MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarships 2027: A Practical Guide for South African Learners and Students

The MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarships 2027 offer a major opportunity for young South Africans who combine academic potential with leadership ability and a commitment to community service. Applications are now open for the 2027 academic year, with the programme targeting learners entering high school, students pursuing undergraduate studies in STEM or Commerce, and future Chartered Accountants.

The closing date for applications is 26 July 2026, and late applications will not be accepted. For eligible candidates, the scholarship could become more than financial support; it is designed to accompany talented young people through their education journey and into their professional lives.

Why the 2027 MAD Scholarship Programme Matters

The Make a Difference Leadership Foundation, also known as the MAD Leadership Foundation, focuses on supporting talented young South Africans who show the potential to become future leaders. The 2027 scholarship call is particularly important because it covers three different education stages: high school, undergraduate study, and specialist Chartered Accountancy studies.

This makes the programme relevant to a wide range of applicants, from Grade 8 learners preparing to enter Grade 9 in 2027 to university students planning careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Commerce, or accounting.

At the heart of the programme is a clear emphasis on leadership, academic ability, responsibility, and community service. The scholarship is not only looking for strong marks; it is also looking for young people who are already showing initiative in their schools and communities.

Three Scholarship Opportunities Available for 2027

For the 2027 academic year, there are three scholarship opportunities available:

1. MAD Leadership Scholarship for high school studies
2. MAD Leadership Scholarship for undergraduate STEM or Commerce studies
3. Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship in partnership with FEM Education Foundation for Chartered Accountants studies

Each opportunity has its own target group and eligibility requirements, so applicants should apply only for the scholarship that matches their current education level and intended study path.

MAD Leadership Scholarship for High School Learners

The high school scholarship is aimed at learners who will enter Grade 9 in 2027.

To qualify, applicants must currently be in Grade 8 in 2026 and must be studying at a public high school in South Africa. This opportunity is designed for learners who are already showing leadership at school, have basic English proficiency, and are actively involved in community service.

A key condition is household income. Applicants must have a total gross household income of not more than R35 000 per month.

The foundation also makes its position on private school funding clear. 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.

High School Scholarship Eligibility Checklist

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be currently in Grade 8 in 2026.
• Be entering Grade 9 in 2027.
• Be studying at a public high school in South Africa.
• Have a total gross household income of not more than R35 000 per month.
• Have basic English proficiency.
• Display leadership at school.
• Be actively involved in community service.

MAD Leadership Scholarship for STEM or Commerce Studies

The STEM or Commerce scholarship is intended for students who want to pursue undergraduate studies in fields connected to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or Commerce.

Applicants must either be currently in Matric or have already completed Matric. They must be studying first year or intending to study towards a qualification in a STEM or Commerce field in 2027.

This scholarship is especially relevant for young South Africans preparing for careers in fields that are often linked to national development, innovation, business growth, and technical skills development. However, the scholarship remains selective: applicants must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% and must have applied or been accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa for 2027.

STEM or Commerce Scholarship Eligibility Checklist

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
• Be studying or intending to study towards a qualification in a STEM or Commerce field.
• Have applied or been accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa for 2027.
• Have achieved a minimum overall average of 65%.
• Be passionate about their studies.
• Have a total gross household income of not more than R35 000 per month.
• Have basic English language skills.

Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship for Chartered Accountancy Studies

The Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship is offered in partnership with the FEM Education Foundation and is focused on students pursuing the Chartered Accountancy pathway.

This opportunity supports applicants who are studying or planning to study towards a Chartered Accountancy CA(SA) qualification. It is open to those studying first or second year, or those intending to study towards Chartered Accountancy in 2027.

The academic requirement is more specific than the general STEM or Commerce route. Applicants must have achieved a minimum result of 70% in Financial Accounting. Beyond academic performance, the scholarship also looks for applicants with a strong sense of responsibility, good leadership traits, and community service involvement.

Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship Eligibility Checklist

Applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Have completed Matric.
• Be studying or intending to study towards a Chartered Accountancy CA(SA) qualification.
• Have applied or been accepted to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa for 2027.
• Have achieved a minimum result of 70% in Financial Accounting.
• Have a total gross household income of not more than R35 000 per month.
• Have a strong sense of responsibility.
• Have good leadership traits.
• Have community service involvement.

What the Selection Process Involves

The selection process is designed to identify applicants who meet the academic, financial, and leadership criteria of the programme.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo psychometric and leadership assessments. These assessments help evaluate whether applicants demonstrate the qualities expected from scholarship recipients, particularly leadership potential, responsibility, and readiness for the programme.

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.

These feedback dates are important because they help applicants plan their next steps, especially those who may need to pursue other funding options or make alternative arrangements for the 2027 academic year.

Documents Applicants May Need to Prepare

Supporting documents are a critical part of the application process. Missing, incomplete, or incorrect documents can delay an application or affect its outcome.

Applicants may be required to submit:

• 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 before submitting. This is especially important because document requirements may differ depending on the scholarship category.

How to Apply for the MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarships 2027

The application process is completed online. Applicants must apply for the scholarship opportunity that matches their education level and study path.

The available application options are:

• 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

The purpose of the application process is to match each candidate with the correct scholarship stream. A Grade 8 learner entering Grade 9 should not apply under the tertiary study route, while a Chartered Accountancy applicant should use the Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship option.

Applicants should review the eligibility criteria carefully, prepare all required documents in advance, and submit before the deadline.

Click here to apply for MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship South Africa 2027

Key Dates Applicants Should Remember

The most important date is the application deadline: 26 July 2026.

Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted.

Other important feedback dates include:

• 31 December 2026: Applicants for the MAD Leadership Scholarship for high school and STEM or Commerce studies who have not received feedback by this date should consider their applications unsuccessful.
• 27 February 2027: Applicants for the Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship who have not received feedback by this date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Scholarship Enquiries

Applicants who need assistance 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.

Because response times may take several business days, applicants should avoid waiting until the final week before the deadline to ask important questions.

Why Applicants Should Start Early

A scholarship application is not only about completing an online form. It requires academic records, identity documents, household income proof, and sometimes guardian or parent documents. For younger applicants, especially those under 18, additional certified documents may be required.

Starting early gives applicants enough time to:

• Confirm which scholarship they qualify for.
• Collect certified documents.
• Prepare academic records.
• Verify household income documents.
• Ask questions before the deadline.
• Submit the correct application form.

The 26 July 2026 deadline gives applicants a fixed window, but the real preparation should begin well before the final days.

Final Thoughts

The MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarships 2027 represent an important opportunity for South African learners and students who are academically capable, socially engaged, and ready to grow as leaders.

With opportunities available for Grade 9 entry, undergraduate STEM or Commerce studies, and Chartered Accountancy studies, the programme reaches applicants at different stages of their education journey. The common thread across all three pathways is clear: the foundation is looking for young South Africans with potential, commitment, responsibility, and a willingness to contribute to their communities.

Eligible applicants should apply before 26 July 2026, choose the correct scholarship category, and ensure that all required supporting documents are submitted properly.