Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Application for 2026/2027
Detailed guide on Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student or young professional with a strong passion for leadership, social justice, policy development, and transformation? The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional opportunity for high-potential individuals committed to ethical leadership and public service. Established in honour of the late Professor Jakes Gerwel, a respected academic, intellectual, and struggle icon, the fellowship aims to develop future leaders who will contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s democratic and socio-economic development across various sectors.
The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary provides comprehensive support that may include funding for postgraduate studies, leadership development programmes, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to high-level policy and governance spaces. Fellows benefit from structured learning, exposure to influential leaders, and practical engagement in critical national issues, equipping them with the skills and insight needed to drive transformation in government, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
By applying for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary 2026/2027, successful candidates do not only receive financial and academic support but also become part of a prestigious leadership network dedicated to building an inclusive, just, and ethical South Africa.
In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.
Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026
Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026
Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026
Keep reading to find out more about the eligibility requirements, selection criteria, benefits, application process, and closing date for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Programme 2026/2027.
Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Programme (Graduate Teaching Fellowship)
The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship (JGF) is one of South Africa’s most prestigious teaching fellowship programmes, dedicated to developing exceptional high school teachers who will drive meaningful social change in education. Established in 2017 and fully funded by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Endowment, the fellowship is named in honour of Professor Jakes Gerwel—a respected academic, educational leader, and close confidant of former President Nelson Mandela.
Since its inception, the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship has worked tirelessly to position teaching as an aspirational and impactful career choice. Through its targeted support and leadership development initiatives, the programme has already enabled over 170 students to pursue Teaching qualifications at leading universities across South Africa.
In 2021, the organisation introduced the Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF), a specialised bursary programme aimed at identifying high-potential graduates who are committed to qualifying as high school teachers and contributing to long-term educational transformation in South Africa.
About Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Programme
The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship is inviting applications for the Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) for students entering their Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) studies.
This fellowship is specifically designed for aspiring teachers who wish to study at one of the following partner universities:
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Stellenbosch University (SU)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
Successful fellows benefit from far more than just financial support. The programme offers personalised coaching, mentorship from expert teachers, and structured leadership development. Upon completion of the PGCE qualification, fellows qualify as high school teachers and proceed into a two-year induction phase, where they are placed at partner schools as newly qualified educators.
What the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Covers
The Graduate Teaching Fellowship is a full university scholarship, offering comprehensive financial and professional support. Coverage includes:
- Full PGCE tuition fees
- Laptop, accommodation (residence), printing allowances, and a monthly stipend
- An intensive leadership and reflective development programme, aligned with JGF’s pathways to impact as:
- Expert teachers
- Educational leaders
- Social entrepreneurs
- Access to a national Community of Practice, focused on specific teaching subjects
- Professional and pedagogical coaching during the early years of teaching
- A dedicated Teacher Coach for the first two years of teaching, offering ongoing guidance and professional support
- Mentorship from an outstanding JGF Mentor, providing best practices, career guidance, and support with professional identity development
This holistic approach ensures that fellows are not only academically qualified but also well-equipped to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
Eligibility Requirements for Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Application 2026/2027
Applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements to be considered:
- Must be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Must be 30 years old or younger at the application closing date
- Must have completed an appropriate undergraduate qualification or be in their final year of study
- Must be in good academic standing
- Must be eligible for PGCE enrolment (MRTEQ does not recognise postgraduate qualifications)
- Must intend to study towards a PGCE qualification in 2026
- Must have applied to or be studying at one of the JGF partner universities (UWC, UCT, SU, UP, UJ, or WITS)
- Must be passionate about teaching and education
- Must intend to become a high school teacher
- Must be committed to full participation in the JGF programme
- Must align with JGF’s vision for social change in education in South Africa
Failure to meet any of these requirements may result in the application being disqualified.
How to Apply for Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary 2026/2027
Before submitting an application, candidates are required to complete the Eligibility Quiz. Applicants who pass the quiz will receive further instructions on how to proceed with the full application.
- You may nominate a suitable candidate if you know someone who qualifies
- If you have been nominated, you must still complete the Eligibility Quiz
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to download and read the JGF Application Guide (PDF) before applying
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit clear, certified copies of the following documents with their online application:
- South African ID document or permanent residence permit
- Full tertiary academic record
- Proof of application or acceptance to one of the partner universities (on official institutional letterhead)
Incomplete applications may be disqualified.
Important Dates and Selection Process
- 31 July: Applications close
- 1 – 31 August: Telephonic interviews
- 15 – 17 October: Selection Camp
- 30 November: Fellowships awarded
- December – January: Onboarding period
Applicants who pass the initial screening stage will be contacted via email or telephone. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the Selection Camp, after which successful fellows will be notified and onboarded into the programme.
Closing Date for Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Application 2026/2027
The closing date for applications is 31 July.
Late applications will not be accepted, so candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
Contact Details for Jakes Gerwel Fellowship
For further information or enquiries regarding the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Programme, contact the provider directly:
- Contact Numbers: 083 589 2933 / 076 094 7679
- Email: info@jgfellowship.org
