What scholarships does MAD offer for 2027?

Three streams: a high school scholarship for learners in Grade 8 in 2026, a STEM or Commerce undergraduate scholarship, and a Chartered Accountancy scholarship.

What is the household income limit?

For the STEM and Commerce stream, household income must not exceed R35,000 per month.

What academic average do I need?

The STEM and Commerce stream requires a 65% average. Applicants should be in Grade 12 in 2026 or in their first year of study in 2026.

Does community involvement matter?

Yes. Active involvement in community service is an explicit requirement across the MAD scholarship streams.

General

MAD Leadership Foundation Scholarship

Make A Difference (MAD) Leadership Foundation

The Make A Difference Leadership Foundation supports talented young South Africans through school, university and into their professional lives. For 2027 it offers three streams: a high school scholarship for Grade 8 learners, a STEM and Commerce scholarship, and a Chartered Accountancy scholarship.

Amount: Full scholarship + leadership development
Deadline: 26 July 2026
Renewable: Yes

Closing in 4 days

Apply now

Eligible Fields of Study

Make A Difference (MAD) Leadership Foundation supports students in the following disciplines

High School Education

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)

Commerce

Chartered Accountancy

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ High school stream: currently in Grade 8 in 2026 at a public high school in South Africa
✓ STEM/Commerce stream: in Grade 12 in 2026 or first year in 2026, with a 65% average
✓ Household income not exceeding R35,000 per month for the STEM/Commerce stream
✓ Active involvement in community service
✓ Ability to speak and understand basic English

What's Included

✓ Full scholarship funding
✓ Leadership development programme
✓ Mentorship and personal support
✓ Support that continues into professional life
✓ Access to the MAD alumni network

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Make A Difference (MAD) Leadership Foundation bursary application

1
Choose the scholarship stream that matches your stage of study
2
Complete the online application on the MAD Leadership Foundation site
3
Attach clear copies of your ID or birth certificate as specified
4
Provide evidence of community service involvement
5
Submit before 26 July 2026
6
Attend an interview or assessment if shortlisted

Required Documents

📄 Clear copy of ID document (certified if over 16 years old)
📄 Birth certificate (certified if under 16 years old)
📄 Latest academic results
📄 Proof of household income
📄 Evidence of community service involvement

Frequently Asked Questions

What scholarships does MAD offer for 2027?: Three streams: a high school scholarship for learners in Grade 8 in 2026, a STEM or Commerce undergraduate scholarship, and a Chartered Accountancy scholarship.
What is the household income limit?: For the STEM and Commerce stream, household income must not exceed R35,000 per month.
What academic average do I need?: The STEM and Commerce stream requires a 65% average. Applicants should be in Grade 12 in 2026 or in their first year of study in 2026.
Does community involvement matter?: Yes. Active involvement in community service is an explicit requirement across the MAD scholarship streams.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 26 July 2026

Apply on Make A Difference (MAD) Leadership Foundation's official site

Need help? Contact Make A Difference (MAD) Leadership Foundation:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 082 313 9014

Information verified 2026-07-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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