Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund 2023 for Young South Africans

The NYDA established the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund (SMSF).  The R20-million fund seeks to avail financial support to youth to enable them to pursue quality education in an institution of higher learning with youth in rural areas as primary target.  

Application Deadline: 

• Applications (online and manual) for the 2023 academic year will open on 18th September 2022.

Eligible Countries: South Africa

To be taken at (country): South Africa

Eligible Field of Study: Full-time degrees that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas outlined in the labour planning framework of the country.Full-time degrees that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas outlined in the labour planning framework of the country.

About the Award: In its quest to address the challenge of youth unemployment, access to education, among many other challenges, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) changed its core business to focus on education and skills development as the organisation’s main priority. This move was informed by studies which suggested that salary remains the main source of income for young South Africans.

The Solomon Mahlangu scholarship fund was established in honour of Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu who at the age of 23, was executed under the apartheid laws after being wrongfully accused of murder and terrorism. Fearing crowd reaction at the funeral, police decided to bury Mahlangu in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

The scholarship fund is designed to create an environment for affording youth with excellent academic background, an opportunity to further their studies. Financial support will be provided to youth who pursue full time degrees that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas outlined in the labor planning frameworks of the country.

The fund will be accessible to deserving South African youth who meet the minimum entry requirements set by the NYDA and, who have been admitted for study at public Universities and Universities of Technology

Type: Undergraduate

Eligibility: 

• Students must be applying for admission to one of the public universities as a 1st year full-time student in a priority study (see above).
• High school learners who plan to attend one of the public universities or university of technology after completing the National Senior Certificate
• Must meet University Admission Points Score (APS) and achieve an average of 70% in the NSC exams
• Must be South African citizens between 14 – 35
• Financial neediness – combined household salary of less than R15 000 a month
• Reside in rural/semi-rural areas

Number of Awardees: 150

Value of Scholarship: 

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Study Books

Duration of Scholarship: The Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship is awarded for the duration of studies

How to Apply: 

• CLICK HERE for online application.
• CLICK HERE to download application form for postal/email applications
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to fully complete the online application form.

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details

Award Provider: National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

Important Notes: 

• Application does not automatically mean acceptance; a selection will be made of students to be covered by the scholarship programme.  Application does not automatically mean acceptance; a selection will be made of students to be covered by the scholarship programme.
• NO late applications will be considered.