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
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View details →Moshal Scholarship Program
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View details →Anglo American Bursary Programme
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View details →