FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship Requirements and Online Application

The FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship is a specialised funding opportunity created in honour of Mike Ilsley, recognising his commitment to education and ethical leadership within the accounting profession.

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It is offered by the FEM Education Foundation NPC (FEMEF) in partnership with the MAD Leadership Foundation (Make A Difference).

The scholarship is intended for students aiming to qualify as Chartered Accountants (CA(SA)) in South Africa.

Fields of Study Covered

The scholarship supports undergraduate studies in SAICA‑accredited accounting programmes that lead toward the CA(SA) designation.

Applicants must be enrolled or accepted in a South African university offering a SAICA‑recognised degree in accounting or commerce aimed at becoming a Chartered Accountant.

FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following:

South African citizens with a valid ID.
In the first or second year of an undergraduate SAICA‑accredited programme (in some listings only first or second year; other sources mention up to third year)
Hold a strong academic record: minimum overall average of 70% and at least 70% in Financial Accounting (based on 2026 results) in many citations.
Gross household income not exceeding R25 000 per month.
Demonstrated leadership ability, community involvement, strong values and responsibility.

What the FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship Covers

The scholarship is described as a fully funded opportunity covering tuition, books, accommodation, and living expenses for the duration of the undergraduate (and possibly honours) qualification leading to CA(SA).

It includes mentorship, leadership development and career guidance.

FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship Application Process

Applicants must apply online via the MAD Leadership Foundation portal when the call opens.
Required documents include: certified ID, Matric certificate, full academic record/transcript, proof of registration or acceptance at university, motivational letter, parents/guardians’ IDs, proof of household income and any other bursary/scholarship financial assistance details.
Applications must be complete with all required documentation. Incomplete or late applications are usually not accepted.

FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship Closing Date

For the 2026 cycle, the opening date was 1 August 2026 and the closing date was 31 August 2026.

FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship Contact Details

Website: https://www.madleadership.org
Email: applications@madleadership.org
Telephone / WhatsApp: 082 313 9014

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship?

South African citizens who are in first or second year (sometimes first or second/third year) of a SAICA‑accredited undergraduate programme in accounting, meet the academic and income thresholds, and show leadership potential.

2. What academic results are required?

Applicants are typically required to have a minimum overall average of 70% and at least 70% in Financial Accounting (based on the previous year’s results) and be enrolled at a recognised institution.

3. What does the scholarship cover?

It offers full funding of tuition, textbooks, accommodation and living expenses for the undergraduate (and possibly honours) year(s) leading to CA(SA), plus mentorship and leadership development.

4. When is the closing date for the 2026 cycle?

Applications open on 1 August 2026 and close on 31 August 2026 for the 2026 intake, according to the MAD Leadership Foundation’s published schedule.

5. What documents are required to apply?

Certified ID copy, Matric certificate, full academic transcripts, proof of registration/acceptance, motivational letter, parents/guardians’ IDs, proof of household income and details of other scholarships or bursaries applied for.

6. Is leadership and community service required?

Yes. Applicants must show strong values, a record of community involvement and leadership potential, as part of the selection criteria.

7. Can I apply if I’m in my third year?

Some sources allow up to third year, but many state first or second year only. Applicants should check the official portal for the 2026 cycle to confirm.

8. What is the household income threshold?

The gross household income must not exceed R25 000 per month, according to the eligibility criteria for the scholarship.

9. Will mentoring be part of the award?

Yes. The scholarship includes mentorship, leadership and career development support through the partnership with MAD Leadership Foundation and FEMEF.

10. Where can I get more information or apply?

Visit the MAD Leadership Foundation website (www.madleadership.org) and look for the Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship application link; email applications@madleadership.org for queries.

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