The Make A Difference Leadership Foundation has opened applications for its 2027 scholarship opportunities. The current application round includes options for future Chartered Accountants, STEM or commerce students, and younger learners entering high school.
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: Make A Difference Leadership Foundation
- Opportunity type: Scholarship programme
- Opportunities listed: Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship, MAD Leadership Scholarship for STEM or Commerce, and MAD Leadership Scholarship Early Access
- Who it is for: South African learners or students with academic potential, leadership qualities and financial need
- Closing date: 26 July 2026
- How to apply: Through the relevant online application link on the MAD Leadership Foundation website
Scholarship options
- Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship: for students pursuing Chartered Accountancy, offered in partnership with FEM Education Foundation.
- MAD Leadership Scholarship – STEM or Commerce: for Grade 12 learners or first-year students pursuing STEM or commerce fields.
- MAD Leadership Scholarship – Early Access: for Grade 8 learners moving into Grade 9 in 2027.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be South African citizens.
- For the Mike Ilsley Memorial route, applicants should be first- or second-year undergraduate students pursuing Chartered Accountancy and should meet the stated Financial Accounting requirement.
- For the STEM or Commerce route, applicants should be in Grade 12 in 2026 or first year in 2026 and be applying to or accepted for a STEM or commerce field.
- For the Early Access route, applicants should be in Grade 8 in 2026 and moving to Grade 9 in 2027.
- The listed scholarship routes refer to a gross household income threshold of no more than R35,000 per month.
- Leadership, responsibility, community involvement and basic English ability are important selection considerations.
Documents and application preparation
Applicants should choose the correct scholarship route before starting the form. Prepare academic results, identity documents, proof of household income and any other documents requested in the relevant online form.
How to apply
- Open the MAD Leadership Foundation scholarship opportunities page.
- Read the three available scholarship routes carefully.
- Click the correct application link for your route.
- Complete the online form and upload all required documents.
- Submit before 26 July 2026.
Closing date
26 July 2026. Applicants should use the correct form for their route, as the requirements differ between the Chartered Accounting, STEM/Commerce and Early Access scholarships.