Gallagher Foundation Scholarship

Who can apply

• Be a South African citizen
• Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• Have a strong academic record
• Intend on studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2027 (final selection will depend on final acceptance to UCT)
• Be entering your 1st year of undergraduate study in 2027
• Have applied or be admitted into a maximum 4 year (or 6 year medical) degree program
• Come from a financially disadvantaged background and have proof of financial need, with a total household income of NOT more than R600 000 per annum
• Have high level of ethical values (including: belief that progress can be achieved without violence, commitment to making a difference in your country, traits which align with the Gallagher Foundation Traits of Distinguished Leaders)
• Demonstrate strong leadership potential (in any of the following areas: special projects, awards received, extracurricular activities, service work)

What the bursary covers

• Tuition fees
• Books
• Study supplies
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Transport
• A living allowance

Documents you will need

• High school results
• Recommendation letter (from an individual who can provide information about your character, academic accomplishments, community service involvement and extracurricular activities – eg: a teacher, mentor, guidance counselor, athletic coach or employer – NOT from a family member) (read our tips on how to get a letter of reference/ testimonial for your bursary application)
• Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips/ letter from employer/ affidavit if unemployed/ pension documents)
• 4 short essays (1. All good leaders fail. Each mistake teaches us something. Describe a time you failed in some way and what you learned from it. 2. What would you like to see happen to your country in the next 50 years and how do you see yourself participating? 3. Where have you seen leadership demonstrated and what made that person stand out as a leader to you? 4. What are some of the biggest challenges you face? How are you working to meet those challenges?)
• National Benchmark Test (NBT) for University Entrance results
• Proof of conditional acceptance to UCT

Full bursary documents checklist

How to apply

1. Check the requirements

   Make sure you meet every requirement listed above. Applications that miss one are usually rejected automatically.

2. Prepare your documents

   Scan clear copies of everything the provider asks for, certified where required.

3. Apply through the official channel
   Gallagher Foundation Scholarship Application 2027

   Applications must be submitted online at: Gallagher Foundation Scholarship Application 2027

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around July. Late applications are almost never accepted.

Applications for the current cycle have closed. This bursary usually opens again each year, so prepare your documents now and check back.

Genuine bursaries never charge an application fee. How to spot bursary scams

Contact the bursary provider

• Email [email protected]

Contact the provider only with questions about this bursary. StudentBursaries.co.za does not process applications.

About Gallagher Foundation

The Gallagher Foundation was founded in 2001 by Ellen and Jerry Gallagher and funds university scholarships in South Africa, Mexico and Turkey.