Dell Young Leaders Program
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
Important: the Dell Young Leaders Program is invitation-only - individual students cannot apply directly. Run by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation (not Dell Technologies), it is a holistic student-success programme for low-income, first-generation, first-year students who qualify for financial aid at its partner universities. Qualifying students are invited to apply by their university's financial aid office; this entry is kept for information only.
- Amount
- Flexible support covering gaps in the full cost of attendance (no fixed amount, no repayment, no work-back)
- Deadline
- 31 December 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Invitation-only - students cannot apply on their own; qualifying students are invited by their university's financial aid office
- ✓ First-year student at a partner university (University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, or Stellenbosch University)
- ✓ First-generation and from a low-income household (means-based, aligned with the NSFAS means test - selection targets the lowest income bracket)
- ✓ Accepted or enrolled in a professional or in-demand degree
- ✓ Demonstrated academic potential, determination and purpose
What's Included
- ✓ Flexible financial support to cover gaps in the full cost of attendance (tuition, housing, essentials)
- ✓ Academic support and tutoring
- ✓ Wellness and mental-resilience resources
- ✓ Leadership development and career coaching
- ✓ Mentorship and graduate job-placement support
- ✓ Does not affect existing financial aid; no repayment and no work-back commitment
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Michael & Susan Dell Foundation bursary application
- 1
There is no open public application for this programme
- 2
Each year, qualifying first-year financial-aid students at partner universities receive an invitation to apply
- 3
Invitations are sent during the second term by the university's financial aid office and directly by the programme via email
- 4
Applications from students who have not been invited are not accepted
- 5
For more information visit dellyoungleaders.org or contact your university's Dell Young Leaders office
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for the Dell Young Leaders Program directly?
- No. The programme is invitation-only. Each year, qualifying first-year financial-aid students at the partner universities are invited to apply by their university's financial aid office. Applications from students who have not been invited are not accepted.
- Who runs the Dell Young Leaders Program?
- It is run by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation - not Dell Technologies the computer company. It operates in South Africa at the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria and Stellenbosch University.
- Who qualifies for the programme?
- It supports first-generation students from low-income households (assessed on a means test aligned with NSFAS) who are in their first year of a professional or in-demand degree at a partner university and show academic potential and determination. Selection is means-based, not based on a fixed academic average.
- What does the programme provide?
- More than money: flexible financial support to cover gaps in the cost of attendance, plus academic support, wellness resources, leadership development, career coaching, mentorship and graduate job placement. There is no repayment and no work-back obligation.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 December 2026
Apply on Michael & Susan Dell Foundation's official siteInformation verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
Other General bursaries
More funding opportunities in this field
NFVF National Bursary for Film and Television Studies
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) (statutory body under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; administered in-house via the NFVF online bursary portal hosted on Praxis GMS)
The NFVF National Bursary funds South African students pursuing accredited film and television studies at South African tertiary institutions. Awarded as a non-repayable grant based on merit and financial need, it covers 100% of tuition fees, with accommodation, meals and resources such as textbooks, computer and software covered subject to available funds. It is distinct from the NFVF's separately-applied-for International Bursary Programme for overseas postgraduate film and TV studies.
View details →Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary
Ninety One (administered by CareerWise)
The Ninety One Changeblazers Bursary is a fully-funded, holistic undergraduate bursary for high-potential South African school leavers from low-income households entering their first year of university in 2027. Beyond covering tuition, accommodation and learning materials, the programme provides private tutoring, mentorship and wellbeing support to help talented young people succeed. It is run by global asset manager Ninety One (formerly Investec Asset Management) and administered by CareerWise.
View details →Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Scholarship
Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) (Old Mutual; established April 2005 via a B-BBEE transaction with ten participating trade unions; administered in-house by Old Mutual, with the Trust Board granting final approval)
The Old Mutual Education Trust (OMET) Scholarship is a partial bursary for paid-up members of ten participating South African trade unions, and the spouses and child-dependants of those members, who are studying towards a first undergraduate qualification at an accredited public university. It provides roughly R70,000-R77,000 per year toward study costs plus wraparound support including a dedicated Student Support Practitioner, a laptop, counselling, tutoring and vacation work. Around 60 scholarships are awarded each year, and the programme has produced more than 550 graduates since 2005.
View details →