The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship (JGF) is a prestigious bursary program entirely funded by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Endowment.
It’s named after Professor Jakes Gerwel, a South African icon who dedicated his life to teaching and educational leadership.
The fellowship aims to address the national need for well-equipped, passionate teachers by nurturing the next generation of educational leaders.
About the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary
The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary, specifically the Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) launched in 2021, is targeted at graduates with a strong commitment to becoming high school teachers in South Africa.
This full scholarship supports students through their Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at select universities and provides ongoing guidance as they enter the profession.
Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident (under 30 years old)
- Have a completed or nearly completed undergraduate degree relevant to teaching
- Be in good academic standing
- Be eligible for PGCE enrollment (no postgraduate qualifications)
- Intend to pursue a PGCE qualification in the application year
- Be applying to or studying at one of the JGF partner universities: UWC, UCT, SU, UP, UJ, or WITS
- Demonstrate a strong passion for teaching and education
- Aim to become a high school teacher in South Africa
- Commit to fully participating in the JGF program
- Align with JGF’s vision of social change through education
Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Application Requirements
Aspiring fellows must first complete an online Eligibility Quiz.
Passing this quiz grants access to the official application process.
Here’s a breakdown of the application steps:
- Eligibility Quiz: Complete the online quiz to assess your eligibility.
- Nomination (Optional): If someone nominates you, you will still need to complete the Eligibility Quiz.
- Application Guide: Download and familiarize yourself with the JGF Application Guide before applying.
- Supporting Documents: Prepare certified copies of your ID document (or permanent residence proof), full academic record, and proof of application/acceptance at a partner university.
- Application Submission: Submit your application online along with all required supporting documents.
How to Apply
Applications for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary normally close around the end of July.
The selection process involves several stages:
- Initial Application Stage: Applications are reviewed based on eligibility criteria.
- Telephonic Interviews: Shortlisted candidates are contacted for telephone interviews (August).
- Selection Camp: Top candidates attend a selection camp (October).
- Fellowship Award: Successful candidates are notified and awarded the fellowship (November).
- Onboarding: New fellows participate in an onboarding program (December-January).
How to Contact
For any inquiries related to the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary program, please contact the JGF directly:
- Contact Numbers: 083 589 2933 / 076 094 7679
- Email: [email protected]
Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Closing Date
While the application deadline for the 2025 intake hasn’t been announced yet, the previous application period closed on July 31st, 2023.
Keep an eye on the JGF website or social media pages for updates on the upcoming application cycle.