The MAD Leadership Foundation has officially opened applications for its prestigious 2026 scholarships, inviting talented, driven, and socially-conscious young South Africans to apply between 1 and 31 August 2025. With a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders through academic and personal support, these scholarships are designed for students who not only excel academically but also demonstrate leadership potential and a passion for giving back.
About the MAD Leadership Foundation
Founded in 2003 by Francois Pienaar, the MAD (Make A Difference) Leadership Foundation aims to transform the lives of deserving students by offering comprehensive support throughout their academic journey. This includes financial assistance, mentorship, leadership development, and life-skills training—empowering scholars to break through socio-economic barriers and emerge as impactful leaders in their communities and beyond.
Available Scholarships for 2026
This year, the Foundation offers two incredible scholarship opportunities, each designed to uplift future leaders in key fields essential for South Africa’s growth and innovation.
1# MAD Scholarship: STEM/Commerce/Construction
This scholarship targets learners and students passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Commerce, Construction Professions, and Wood Sciences.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- For Grade 12 learners: must be applying or accepted into an eligible tertiary program
- For 1st or 2nd-year university students: must be enrolled in a STEM or commerce-related field
- Minimum 65% academic average
- Gross household income below R25,000/month
- Must have basic English proficiency
Additional Recommendations:
- Leadership qualities and community engagement
- Participation in school or community-based extracurricular activities
- Strong value system and sense of responsibility.
2# FEM/Mike Ilsley Memorial (MIM) Scholarship
Created in honour of Mike Ilsley’s legacy in ethical leadership and education, this scholarship supports those on the path to becoming Chartered Accountants (CA(SA)).
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Currently in 1st or 2nd year at a SA university in a SAICA-accredited accounting program
- Minimum overall academic average of 70%, including 70% in Financial Accounting (2024)
- Household gross income below R25,000/month.
Additional Recommendations:
- Strong leadership and ethics
- Active involvement in community service.
Funds Package of Scholarships
Both scholarships provide comprehensive academic funding, covering tuition fees, books, accommodation, and living expenses. Scholars also benefit from personal mentorship, leadership training, and career guidance—ensuring well-rounded growth throughout their educational and personal journey.
Application Timeline
Applications for the 2026 intake will be open from 1 to 31 August 2025. Late or improperly submitted applications will not be accepted. Only submissions via the official online links (https://madleadership.org/apply/) will be considered—email or phone applications will be disregarded.
