Dell Young Leaders Program

1. 1

   There is no open public application for this programme

2. 2

   Each year, qualifying first-year financial-aid students at partner universities receive an invitation to apply

3. 3

   Invitations are sent during the second term by the university's financial aid office and directly by the programme via email

4. 4

   Applications from students who have not been invited are not accepted

5. 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.