FirstRand is excited to invite students to apply for its International Postgraduate Scholarships Programme for the 2025 academic year!
About FirstRand
FirstRand Limited, established in 1998, is a leading South African financial services provider. Its offerings include lending, investments, asset management, insurance, and transactional services. Headquartered in Johannesburg and licensed by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), FirstRand employs over 40,000 people.
The company was formed through a merger between the Anglo American Corporation of South Africa Limited (Anglo American plc) and RMB Holdings.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarships provide opportunities for postgraduate study in various fields at top international institutions.
FirstRand offers the following six scholarship categories:
- FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship
- For postgraduate studies in any field at any international university.
- Awards: 2 scholarships.
- FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Scholarship
- For previously disadvantaged students pursuing postgraduate studies in any field at any international university.
- Awards: 3 scholarships.
- FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship
- For a Master’s in African Studies at the University of Oxford (UK).
- Awards: 1 scholarship.
- FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship
- For a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford (UK).
- Awards: 1 scholarship.
- FirstRand Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment Scholarship
- For an MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise, and the Environment at the University of Oxford (UK).
- Awards: 1 scholarship.
- FirstRand IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship
- For an MSc in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft (Netherlands).
- Awards: 1 scholarship.
What the Scholarships Cover
- Laurie Dippenaar and Empowerment Foundation Scholarships:
- Up to R1.5 million for Master’s degrees.
- Up to R2 million for PhD studies.
- Oxford African Studies, Blavatnik, and Smith School Scholarships:
- Full funding for 1 year of study and housing at Wadham College, University of Oxford.
- IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship:
- Full funding for 1 year of study.
Selection Process
- Initial Application Review:
- All applicants receive a confirmation email upon submission.
- Applications are reviewed by evaluators from FirstRand, FNB, RMB, and former scholarship winners.
- Interviews:
- Cape Town, Sandton, or Microsoft Teams: 45 candidates are interviewed in the preliminary round.
- Final Interviews:
- 8 candidates shortlisted for Oxford and IHE Delft scholarships.
- 10 candidates shortlisted for Laurie Dippenaar and Empowerment Foundation scholarships.
- Final Decision:
- Winners announced by the end of May 2025.
Eligibility Requirements for the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2025
Applicants must meet these minimum criteria:
1. Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship
- South African citizen.
- Postgraduate studies in any field at an international university.
- No prior overseas studies.
- Must return to South Africa for 5 years after graduation.
- Excellent academic record and leadership potential.
- Preference for candidates under 35 years old.
2. Empowerment Foundation Scholarship
- Same requirements as Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship.
- Must be from a previously disadvantaged background.
3. Oxford African Studies Scholarship
- South African citizen.
- Accepted for MSc in African Studies at the University of Oxford.
- Commitment to contributing to South Africa post-study.
4. Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship
- South African citizen.
- Accepted for Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford.
- Strong leadership and public policy interest.
5. Oxford Smith School Scholarship
- South African citizen.
- Accepted for MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise, and the Environment at Oxford.
6. IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship
- South African citizen.
- Accepted for MSc in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft.
How to Apply for the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2025
Applications are submitted online via the FirstRand Scholarship Application 2025 portal.
Supporting Documents
Two references:
- At least one academic reference if you attended university within the last 6 years.
- References can be emailed directly to: firstrandpgscholarship@firstrand.co.za.
University acceptance letters:
- Submit by 11 April 2025 via the same email.
Closing Date
20 February 2025.
Contact Details
- Contact Person: Giselle Ras
- Email: firstrandpgscholarship@firstrand.co.za
For Oxford-specific queries:
Always ensure your application is complete with all required documents to improve your chances of success. If you know anyone in need of funding, share this opportunity. For more bursaries and scholarships, visit: studyinvarsity.co.za.
Good luck with your application 🎓