Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Open
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2027
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- Resident of a qualifying developing country (South Africa qualifies)
- Aged 35 or younger as of 1 August of the relevant award year
- Studying towards a first undergraduate certificate, diploma or degree
- Completed secondary school (Matric) with above-average results, or in final year of secondary school
- Intends to study in home country/region (not the US, Canada, Australia, UK or Western Europe)
- Demonstrates financial need, while having some existing resources
- Willing to commit to 100 hours of community service per year if awarded
- Plans to live and work in home country/region after graduating
Documents Needed
- Personal photograph
- Personal statement / required essays
- Completed online application form
- Two recommendation letters
- Official secondary school transcripts (with grading key)
- Official national exam results (with grading key)
- Tertiary transcripts, if already studying
About Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship
The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholars Program is run by the Wells Mountain Initiative, a public charitable foundation based in Bristol, Vermont, United States, registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. WMI provides partial scholarships to academically strong young people from developing countries, including South Africa, who are pursuing their first undergraduate qualification in their home country.
The programme is not tied to a single South African institution; it supports first-time undergraduate students studying locally in their home country or region, with an expectation that scholars will go on to live and work in their home country after graduating.
Funding Details
WMI describes its award as a partial scholarship rather than full funding, put towards tuition, fees, books, accommodation, meals and transport. Because it is a partial award, recipients are generally expected to secure additional funding to cover the balance of their costs. Scholars also commit to 100 hours of community service per year.
Where You Can Study
Not tied to a specific institution. Open to students studying at an accredited tertiary institution in their home country (South Africa), rather than abroad.
About Wells Mountain Initiative
Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) is a United States-based non-profit organisation that runs the WMI Scholars Program, providing partial undergraduate scholarships of between US$300 and US$3,000 a year to academically stro…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
Applicants must be residents of a qualifying developing country (South Africa qualifies), aged 35 or younger as of 1 August of the relevant award year, and must be studying, or planning to study, towards their first tertiary certificate, diploma or bachelor's degree in their home country or region. Students planning to study in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom or Western Europe do not qualify for this scholarship.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
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- Closes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship really open to South African students?
Yes. Wells Mountain Initiative is a US-based foundation that funds students from a range of developing countries, and South Africa is among the countries it has supported. It is not affiliated with any South African institution or company.
When does the next application round open?
Based on WMI's own published information, the 2027 Scholars Program is expected to open on 1 December 2026, with a submission deadline of 1 March 2027 (recommendation letters accepted a few days later). Applicants should check WMI's official website closer to the time, as timelines can shift.
Does this scholarship cover full costs?
No. WMI explicitly describes its award as a partial scholarship. Recipients typically need to combine it with other funding sources to cover the full cost of their studies.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through WMI's application portal (currently hosted via the Kaleidoscope platform), where applicants create a free account, complete an application form, write a personal statement and required essays, and upload supporting documents. There is no application fee.
