FirstRand Bursary: Scholarships for International Postgraduate

FirstRand Bursary offers nine prestigious scholarships for South African citizens to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. These scholarships are designed to support outstanding students who exhibit exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and community involvement. This article provides a detailed guide on the available scholarships, application process, eligibility criteria, and important deadlines.

Available Scholarships

FirstRand provides nine international postgraduate scholarships, categorized as follows:

1. FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarships

• Two scholarships are available for international postgraduate study.

2. FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Scholarships

• Three scholarships are available for international postgraduate study.

3. FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship

• Covers an MSc in African Studies at the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies.

4. FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship

• Supports a Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

5. FirstRand Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment Scholarship

• Provides funding for an MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise, and the Environment at the University of Oxford.

6. FirstRand IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship

• Offers financial support for an MSc in Water and Sustainability at IHE Delft.

Application Process

Online Submission

All applications must be submitted online with the required attachments and reference letters. Additionally, applicants must have already applied to their university of choice before submitting their scholarship application.

Submission of University Acceptance Letter

Once applicants receive their university acceptance letter, they must submit it to firstrandpgscholarship@firstrand.co.za by April 11, 2025.

Confidentiality and Final Decisions

All applications are handled with strict confidentiality. The adjudication panels’ decisions are final, and no correspondence regarding their decisions will be entertained. The panels also reserve the right to withhold awards if necessary.

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: Friday, November 1, 2024
• Applications Close: Thursday, February 20, 2025
• University Acceptance Letter Deadline: April 11, 2025
• Final Interview Rounds: May 2025 in Sandton
• Final Announcement: Before the end of May 2025

Note: Late applications will not be accepted.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic Excellence

Candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements in their chosen field.

Leadership and Character

Applicants should exhibit strong leadership qualities, strength of character, and a commitment to their community.

Community Involvement

Active participation in community initiatives is essential for applicants.

Post-Study Commitment

Successful candidates must return to South Africa for at least five years after completing their studies.

Exclusion Criteria

Candidates who are currently studying or have studied abroad for a degree will not be considered.

Selection Process

Preliminary Evaluation

Each application is reviewed by at least three evaluators from FirstRand, FNB, RMB, and previous scholarship winners. A longlist of approximately 45 candidates is selected for initial interviews.

Interview Stages

1. Longlist Interviews: Conducted in-person in Cape Town, Sandton, or online via Microsoft Teams.
2. Shortlist Selection:
   • Up to eight candidates are shortlisted for:
     • FirstRand Oxford African Studies Scholarship
     • FirstRand Oxford Blavatnik School of Government Scholarship
     • FirstRand Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment Scholarship
     • FirstRand IHE Delft Water Education Scholarship
   • Up to ten candidates are shortlisted for:
     • FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarships
     • FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Scholarships

Final Interviews

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for final interviews in Sandton in May 2025.

Announcement of Winners

The final selection results will be announced before the end of May 2025.

Contact Information

For queries regarding the application process, applicants can contact: Giselle Ras at firstrandpgscholarship@firstrand.co.za

Conclusion

The FirstRand international postgraduate scholarships provide a life-changing opportunity for South African students to pursue advanced studies abroad. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process diligently, aspiring scholars can increase their chances of securing funding for their academic pursuits. With strong academic credentials, leadership abilities, and a commitment to community development, successful candidates can leverage this opportunity to become future leaders and change-makers in their fields.