Cecil Renaud International Scholarship 2027: How to Apply

Key facts

Status: Applications closed Closed 30 September 2026
Provider: Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust
Study level: Postgraduate, Undergraduate
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The 2027 scholarship is open and closes on 30 September 2026.

Written by Keagan HendricksStaff Writer (Unisa Alumnus)

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

Closed · applications closed on 30 September 2026 Latest update ↓

The Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust, based in Durban, sends outstanding KwaZulu-Natal graduates to the United Kingdom for postgraduate study. It is one of the few scholarships reserved for students who went to school in the province, and it looks for academic distinction paired with leadership and a commitment to coming back and building South Africa.

About the Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship

Funds a master’s degree or equivalent, or a PhD, at a university in the United Kingdom.
Open to any field of study.
The value is confirmed in the offer letter; the trust funds a small number of scholars each year.

Cecil Renaud Scholarship eligibility requirements

South African resident under the age of 27 at the time of applying.
Completed a major part of your secondary schooling in KwaZulu-Natal.
In the final year of a four-year undergraduate degree, or completing an honours degree.
An outstanding academic record, with Dean’s Commendations or certificates of merit, plus demonstrated leadership and a commitment to uplifting South Africa.

How to apply for the Cecil Renaud Scholarship

Download the application form from cecilrenaud.co.za/apply.
Complete it and attach your academic transcripts, proof of your KwaZulu-Natal schooling, evidence of academic awards, references and a motivation setting out your study plans and career intentions.
Email everything to apply@cecilrenaud.co.za and post a copy to the address on the form, before 30 September 2026.

Cecil Renaud Scholarship closing date

30 September 2026 for study starting in 2027.

Contact details

Email: apply@cecilrenaud.co.za
Website: www.cecilrenaud.co.za

Students aiming for the UK should also apply to the Chevening scholarship (6 October 2026), the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships and the Rhodes Scholarship.

FAQs

1. When does the Cecil Renaud scholarship close for 2027? +

30 September 2026. Late applications are not accepted.

2. What is the Cecil Renaud Overseas Scholarship? +

A scholarship from the Cecil Renaud Educational and Charitable Trust in Durban that sends outstanding KwaZulu-Natal students to the United Kingdom for a master's degree or a PhD.

3. Who qualifies? +

South African residents under 27 at the time of applying who completed a major part of their secondary schooling in KwaZulu-Natal, are in the final year of a four-year undergraduate degree or an honours degree, hold Dean's Commendations or certificates of merit, and show leadership and a commitment to uplifting South Africa.

4. What does it cover? +

Postgraduate study at a university in the United Kingdom, with the award confirmed in the offer letter.

5. How do I apply? +

Download the application form from cecilrenaud.co.za and email the completed form with your supporting documents to apply@cecilrenaud.co.za, and post a copy to the address on the form.

6. What are the alternatives? +

Chevening (6 October 2026), the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships, the Rhodes Scholarship and the Gates Cambridge Scholarship.

Update note (closing date confirmed on cecilrenaud.co.za on 22 September 2026): the 2027 scholarship is open and closes on 30 September 2026. Late applications are not accepted.

This round is not open right now. Check the provider’s own site for the next round.

Visit the provider’s website

Or send your application by email:

apply@cecilrenaud.co.za

Student funding in numbers

2025811 011students funded by NSFAS580 000 at universities, 231 000 at TVET colleges, on a budget of R48.7 billion.

20261 026 091students approved for NSFAS funding609 403 first-year applicants qualified and 416 688 continuing students met the progression criteria, out of 893 847 applications.

2027 projectedR53.4bnbudgeted for NSFASThe allocation rises from R48.7 billion in 2025 to R51 billion in 2026 and R53.4 billion in 2027. Student numbers for 2027 are not published yet.

Figures from the Minister of Higher Education’s Budget Vote of 3 July 2025 and the NSFAS statement of 2 January 2026. NSFAS is the largest funder, not the only one – we track the rest.