Make a Difference Leadership Foundation invites South African learners and students to apply for the MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship Programme 2027.
Scholarship Application Closing Date: 26 July 2026
Scholarship Location: South Africa
MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship South Africa 2027
The Make a Difference Leadership Foundation, also known as MAD Leadership Foundation, is inviting applications for its Scholarship Awards for the 2027 academic year.
The scholarship programme supports talented young South Africans throughout their education journey and into their professional lives.
For 2027, the foundation is offering scholarship opportunities for high school learners, undergraduate STEM or Commerce students, and students pursuing Chartered Accountancy studies.
Scholarship Opportunities Available
There are three scholarship opportunities available for the 2027 academic year:
MAD Leadership Scholarship for high school studies.
MAD Leadership Scholarship for undergraduate STEM or Commerce studies.
Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship in partnership with FEM Education Foundation for Chartered Accountants studies.
MAD Leadership Scholarship: High School
This scholarship is for learners entering Grade 9 in 2027.
Applicants must currently be in Grade 8 in 2026 and must be studying at a public high school in South Africa.
MAD Leadership Foundation does not fund private school attendance unless the learner receives a significant scholarship from the school or the school fees are aligned with the average costs of Quintile 5 public schools in South Africa.
MAD Leadership Scholarship: STEM or Commerce Studies
This scholarship is for students who want to pursue undergraduate studies in STEM or Commerce fields.
STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Applicants must be currently in Matric or must have completed Matric.
Applicants must be studying first year or intending to study towards a qualification in a STEM or Commerce field in 2027.
Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship: Chartered Accountants Studies
The Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship is offered in partnership with the FEM Education Foundation.
This scholarship supports students who are studying or planning to study towards a Chartered Accountancy CA(SA) qualification.
Applicants must be studying first or second year, or intending to study towards Chartered Accountancy in 2027.
Eligibility Requirements: High School Scholarship
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applicants must currently be in Grade 8 in 2026.
Applicants must be entering Grade 9 in 2027.
Applicants must be studying at a public high school in South Africa.
Applicants must have a total gross household income of not more than R35 000 per month.
Applicants must have basic English proficiency.
Applicants must display leadership at school.
Applicants must be actively involved in community service.
Eligibility Requirements: STEM or Commerce Scholarship
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applicants must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
Applicants must be studying or intending to study towards a qualification in a STEM or Commerce field.
Applicants must have applied or been accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa for 2027.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65%.
Applicants must be passionate about their studies.
Applicants must have a total gross household income of not more than R35 000 per month.
Applicants must have basic English language skills.
Eligibility Requirements: Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship
Applicants must be South African citizens.
Applicants must have completed Matric.
Applicants must be studying or intending to study towards a Chartered Accountancy CA(SA) qualification.
Applicants must have applied or been accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa for 2027.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum result of 70% in Financial Accounting.
Applicants must have a total gross household income of not more than R35 000 per month.
Applicants must have a strong sense of responsibility.
Applicants must have good leadership traits.
Applicants must have community service involvement.
Selection Process
Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo psychometric and leadership assessments.
For the MAD Leadership Scholarship for high school and STEM or Commerce studies, applicants who do not receive feedback by 31 December 2026 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
For the Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship, applicants who do not receive feedback by 27 February 2027 should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Required Documents
Applicants may be required to submit the following supporting documents:
Certified copy of ID document, if over 16 years old.
Certified copy of birth certificate, if under 16 years old.
Most recent academic results.
2025 final academic results.
Certified copies of parent or guardian ID documents, if under 18 years old.
Parent or guardian death certificate, if deceased and applicant is under 18 years old.
Proof of parent, guardian or applicant household income.
Proof of income may include latest payslips, an affidavit if unemployed or proof of SASSA grant where applicable.
Applicants should check the official application form for the full list of required documents.
How to apply
Click here to apply for MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship South Africa 2027.
Applicants must apply online for the scholarship opportunity that matches their study level.
Application options include:
MAD Leadership Scholarship Application for High School.
MAD Leadership Scholarship Application for STEM or Commerce studies.
Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship Application for Chartered Accountants CA(SA) studies.
Scholarship Enquiries
For enquiries related to the MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship Programme, applicants may contact the foundation directly.
Tel / SMS / WhatsApp: 082 313 9014
Email: applications@madleadership.org
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 16:00
Applicants should note that queries may be responded to within 3 to 5 business days.
Closing Date
The closing date for the MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship South Africa 2027 is 26 July 2026.
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Final Thoughts
The MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship South Africa 2027 is a valuable opportunity for young South Africans who show leadership potential, academic ability and commitment to community service.
Learners and students who meet the requirements should apply before 26 July 2026 and ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted correctly.