Gallagher Foundation Scholarship South Africa 2026

 

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER – GALLAGHER FOUNDATION

The Gallagher Foundation was founded in 2001 by Ellen and Jerry Gallagher to provide scholarships to university students in 3 countries, namely South Africa; Mexico and Turkey. The first scholarships awarded by the foundation were in 2002 in South Africa, followed by Mexico in 2004 and Turkey in 2005.

The purpose of the scholarship is to assist young leaders with their studies, who they believe will positively impact their developing country by bringing peace and prosperity.

Students are funded to study at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, at ITESM Monterrey Campus in Mexico and at Bogazici University in Turkey.
 

ABOUT THE GALLAGHER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED

The Gallagher Foundation is inviting students to apply for their scholarship programme, for the 2026 academic year.

Scholarships will be awarded for undergraduate studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT), in ANY field (4 year degree or 6 year medical degree program).

(The Gallagher Foundation Scholarship is also available for studies in Mexico at ITESM – Monterrey Campus, and in Turkey at Boğaziçi University.)
 

** RELATED BURSARIES **

 

ABOUT THE GALLAGHER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – EXPENSES COVERED

The full scholarship will provide cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, books, study supplies, accommodation, meals, transport and a living allowance.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship.
 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GALLAGHER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your bursary application not being considered):

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must have completed Matric in 2024 or be currently in Matric
  • You must have a strong academic record
  • You must intend on studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT) in 2026 (final selection will depend on final acceptance to UCT)
  • You must be entering your first year of undergraduate study in 2026
  • You must have applied or be admitted into a 4 year (or 6 year medical) program
  • You must come from a financially disadvantaged background and have proof of financial need, with a total household income of NOT more than R600 000 per annum
  • You must have high level of ethical values (including: belief that progress can be achieved without violence, commitment to making a difference in your country, traits which align with the Gallagher Foundation Traits of Distinguished Leaders)
  • You must demonstrate strong leadership potential (in any of the following areas: special projects, awards received, extracurricular activities, service work)

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE GALLAGHER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Applications must be submitted online at: Gallagher Foundation Scholarship Application 2026

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the Gallagher Foundation Scholarship.
 

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • Full academic record including the latest available results
  • Recommendation letter (from an individual who can provide information about your character, academic accomplishments, community service involvement and extracurricular activities – eg: a teacher, mentor, guidance counselor, athletic coach or employer – NOT from a family member) (read our tips on how to get a letter of reference/ testimonial for your bursary application)
  • Parents or guardians proof of income (latest payslips/ letter from employer/ affidavit if unemployed/ pension documents)
  • 4 short essays (1. All good leaders fail. Each mistake teaches us something. Describe a time you failed in some way and what you learned from it. 2. What would you like to see happen to your country in the next 50 years and how do you see yourself participating? 3. Where have you seen leadership demonstrated and what made that person stand out as a leader to you? 4. What are some of the biggest challenges you face? How are you working to meet those challenges?)

 

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING THE GALLAGHER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

  • Gallagher Foundation application opens on 13 June 2025.
  • Gallagher Foundation application close on 31 July 2025.
  • Applicants will be notified of their status in the next phase of the selection process on 22 September 2025.
  • Final Gallagher Foundation candidates will be interviewed by between 6 and 7 October 2025.
  • Applicants will be notified of final selection on 10 October 2025.

 

CLOSING DATE FOR THE GALLAGHER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

31 July 2025 (at 11:59 pm).
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
 

CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER

For any queries related to this scholarship programme, please contact the Gallagher Foundation directly:
Email: info@gallagherfoundation.org
Applicants are encouraged to read the FAQ’s before making any enquiries.
 

Please do NOT contact the Gallagher Foundation if this scholarship has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

This bursary listing was last updated in June 2025.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.