Cecil Renaud International Scholarship 2026: Requirements and How to Apply

The Cecil Renaud International Scholarship 2026 (also known as the Overseas Scholarship) is a prestigious programme that enables top-performing students from KwaZulu-Natal to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom. 

About the Scholarship

The Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust was founded through the generosity of Durban philanthropist Dr Cecil Renaud in 1988. 

Since 1994, the Trust has awarded this fully-funded scholarship annually to one or two exceptional South African students for up to two years of master’s or PhD study in the UK. 

Past recipients have attended leading institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of London.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following to qualify:

1. Have completed most of your secondary schooling in KwaZulu-Natal.
2. Be under the age of 27 at the time of application.
3. Be in your final year of a four-year undergraduate degree or postgraduate Honours degree at a South African institution.
4. Demonstrate academic excellence, typically at cum laude or summa cum laude level, along with dean’s commendations or certificates of merit.
5. Show qualities of leadership, stamina, focus, and a drive to uplift South Africa, along with evidence of strong extracurricular involvement and potential for impact.

How to Apply

• Applications are made via a downloadable form on the official Cecil Renaud website.
• Complete the application form and submit it, along with supporting documentation, via email to [email protected].
• Alternatively, applications may be sent by post to:
  The Trustees, Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust, P.O. Box 3211, Durban, 4000.

Required Documents

Be sure to submit:

1. A certified copy of your proof of secondary schooling in KwaZulu-Natal.
2. Certified copies of your academic transcripts and degree certificate (if available).
3. A motivational statement outlining your ambitions, intended course of study, and post-study contributions.
4. Any documentation demonstrating leadership, academic excellence, or community involvement.

Closing Date

• Deadline: 31st of October 2024. Applications for 2026 is not yet open.

Contact Details

For inquiries about the scholarship or application process, contact:

• Email: [email protected]
• Postal Address: The Trustees, Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust, P.O. Box 3211, Durban, 4000.