MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship
MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship 2027 – Apply Now
Role Overview
The Make A Difference (MAD) Leadership Foundation has opened its 2027 scholarship applications, offering more than just funding to talented young South Africans from low-income households. The foundation supports future chartered accountants, STEM students and commerce students with financial help, mentorship and leadership development. If you have strong marks but your family cannot afford the full cost of study, this MAD Leadership Foundation scholarship could open the door to university and a professional career. Applications close on 26 July 2026.
About the MAD Leadership Foundation
The Make A Difference (MAD) Leadership Foundation is a respected South African non-profit organisation that identifies academically talented young people from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and supports them through high school and university. The foundation is known for combining financial support with intensive leadership development, mentorship and personal growth, helping its scholars become not just graduates but future leaders.
The MAD scholarship programme exists because talent is spread evenly across society, but opportunity is not. Many bright learners from poorer households never reach university simply because of cost. The foundation steps into that gap, funding studies in high-value fields such as chartered accountancy, science, engineering and commerce, while wrapping each scholar in a support structure that boosts their chances of success. For a young South African with the marks and the drive but not the money, this is a life-changing opportunity.
Financial support towards the cost of study for qualifying scholars
Structured mentorship and one-on-one guidance
Leadership development and personal growth programmes
Three 2027 streams: the Mike Ilsley Memorial (MIM) Scholarship for future Chartered Accountants, the MAD Leadership Scholarship for STEM or Commerce fields, and the MAD Leadership Scholarship (Early Access) for Grade 8 learners starting high school
A supportive community of fellow scholars and alumni
You must be a South African citizen.
You must come from a household earning no more than R35,000 gross per month.
For the STEM and Commerce stream: you must have at least a 65% average and be applying to or accepted into a STEM or Commerce field.
For the Chartered Accountants (MIM) stream: you must be in your first or second year of undergraduate study in 2026 at a South African university, pursuing Chartered Accountancy, with a minimum of 70% in Financial Accounting.
For the Early Access stream: you must be a Grade 8 learner starting high school.
You must show strong academic potential and a commitment to leadership and growth.
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A certified copy of your South African ID document (or birth certificate for younger learners)
Your latest academic results or school report
Proof of household income or a sworn affidavit
Proof of registration or acceptance at a university (for tertiary streams)
A motivation letter explaining your goals and why you should be selected
Visit the official MAD Leadership Foundation website and open the scholarships section.
Read the requirements for each of the three streams and choose the one that fits your situation.
Gather your ID, academic results and proof of household income before you begin.
Complete the application as instructed and prepare your motivation letter.
Submit your application and supporting documents by email to applications@madleadership.org or through the official application channel.
Submit before the closing date and keep a copy of your application and confirmation.
Apply at the MAD Leadership Foundation
The closing date for the MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship 2027 is 26 July 2026. No late applications will be accepted, so prepare your documents early and submit before the deadline.
South Africa loses enormous potential every year when bright learners from poor households cannot afford to study further. The MAD Leadership Foundation directly tackles this by funding scholars in fields that lead to strong, stable careers, including chartered accountancy, engineering, science and commerce. What makes this scholarship stand out is that it does not stop at money. The mentorship and leadership development give scholars the confidence, networks and personal skills that often decide who succeeds after graduation. For a learner from a low-income family, being selected can mean the difference between a future limited by circumstance and one shaped by their own talent and hard work.
The foundation supports South African citizens from households earning no more than R35,000 gross per month, so it is aimed at students who genuinely need financial help.
The STEM and Commerce stream requires at least a 65% average, while the Chartered Accountants stream requires a minimum of 70% in Financial Accounting for first or second-year students.
No. There are three streams, including one fo
Key Responsibilities
As a bursary recipient, your responsibilities will include maintaining the minimum academic performance standards and attending all lectures and tutorials as required. Submitting academic progress reports to the bursary provider at specified intervals and participating in any vacation work placements or mentorship programmes is required.
Entry Requirements
• You must be a South African citizen.
• You must come from a household earning no more than R35,000 gross per month.
• For the STEM and Commerce stream: you must have at least a 65% average and be applying to or accepted into a STEM or Commerce field.
• For the Chartered Accountants (MIM) stream: you must be in your first or second year of undergraduate study in 2026 at a South African university, pursuing Chartered Accountancy, with a minimum of 70% in Financial Accounting.
• For the Early Access stream: you must be a Grade 8 learner starting high school.
• You must show strong academic potential and a commitment to leadership and growth.
• RELATED: Investec Tech Scholarship 2027 – Apply Now
Listing Source
This opportunity was sourced from Nasi-Ispani. Always verify final requirements and deadlines on the official source before applying.
How to Apply
Visit the official MAD Leadership Foundation website and open the scholarships section. Read the requirements for each of the three streams and choose the one that fits your situation. Gather your ID, academic results and proof of household income before you begin. Complete the application as instructed and prepare your motivation letter. Submit your application and supporting documents by email to applications@madleadership.org or through the official application channel. Submit before the closing date and keep a copy of your application and confirmation. Apply at the MAD Leadership Foundation
Email application: applications@madleadership.org
About MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship
This bursary is offered by MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship.
Why This Is Good for Starters
This bursary from MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship can cover your tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and sometimes even a living allowance. In South Africa, where the cost of higher education continues to rise, bursaries are a lifeline for talented students who cannot afford to study. Some bursary programmes also include vacation work placements or post-study work opportunities, giving you both education support and practical career exposure.
CV Tips for This Application
- Include your academic record — marks and subjects matter for bursary applications
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining your financial need and career aspirations
- Mention any community involvement, leadership roles, or extracurricular activities
- Include proof of financial need if the application requires it
- Apply early — bursary programmes often close well before the academic year starts
Application Checklist
- Read the full job description carefully before applying
- Prepare an updated CV tailored to this specific role
- Gather all required documents mentioned in the listing
- Prepare your academic transcripts and proof of financial need
- Write a motivation letter explaining your career goals
- Submit before the closing date: 26 July 2026
- Double-check your contact details are correct on your CV
- Follow up after 2 weeks if you have not heard back
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with matric only?
Check the requirements section above for education requirements.
Do I need experience?
This appears to be suitable for candidates with little or no experience.
Can I apply if I live in another province?
Most opportunities accept applications from candidates across South Africa. Check the requirements for any location-specific criteria.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your application, the employer will review it. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for an interview. Response times vary by employer.
Is this bursary paid?
Payment details are not specified. Contact the employer for more information.
When is the closing date and what if I miss it?
The closing date is 26 July 2026. Apply before this date to be considered.
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