The Gallagher Foundation Scholarship is a fully-funded undergraduate award aimed at young South African leaders. 

It supports first-year students who are commencing their studies at University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2026. 

Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, strong ethical values and financial need.

Eligibility requirements for the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship

To apply for the 2026 intake you must meet all of the following criteria:

  1. Be a South African citizen.
  2. Be entering your first year of undergraduate study in 2026 at UCT, either in a 4-year degree or the 6-year medical programme.
  3. Have completed Matric or be in your final year of Matric (for the 2026 entry).
  4. Have a strong academic record. While exact minimum marks are not always listed, one source notes a minimum average of 80% in recent years.
  5. Demonstrate leadership potential through extracurricular activities, community service or awards.
  6. Come from a financially disadvantaged background (household income cap around R600,000 per annum in the example listing).
  7. Display high ethical values and a vision to contribute positively to South Africa.

Gallagher Foundation Scholarship Application process 

Here is how to apply:

  1. Ensure you have applied for admission to UCT for 2026 (or have acceptance) in the eligible programme.
  2. Visit the Gallagher Foundation’s “Apply to our Program in South Africa” page.
  3. Submit the online application form by the deadline (see below). Provide supporting documents: full academic record, recommendation letter (non-family member), proof of household income, and responses to short essay questions.
  4. Application timeline as published: opens 13 June 2025, closes 31 July 2025 at 11:59 PM. Shortlisted candidates notified 22 September 2025; interviews 6–7 October 2025; final selection 10 October 2025.
  5. If selected, you must meet conditions of scholarship renewal: maintain required academic performance, engage in leadership development and participate in the scholar community.

Gallagher Foundation Scholarship Closing date

The Gallagher Foundation application for the 2026 scholar cohort is now closed. 

The timeline for the 2027 scholar cohort application process will be posted in May 2026.

Gallagher Foundation Scholarship Contact details 

For enquiries you can contact:

FAQs

1. + Who can apply for the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship? +
South African citizens who will be entering their first year of an undergraduate degree at UCT in 2026, who come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, have strong academic records, leadership potential and high ethical values.
2. + What fields of study are eligible? +
Any undergraduate field at UCT, including 4-year degrees and the 6-year medical programme. The scholarship is not restricted to specific subjects.
3. + What costs does the scholarship cover? +
It covers full tuition, accommodation, meals, books and supplies, a laptop, spending allowance and a travel stipend.
4. + When must I apply? +
The closing date for the 2026 intake was 31 July 2025 at 11:59 PM. Applicants should check for updates for future cycles.
5. + Can I apply if I already received other scholarships? +
Recipients may not hold other scholarships except merit-based awards. You must check the specific terms of any other funding you intend to receive.
6. + Do I need to be accepted at UCT before applying? +
You must intend to study at UCT in the first year. Final scholarship selection is conditional on your acceptance at UCT.
7. + Is the scholarship renewable? +
Yes. Continuation of the scholarship depends on maintaining required academic performance, engaging in the scholar programme and upholding the foundation’s values.
8. + What leadership qualities do they look for? +
They look for evidence of community involvement, awards, extracurricular leadership roles, a vision for positive change in South Africa and ethical character.
9. + Are there any age restrictions? +
There are no specific age cut-offs mentioned beyond being first-year entrants for 2026; however, the applicant must fit the profile of entering fresh undergraduate studies.
10. + Where can I get help if I have questions about the scholarship? +
You may email [email protected] or visit the Gallagher Foundation website and navigate to the Apply section for South Africa.

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