South Africa Scholarships
Study in the Rainbow Nation
From Aids to Apartheid, South Africa’s cultural and political environment juxtaposed against a landscape of beauty is one of the most valuable educational resources available to international studies programs. Students studying in South Africa are often engaged in social and political studies focused on multicultural understanding and social development. Scholarships are available from all types of sources.
Government Scholarships
The Benjamin Gilman International Scholarships are a product of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program goals are to offer underrepresented students a chance to engage in unforgettable international studies and sew the seeds for a more diverse global leadership. Students most eligible for these ultra-competitive scholarships are minorities, attending a community college, with severe financial need, receiving Pell Grants and with an impeccable academic record to go along with the rest. Gilman Scholarships may be awarded for two years. Awards are up to $5,000 and are given to over 700 undergraduate students.
Private Organizations
The School for International Training (SIT) is a world-class leader in international studies that fosters understanding and stewardship. SIT offers two different programs of study in South Africa: South Africa, Multiculturalism and Social Exchange and South Africa, Reconciliation and Development. Students participating in either should apply for the Compton Fund Scholarships. These awards are designed for students in the “sustainable development” programs, which include the South Africa selections.
College Scholarships
Michigan State University students have a fantastic opportunity to experience post-Apartheid South Africa by taking up studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. This program is one of the more costly in the realm of international studies. For that reason participants should explore the scholarships from the Office of Study Abroad:
- MSU Federal Credit Union Scholarship are the most generous of all the departmental scholarships, thanks to a generous contribution from the Credit Union. Students must appeal for funding on the basis of academic merit and financial need.
- Forest Akers Scholarships are awarded to academically talented students trying to pursue international studies, like the South Africa program, but who are unable without funding. Students must prove serious financial need, but not be qualified for Pell Grant funding.
- MSU Alumni Association Scholarships are awarded to both academically outstanding and financially needy students from funds maintained through the generous contributions of alumni.
The South Africa: Social Action Project is a planned program of study through the Psychology Department at the Indiana University-South Bend. There may perhaps be no better climate in which to study the effects of political, social and economic upheaval on the psyche than in Durban, South Africa. Students in the South Africa studies program should check out the following scholarships:
- IU Overseas Study Scholarships are a joint program with IU-Bloomington. Students may apply for summer, semester and year-long programs for scholarships up to $3,000. Awards are made based on academic excellence and demonstrated financial need.
- Minority Scholarships are given to students who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to study abroad. Applicants must have a good academic record and extensive financial need.
- Joseph L. and Julia B. Peyser Study Abroad Undergraduate Scholarships are awarded to academically talented students pursuing studies abroad.
Scholarships for South African Students
Stanford University is one of the most renowned research institutions in the U.S. university system. Any student would feel privileged to study with Stanford academicians. The Stanford-South Africa Biomedical Informatics Program is specially designed to offer elite South African students a chance to study with Stanford educators and researchers. The Visiting Scholarships are awarded to graduate or post-graduate South Africans pursuing the program. Qualified applicants are encouraged to possess a broad range of disciplines including medicine and technology. The scholarships cover nearly all expenses including program tuition.