Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
Eligibility Requirements
- Registered for 2nd, 3rd or penultimate year of law study (Ricci Schwab Lyons Scholarship), or 2nd, 3rd or final year at Nelson Mandela University in any field (Lundi Gadla Scholarship)
- Minimum 65% average maintained across completed years of study (law scholarship)
- Demonstrated leadership, community involvement and self-motivation
- Willingness to participate in vacation work at Fasken
- Financial need is a consideration, though not an absolute requirement, for the law scholarship; it is a requirement for the Lundi Gadla Scholarship
Documents Needed
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Full academic transcripts for all completed years
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivational letter
About Fasken Martineau Bell Dewar Bursary
The Fasken Martineau / Bell Dewar Bursary is administered by Fasken's Johannesburg office. Bell Dewar was an independent Johannesburg law firm before it merged with the international firm Fasken Martineau in a deal announced October 2012 and completed 1 February 2013; the combined South African practice now trades simply as Fasken, so bursaries advertised historically under the "Fasken Martineau/Bell Dewar" name and any current Fasken bursary refer to the same programme.
The firm has historically awarded two named scholarships each cycle: the Ricci Schwab Lyons Scholarship for law students, and the Lundi Gadla Scholarship for students at Nelson Mandela University studying in any field. Recipients of the law-focused scholarship are expected to complete vacation work with the firm and are assessed as potential future candidate attorneys, with selection weighing academic performance, leadership and community involvement alongside financial need.
Funding Details
Fasken has not publicly disclosed the funding amount for either scholarship. The law scholarship is renewable in subsequent years of study provided all subjects are passed, and recipients participate in the firm's vacation work programme, with a possible pathway into a candidate attorney role.
Where You Can Study
The Ricci Schwab Lyons Scholarship is not restricted to a specific university and is open to law students generally. The Lundi Gadla Scholarship is restricted to students at Nelson Mandela University.
About Fasken
Fasken (formerly styled Fasken Martineau) is an international business law firm with a South African practice dating back more than 130 years, founded in Grahamstown in 1879 before relocating to Johannesburg. In October …
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
For the Ricci Schwab Lyons Scholarship: students registered for their second, third, or penultimate year of law study (LLB or equivalent) at a South African university, maintaining a minimum 65% average across completed years of study. For the Lundi Gadla Scholarship: students registered for second, third or final year at Nelson Mandela University specifically, in any field of study, who can demonstrate financial need.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same firm as "Fasken Martineau" or "Bell Dewar"?
Yes. Bell Dewar was a Johannesburg law firm that merged with the international firm Fasken Martineau in a deal announced October 2012 and completed 1 February 2013. The combined South African practice now trades under the Fasken name, so "Fasken Martineau/Bell Dewar Bursary" and any bursary now advertised simply as the Fasken bursary refer to the same programme.
When does this bursary close for 2027?
Fasken's most recently published closing date was 31 October 2025, for that cycle. As of August 2026 the firm had not yet published dates for the next intake - contact Fasken directly for the current timeline.
What year of study can apply?
2nd, 3rd or penultimate year for the law scholarship; 2nd, 3rd or final year for Nelson Mandela University students applying for the Lundi Gadla Scholarship.
Do I need to show financial need?
Financial need is a requirement for the Lundi Gadla Scholarship, and a consideration - though not a strict requirement - for the law-focused scholarship.
How do I apply?
There is no formal application form; supporting documents are emailed directly to Fasken.
