The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) invites South African students to apply for the WMI Scholars Program for the 2027 academic year.
Scholarship Application Closing Date: 1 March 2026 (11:59pm EST).
Scholarship Location: South Africa (and other developing countries).
About the Scholarship Provider – Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI)
WMI is a public charitable organisation based in the USA that supports young people from developing countries to access undergraduate education and drive community change through service and leadership.
About the WMI Scholarship Programme (2027) – Fields Covered
The scholarship is for students from developing countries (including South Africa) who are studying towards their first undergraduate degree or diploma in any field. The award may continue across all years of undergraduate study, provided scholars meet the programme requirements.
What the Scholarship Covers
The WMI scholarship provides partial funding which may help cover:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and course materials/supplies
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transportation
It is not a full scholarship, so students must cover any remaining costs.
WMI generally awards 80–100 scholarships each year, with an average value around US$1,500 (sometimes up to US$3,000).
Selection Process and Key Dates
- Applications are reviewed through a multi-step process (typically April to July 2026)
- Results are usually announced on 1 August 2026
- The first payments are generally made around September 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet these minimum requirements:
- From a developing country (South Africa qualifies)
- Not older than 35 years on 1 August 2026
- Completed Matric (or currently in Matric with strong results)
- Applying for, or currently studying towards, a first undergraduate degree/diploma
- Studying in your home country or another developing country
- Plan to live and work in your country after graduating
- Have volunteer service experience and commit to ongoing community service (including 100 hours per year)
- Maintain above-average academic performance
- Not planning to study in the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, or Western Europe
- Not a family member of WMI staff or current WMI Scholars
How to Apply
Click here to apply for Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship South Africa 2027
Applications must be submitted online via Kaleidoscope. Email applications are not accepted.
Documents Required
Prepare and upload the required supporting documents, which typically include:
- ID document (or alternative ID)
- Academic transcripts and exam results (where applicable)
- Headshot photo
- University tuition fee structure (or official fee information)
- Two recommendation letters
- Personal statement (350–500 words)
- Essay (up to 1,000 words) on WMI’s community service project prompt (including a budget in USD)
Scholarship Closing Date
1 March 2026 (11:59pm EST). Late applications will not be accepted.
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