The Wells Mountain Initiative is looking for South African students who want to start or continue a college degree in any subject. If you’re aiming for a first undergraduate or diploma program and you’re ready to study, this scholarship could help you pay for school in 2027. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about the program, what it covers, the deadlines, and how to apply.
What the Wells Mountain Initiative Does
The Wells Mountain Initiative, or WMI, is a nonprofit organization based in the United States. Their main goal is to help young people from developing countries get a university education and become leaders in their communities. They do this by giving partial scholarships and encouraging volunteers to stay involved in service projects.
Who Can Get the WMI Scholarship in 2027
This scholarship is open to students from South Africa and other developing countries. It’s only for those who are working toward their first undergraduate degree or diploma. If you’re already in college, you can still apply as long as you keep meeting the program’s rules each year. WMI awards about 80 to 100 scholarships each year, usually around $1,500, but some can go up to $3,000.
What the Scholarship Pays For
The scholarship is a “partial” grant. That means it will cover part of these costs, but you’ll still need to pay the rest yourself. Typical expenses it can help with are:
- Tuition and registration fees
- Textbooks and study materials
- Housing
- Food
- Transportation
Because it’s not a full scholarship, you’ll need to plan for any extra money that isn’t covered.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 1 March 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. Don’t miss this date—late submissions won’t be considered.
- Review period: Applications are looked at from April to July 2026.
- Results: Winners are announced on 1 August 2026.
- First payment: Usually arrives in September 2026.
Who Qualifies?
Here’s a quick checklist of the minimum requirements:
- Must be from a developing country; South Africa is included.
- Must be 35 years old or younger on 1 August 2026.
- Must have finished high school (Matric) or be doing it with good grades.
- Must be starting or already studying a first degree or diploma.
- Must be in South Africa or another developing country for study.
- Must plan to return and work in your home country after you finish school.
- Must have done some volunteer work and promise to keep giving back (at least 100 hours a year).
- Must keep a strong academic record.
- Must not be planning to study in the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, or Western Europe.
- Must not be related to a WMI staff member or an existing scholar.
How to Apply
All you need to do is fill out the online application on Kaleidoscope. Emailing the form isn’t accepted. When you’re ready, click the link below to start the process:
Apply for the Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship South Africa 2027
You’ll also need to upload several documents:
- A photo ID (passport, ID card, etc.)
- Academic transcripts or recent exam results
- A headshot photo
- Official tuition fee information from your university
- Two recommendation letters from teachers or mentors
- A personal statement that is 350–500 words
- An essay up to 1,000 words about a community service project you want to do with WMI. Include a budget in U.S. dollars.
Why You Should Consider This
Even though it’s only partial, the WMI scholarship can lighten your financial load and free up time to focus on learning and community work. The organization values students who want to stay in their own country after graduation and who are already active in volunteer projects. If that sounds like you, don’t let the deadline slip by.
Good luck, and if you need help with any part of the application, reach out to the WMI support team or check their website for FAQs. This is a chance to make a real difference while getting the education you deserve.