CHILE: Becas Mandela Master’s Scholarships 2026

The Chilean Agency for International Cooperation and Development (AGCID) is offering scholarships to pursue Master’s studies at Chilean higher education institutions for the 2026 academic year.

This programme aims to contribute to the development of advanced human capital in Africa by enabling students to pursue postgraduate qualifications in Chile. It forms part of Chile’s foreign policy objectives to deepen political, social, economic, academic, scientific, and cultural ties with African countries.

The scholarships are primarily aimed at professionals in the public and academic sectors, including higher education institutions and non-governmental organisations, who have relevant experience in thematic areas aligned with their chosen programme of study. 

More information on the Nelson Mandela 2026 Scholarship call visit https://www.agcid.gob.cl/becas/becas-para-extranjeros/ofertas-vigentes.  

Degree level

Master’s Degree

Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications to the Embassy of Chile in Pretoria is: 03 October 2025

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be citizens of South Africa, Mozambique, or Angola, with preference given to professionals working in the public or academic sector;
• Hold a 4-year university degree in one of the following fields: Agriculture, Aquaculture, Energy, Public Policy Management, Health, Environment, or Mining;
• Have relevant work experience in the field of intended study;
• Have obtained unconditional admission to a Chilean higher education institution for a Master’s programme;
• Demonstrate proficiency in Spanish.

Fields of study

A wide range of fields is available. Please refer to the List of Accredited Master’s Programmes.

Note: MBA programmes and medical specialisations are not funded.

What the scholarship offers

• A Spanish language course;
• Return airfare to and from Chile (including domestic transport if required);
• Full tuition for a maximum of 24 months;
• Monthly allowance;
• Medical insurance for illnesses, accidents, or losses while in Chile;
• A once-off book allowance.

Application process

South African applicants must submit the AGCID grant application form and the following supporting documents electronically to esudafrica@minrel.gob.cl.

1. Letter of acceptance into the selected study programme;
2. Medical certificate (physical and mental health);
3. Original or notarised copy of the professional degree certificate;
4. Curriculum Vitae highlighting academic and professional experience;
5. Motivational letter outlining reasons for studying in Chile;
6. Brief outline of proposed thesis areas or topics;
7. Academic reference letter;
8. Letter of sponsorship from the employer (if applicable);
9. Signed affidavit accepting the terms and conditions of the scholarship.

Further details on the application process can be found at the following link: Nelson Mandela 2026 AGCID Scholarships.

Contact

For more information about the Nelson Mandela Master’s Scholarships Programme, please contact: esudafrica@minrel.gob.cl.

Documents and links

Call for the Nelson Mandela Master’s Scholarships 2026

List of Master Programmes

Application Form

Note

Please note that this opportunity is not offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Applicants are required to undertake their own research into programmes and institutions and are responsible for ensuring that the qualifications will be recognised in South Africa by contacting the South African Qualifications Authority and the relevant professional bodies. If there are any discrepancies in the details provided, the information given by the sponsor supersedes the details provided above. No additional financial support will be provided by the Department of Higher Education and Training.