The FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships invites students to apply for the Bursary programme 2024 academic year.
FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships is meant for both South African and International students that need assistance in their education. More so, the Bursary covers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Therefore, if you are a student looking to further your education at the undergraduate or Master’s level, this chance is for you.
DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY
ABOUT THE FIRSTRAND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMES – FIELDS COVERED
FirstRand is inviting students to apply for their international postgraduate scholarship programmes, for the 2024 academic year.
FirstRand is offering 5 different scholarship awards:
1) FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship: is for postgraduate studies in ANY field of study, at ANY international university.
2) FirstRand Foundation Scholarship: is for previously disadvantaged students, for postgraduate studies in ANY field of study, at ANY international university.
3) FirstRand Oxford African Studies scholarship at the University of Oxford: is for a postgraduate MSc in African Studies, at the University of Oxford.
4) FirstRand FNB Fund Scholarship for international Masters study in Education at the University of Oxford: is for a postgraduate masters degree in education, at the University of Oxford.
5) FirstRand FNB Fund Postgraduate Education Scholarship: is for a postgraduate qualification in education, at ANY international university.
MORE ABOUT THE FIRSTRAND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMES – COVERAGE VALUE
Scholarships will be awarded to the following values:
- FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship: R925 000.
- FirstRand Foundation Scholarship: R925 000.
- FirstRand Oxford African Studies scholarship at the University of Oxford: full funding for 1 year of study and housing at Wadham College.
- FirstRand FNB Fund Scholarship for international Masters study in Education at the University of Oxford: full funding for 1 year of study and housing at Wadham College.
- FirstRand FNB Fund Postgraduate Education Scholarship: R925 000.
MORE ABOUT THE FIRSTRAND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMMES – SELECTION
The selection process will include the following steps:
- All applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their application (via email).
- All applications will be assessed by a minimum of 3 preliminary evaluators from FirstRand, FNB, RMB, as well as previous scholarship recipients.
- Approximately 40 candidates are shortlisted and will be invited to attend an interview – in Cape Town, Sandton or online via Microsoft Teams.
- 10 further shortlisted candidates will be selected for the FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship, FirstRand Foundation Scholarship and FirstRand Oxford African Studies scholarship – final interviews for these scholarships will take place on 10 May 2024 in Sandton.
- 4 shortlisted candidates will be selected for the 2 Education scholarships and will be interviewed on 17 May 2024 in Sandton.
- Final announcements will be made no later than 31 May 2024.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRSTRAND SCHOLARSHIPS
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
1) FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must intend on studying towards a postgraduate qualification, in ANY field of study
- You must intend on studying outside of South Africa, at any international university
- You must NOT currently or previously studied overseas
- You must be willing to return to South Africa for a minimum of 5 years after completing your qualification
- You must have an excellent academic record
- Must demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; strong character; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
- Preference will be given to students under 35 years old
2) FirstRand Foundation Scholarship:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be from a previously disadvantaged background
- You must intend on studying towards a postgraduate qualification, in ANY field of study
- You must intend on studying outside of South Africa, at any international university
- You must NOT currently or previously studied overseas
- You must be willing to return to South Africa for a minimum of 5 years after completing your qualification
- You must demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; strong character; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
- Preference will be given to students under 35 years old
3) FirstRand Oxford African Studies scholarship at the University of Oxford:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have been accepted to study towards a MSc in African Studies at the University of Oxford (see more here: http://www.africanstudies.ox.ac.uk/msc-african-studies)
- You must have an excellent academic record
- You must demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
- You must contribute to South Africa after completing studies and returning to the country
4) FirstRand FNB Fund Scholarship for international Masters study in Education at the University of Oxford:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have been accepted to study towards a full-time Masters degree in Education at the University of Oxford (see more here: https://www.education.ox.ac.uk/programmes/msc-education/)
- You must have an excellent academic record
- You must demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
- You must contribute to South Africa after completing studies and returning to the country
5) FirstRand FNB Fund Postgraduate Education Scholarship:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must intend on studying towards a postgraduate qualification in Education
- You must intend on studying outside of South Africa, at any international university
- You must NOT currently or previously studied overseas
- You must be willing to return to South Africa for a minimum of 5 years after completing your qualification
- You must demonstrate the following qualities: leadership skills; strong character; community involvement; and potential to be a destiny changer your chosen field
- Preference will be given to students under 35 years old
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE FIRSTRAND SCHOLARSHIP
Applications must be submitted online at: FirstRand Scholarship Application 2024
Candidates will need to Register an Account before they can Login and submit their application.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- Copy of your ID document
- Photo of face
- Copy of your Matric results
- Minimum of 2 references (people whom you have worked under in an academic setting or in another area of interest). Confidential references can be emailed from the referee to: [email protected] and clearly marked with your name (or can accompany your application form).
- A personal statement explaining why you deserve to be awarded this scholarship (maximum 1 000 words)
CLOSING DATE FOR THE FIRSTRAND SCHOLARSHIP
3 March 2024.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER
For any queries related to these scholarship programmes, please contact FirstRand directly:
Contact Person: Beth van Heerden
Email: [email protected]
Students who will be studying at the University of Oxford, can email their queries to: [email protected] / [email protected]
Students should also read the following frequently asked questions and answers before submitting any queries.
