Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship

Who can apply

• Be from a country in the developing world (this includes South Africa – see full list of developing countries here)
• Be NOT be older than 35 years on 1 August 2026
• Have completed Matric (secondary school) OR be currently in Matric with excellent academic results
• Be applying to university OR currently studying towards your first undergraduate degree or diploma
• Be studying in your home country or another country in the developing world
• Plan to live and work in your own country once you have graduated
• Have participated in volunteer service before applying for this scholarship and be committed to volunteering within your community during your studies
• Have some study funding available but are not able to go to attend university without financial assistance
• Be committed to maintaining above-average results in all university studies
• Be committed to becoming an ambassador for community service and engagement
• Be able to perform, record, and document 100 hours of community service activities throughout the year
• Complete the Academic Semester Report & Community Service Report for WMI Scholars twice a year
• Not plan to study in the United States, Canada, Australia, UK or Western Europe
• Not be a family member of WMI staff or of WMI Scholars
• Download and read the WMI Scholarship Information Flyer before applying

What the bursary covers

• Tuition
• Fees
• Books
• Course materials/ supplies
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Transportation

Documents you will need

• National ID document/ alternative ID Document
• Grades transcripts from the school you attended
• National exam results (if applicable)
• 2 recommendation letters (read the WMI recommendation letter guidelines here)
• Personal statement (350 to 500 words)

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
   • Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship Application
   • WMI recommendation letter guidelines
   • Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship FAQ’s

   Download and read the Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship FAQ’s here.

   The deadlines set out by WMI will request candidate’s to complete their semester report, submit official copies of their school/course grades and validate their community service hours.

4. Submit before the closing date

   Usually closes around March. 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 Wells Mountain Initiative

Wells Mountain Initiative is a US charity that funds education for students in developing countries who serve their communities.