Gallagher Foundation Scholarships 2025

Are you a South African student with a passion for leadership, academic excellence, and a drive to make a positive impact on your country? The Gallagher Foundation Scholarship might be the perfect opportunity for you.

Closing Date for Applications: 31 January 2025

The Gallagher Foundation, a charitable organization founded in 2001 by Ellen and Jerry Gallagher, aims to assist promising young leaders from South Africa, Mexico, and Turkey. Their vision is to support students who will contribute to the peace and prosperity of their countries, especially in the context of the unique challenges faced by developing nations. The Gallagher Foundation Scholarship offers full funding for students to pursue undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT), along with similar opportunities in Mexico and Turkey.

About the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship Programme

For the 2025 academic year, the Gallagher Foundation is inviting applications for its undergraduate scholarship programme at UCT in South Africa. Scholarships are available for students pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree or a six-year medical degree. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, study materials, meals, transportation, and a living allowance. The Gallagher Foundation aims to assist students who have demonstrated leadership potential, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to improving their communities.

Fields of Study Covered by the Scholarship

The Gallagher Foundation Scholarship is open to students applying for undergraduate degrees in any field at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Whether you’re pursuing a degree in the humanities, sciences, engineering, or a medical field, the foundation is committed to supporting you through your academic journey.

Expenses Covered by the Scholarship

The scholarship is a full-ride award that will cover:

• Tuition fees
• Books and study materials
• Accommodation and meals
• Transport
• Living allowance

This comprehensive financial support ensures that you can focus on your studies without worrying about financial burdens.

Eligibility Requirements for the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship

To apply for the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. South African Citizen: You must be a South African citizen.
2. Admitted to UCT: You must have received final acceptance to study at UCT for the 2025 academic year.
3. First-Year Student: You must be entering your first year of study in 2025, either in a four-year degree program or a six-year medical degree program.
4. Strong Academic Record: You must have a minimum 60% average in your high school results.
5. National Benchmark Test (NBT): You must have achieved strong results in all competency areas of the National Benchmark Test.
6. Financial Need: Applicants must come from a financially disadvantaged background and have proof of financial need. You must have applied for the NSFAS bursary or student loan.
7. Leadership Potential: You should demonstrate leadership potential through extracurricular activities, community service, awards, or special projects.
8. Ethical Values: The Gallagher Foundation seeks students who share its core values, including a commitment to non-violence and a desire to make a difference in their community and country.
9. No Other Scholarships: Applicants must not be receiving any other scholarship funding (except for merit-based awards).

How to Apply for the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship

To apply, you must complete the online application form available on the Gallagher Foundation’s website. The process involves submitting the following documents:

1. High School Results: Clear copies of your latest academic transcripts.
2. Final Acceptance to UCT: Proof of admission to the University of Cape Town for 2025.
3. National Benchmark Test Scores: A copy of your NBT results.
4. Recommendation Letter: A letter from someone who can vouch for your character, academic accomplishments, and leadership potential. This could be a teacher, mentor, or employer (but not a family member).
5. Proof of Financial Need: Latest payslips, a letter from your parents/guardians’ employer, an affidavit if they are unemployed, or pension documents.
6. Four Short Essays: Applicants must submit four short essays on the following topics:
   1. Failure and Lessons Learned: Describe a time when you failed and what you learned from the experience.
   2. Vision for the Future: What would you like to see happen in South Africa in the next 50 years, and how do you plan to contribute to that vision?
   3. Leadership: Describe a leader you admire and what made them stand out.
   4. Overcoming Challenges: What are the biggest challenges you face, and how are you working to overcome them?

Submit all required documentation online via the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship Application Portal.

Important Dates

The following are the key dates for the 2025 Gallagher Foundation Scholarship application process:

• Application Opens: 1 November 2024
• Application Closes: 31 January 2025 (at 11:59 pm)
• Notification of Next Phase: 10 March 2025
• Interviews for Finalists: Between 14 and 16 March 2025
• Final Selection Notification: 19 March 2025

Closing Date for Applications: 31 January 2025

Make sure to apply before the 31 January 2025 deadline to ensure your application is considered. Late applications will not be accepted.

Final Thoughts

The Gallagher Foundation Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for South African students who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to embark on a life-changing academic journey, don’t miss your chance to apply. This scholarship could be the key to achieving your dreams and making a lasting impact in South Africa and beyond.

For more information and to apply, visit the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship Application Portal.