026 |
Applicants are requested to refrain from contacting the Department regarding selection matters until the process has been completed.
Scholarship Deadlines at a Glance
| Programme | Deadline |
|---|---|
| South African Women in Science Awards (SAWISA) | 31 May 2026 |
| Beca Colombia Scholarship Programme | 05 June 2026 |
| French Institutes for Advanced Study Fellowship Programme | 25 June 2026 |
| Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme | 30 August 2026 |
| NL Scholarship | Varies by Institution |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Programme | Varies by Programme |
| Thailand Scholarships Programme | Varies by Institution |
| Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme | Refer to Programme Call |
A Gateway to Global Education and Research
Scholarships and fellowships continue to play an important role in expanding access to quality education, fostering innovation and strengthening international academic collaboration. For South Africans seeking to advance their studies, research careers or professional expertise, these opportunities offer pathways to world-class institutions and global networks.
With several deadlines rapidly approaching, prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparations immediately and ensure that all application requirements are submitted before closing dates.
