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.
What the Scholarship Offers
- 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
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- 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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Required Documents
- 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
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
Closing Date
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.
Why It Matters
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies based on income?
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.
What marks do I need?
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.
Is this only for university students?
No. There are three streams, including one for university students pursuing Chartered Accountancy, one for STEM or Commerce students, and an Early Access stream for Grade 8 learners starting high school.
Does the scholarship include more than money?
Yes. Scholars receive structured mentorship, leadership development and personal growth support alongside financial assistance, which is a key part of the programme.
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