Applications are now open for the prestigious Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship, offering Mandela Rhodes alumni the opportunity to pursue fully funded doctoral studies in the United Kingdom. The deadline to apply is 17 May 2026, making this a time-sensitive opportunity for eligible candidates. About the Scholarship The Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship (SJMS) is a collaborative initiative between the Mandela Rhodes Foundation and the Leverhulme Trust. Established in 2016, the programme was renamed in 2020 to honour Shaun Johnson, the founding Executive Director of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. Each year, only two scholarships are awarded, making this a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity aimed at amplifying the impact of Mandela Rhodes alumni. What the Scholarship Covers The SJMS provides comprehensive support for doctoral study in the UK, including: Full tuition fee coverage A living stipend to support day-to-day expenses This funding enables scholars to focus fully on their research while studying at leading UK universities. Eligibility Criteria This scholarship is exclusively open to Mandela Rhodes alumni who wish to pursue a PhD outside the African continent. If you are not an alumnus of the Mandela Rhodes programme, you will not be eligible for this award. For those seeking funding for Honours or Master’s degrees, alternative programmes are available through the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. Purpose and Impact The Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship is designed to strengthen both vocational and leadership capacity among its recipients. Academic and Professional Development The programme supports alumni in deepening their expertise through doctoral study, giving them access to world-class supervisors and research facilities that may not be available in their home countries. Leadership Growth In addition to academic advancement, the scholarship aims to empower alumni to take the next step in their leadership journey. Scholars gain exposure to global networks, enhancing their influence across academic, professional, and policy spaces. Scholar Experience Past recipients of the Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship have gone on to study at leading institutions such as: University of Cambridge University of Oxford University of Birmingham University College London Scholars come from diverse African countries and academic backgrounds, contributing to fields ranging from public health to engineering and social sciences. One past scholar highlighted the value of the programme, noting the strong support provided upon arrival in the UK and the opportunity to connect with a wider community of researchers. How to Apply The application process involves several key steps: Confirm your eligibility as a Mandela Rhodes alumnus Review the selection criteria Understand the application process and timeline Prepare all required documents Applicants must request application forms directly via email from the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. Key Dates Applications Opened: 17 April 2026 Application Deadline: 17 May 2026 Late applications are not accepted, so early preparation is strongly recommended. Why Apply? The Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship offers more than financial support—it is a platform for academic excellence, leadership development, and global impact. By studying in the UK, scholars gain access to leading research environments and influential networks that can shape their careers and contributions to society. For Mandela Rhodes alumni ready to take the next step in their academic and leadership journey, this scholarship represents a powerful opportunity to expand their reach and deepen their impact. Application Insights With only two scholarships awarded annually, the Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarship is both selective and transformative. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to pursuing a PhD in the UK, this is an opportunity worth serious consideration. Prepare your application carefully, meet the deadline, and take a step toward advancing your academic career and leadership potential on a global stage. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE