Gallagher Foundation

Ellen and Jerry Gallagher founded the Gallagher Foundation in 2001 to fund university scholarships for promising young leaders. The Gallagher Foundation supports young people who want to make a positive impact on their developing countries, combining scholarships with membership of a community of scholars and alumni who share that commitment.

Registered name

Gallagher Foundation

Type

Private philanthropic foundation

Fields funded

Full undergraduate scholarships at the University of Cape Town

Website

gallagherfoundation.org

South Africa: the longest-running programme

The Gallagher Foundation selected its first South African scholars in 2002, which makes South Africa the foundation’s longest-running country programme. In South Africa, the Gallagher Foundation funds full undergraduate scholarships only at the University of Cape Town, according to a provider record checked in August 2026.

The results stand out. Since 2002, the South African programme has supported more than 240 scholars to graduation, with a programme completion rate of 90%. For comparison, many South African university students take longer than the minimum time to finish, or do not finish at all.

A growing international network

The Gallagher Foundation’s website highlights scholars studying at the University of Cape Town and at ITESM, Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, and announces a newer programme at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Gallagher Scholars therefore join a network that spans several countries.

Who the foundation looks for

The Gallagher Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded undergraduate award for young South African leaders. Applicants must show academic excellence, leadership potential, strong ethical values and financial need, according to BursariesAfrica’s earlier guide.

How to research and prepare

Apply to UCT at the same time as the scholarship, because the South African programme funds study only at UCT. Read the scholar profiles on the Gallagher Foundation’s website, which describe scholars’ dreams for their countries, and think honestly about how you want to contribute to South Africa.

The Gallagher Foundation is not connected to the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, so check that you are applying to the right organisation. Our Gallagher guide has not been refreshed with 2027 dates, so confirm the application window on the foundation’s website.

Scholars join a community of current Gallagher Scholars and alumni, which offers support during university and a network of peers from other countries after graduation. Ask the foundation how that community works for scholars at UCT.

See our University Bursaries page for other undergraduate scholarships.