Absa Fellowship Programme 2026 – Full Scholarship and Leadership Training

The Absa Fellowship Programme for 2026 will open for first-year undergraduate applicants in January 2026. 

Applications typically run for a few days only. 

Only strong candidates from South Africa and selected African countries will be considered. You must be ready when the portal opens.

About the Absa Fellowship Programme

The Absa Fellowship Programme supports talented young leaders from Africa. 

It covers full tuition, accommodation, laptop, meals, stipend, and academic essentials. 

It also provides coaching, emotional wellness support, mentorship, and entrepreneurial leadership training. 

Fellows receive funding for one undergraduate degree. This is a fully inclusive award with no repayment required.

Fields of Study Funded

The programme supports students entering an approved undergraduate degree at a South African public university in one of the following fields:

• Science, Technology & Engineering
  
• Creative Arts & Design
  
• Mathematics & Data Sciences
  
• Humanities & Social Sciences
  
• Commerce or Entrepreneurship
  Applicants must hold provisional or final acceptance from a recognised South African public university.

Benefits for Recipients

Programme recipients receive full coverage for:

• Tuition fees and registration costs
  
• Accommodation (on-campus or private contract)
  
• Educational materials, books, and a laptop
  
• Meal allowance and monthly stipend
  
• Student medical aid (for international students)
  Recipients also gain access to masterclasses, tutoring, emotional wellbeing, and leadership mentorship. No repayment is required if the contract terms are met.

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet every requirement below:

• Be a citizen of South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Mauritius, or Seychelles
  
• Be entering the first year of undergraduate study at a public university
  
• Be aged between 18 and 25 years old
  
• Hold a strong academic record with at least 65% average in Matric or equivalent
  
• Be accepted provisionally or fully into an eligible academic programme
  
• Demonstrate leadership, ethical conduct, and societal awareness
  Applications will be disqualified if you have begun tertiary studies before.

How to Apply

1. Application opens on 10 January 2026 and closes on 19 January 2026.
   
2. Visit the Absa Fellowship section on Absa’s official website or the Fundi portal to apply.
   
3. Create an account and complete the online application form in English.
   
4. Upload all required documents (see below) before submitting.
   
5. Submit before the deadline. No late applications are accepted.

Required Documents

Ensure the following certified documents are uploaded:

• ID document (passport if not South African)
  
• Matric certificate or equivalent
  
• Proof of university acceptance (provisional or final)
  
• Proof of household income (salary slips, affidavits, grant letter) for South African applicants
  
• Disability certificate (if applicable)
  
• Student visa/medical aid documentation (for international students)
  Incomplete applications will be rejected automatically.

Selection Process

Applications are assessed by Absa’s Scholarship Committee. 

They look at academic performance, field of study, skills, leadership potential, and alignment with programme values. 

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for online assessments or interviews. Offers are made after final selection.

Closing Dates

The application window for class of 2026 scholarship opens on 10 January 2026 and closes on 19 January 2026.

Applications must be submitted within that time. No extensions are given.

Contact Details

For questions or technical support during your application, use:

• Absa Fellowship online enquiry form via the Absa website
  
• Helpdesk on the Fundi portal during the application period
  Absa does not provide a central phone number for enquiries about the Fellowship. Use online channels to reach the correct team.