Gallagher Foundation

About the Gallagher Foundation

The Gallagher Foundation is a private philanthropic foundation. Ellen and Jerry Gallagher started it in 2001 to fund university scholarships for promising young leaders in developing countries. It works in three countries: South Africa, Mexico and Turkey. The foundation believes that well-educated, values-driven leaders are key to a country's peace and prosperity.

The first South African scholars were chosen in 2002, which makes South Africa the foundation's longest-running country programme. On its website, the foundation reports about 248 graduates and 44 current scholars. It also reports a completion rate of around 90%. These figures grow each year.

How the scholarship works

In South Africa, the foundation funds full undergraduate scholarships at the University of Cape Town only. You cannot use it at another institution. The award is open to any field of study, as long as the degree is a four-year programme or the six-year medical degree.

Published scholarship notices describe wide-ranging support. This includes tuition, books and study supplies, accommodation, meals, transport and a living allowance. Because the foundation calls this a full scholarship, it can cover most costs of study. Scholars also join a community of fellow scholars and alumni who share a commitment to making a positive difference in their countries.

What to know before applying

The scholarship is aimed at incoming first-year students. Applicants must be South African citizens who are in matric or have already finished it. They need a strong academic record and must plan to start undergraduate study at UCT in the coming academic year. They must also have applied to, or been accepted into, an eligible degree.

A scholarship does not replace admission. You must still meet the University of Cape Town's own entry requirements and apply to the university in the normal way. Start both applications early, and keep your matric results, ID and any supporting documents ready. The University of Cape Town is a leading research university in the Western Cape, so scholars study in a demanding, high-quality environment and need to be ready for that step.

Leadership matters as much as marks. The foundation looks for young people who are likely to have a real impact on their communities. When you apply, think about the ways you have already shown initiative, service and values, not only your results.

Applications go through the foundation's website. In recent years, the closing date for the following year's intake fell in July. However, dates and requirements can change. For that reason, check the official Gallagher Foundation site and the UCT funding pages before you start your application.