The MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen currently in Grade 8 (2026) and will be advancing to Grade 9 in 2027, this opportunity could help you access quality education while developing your leadership potential. MAD Leadership Foundation was founded by our Chairman, Francois Pienaar, who had an inspiring vision to provide educational access to deserving young South Africans with academic and leadership potential, but who face economic and other barriers. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa: who qualifies, what the scholarship covers, what documents are required, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the MAD Leadership Foundation
MAD Leadership Foundation was founded by our Chairman, Francois Pienaar, who had an inspiring vision to provide educational access to deserving young South Africans with academic and leadership potential, but who face economic and other barriers, through an individualised and personal approach. We seek to engage young people through an investment in education, as we believe that education empowers people to improve their socio-economic conditions, and therefore not only their own lives but also that of their families, their communities and future generations to come.
Since its inception in 2003, MAD Leadership Foundation has supported high school learners and tertiary students comprehensively throughout their academic career and personal development journey, ensuring they have the necessary tools and opportunities to reach their full potential as future leaders of South Africa.
The MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa invites dedicated scholars eager to make a difference in their communities to apply for our 2027 scholarships.
Organisation: MAD Leadership Foundation • Founded: 2003 by Francois Pienaar • Focus: Academic and leadership potential • Programme: High School Scholarship (Grade 9 entry) • Academic Year: 2027
What Scholarship Opportunities Are Available?
The MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa offers dynamic scholarship opportunities aimed at empowering the future leaders of South Africa:
- MAD Leadership Scholarship: covers high school studies (students entering Grade 9 in 2027)
Eligibility Requirements for the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa
Before you apply for the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be in Grade 8 (2026), advancing to Grade 9 in 2027
- Your gross household income must be no more than R35,000 per month
- You must display leadership at school
- You must be actively involved in community service
- You must possess basic English proficiency
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your application for the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa. All documents must be certified.
- ID document (if over 16 years old)
- Birth certificate (if under 16 years old)
- Most recent academic results
- 2025 final results
- Parents or guardians ID documents (if under 18 years old)
- Parents or guardians death certificate (if deceased, if under 18 years old)
- Proof of parents, guardians, or your own household income:
- Latest payslips if employed
- Affidavit if unemployed
- Proof of SASSA grant if applicable
Important Information
- Shortlisted candidates for the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa will be contacted and may be required to undergo psychometric and leadership assessments
- If you do not receive any feedback by 31 December 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful
How to Apply for the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa
Follow these steps to submit your application for the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa. Applications are submitted online.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen in Grade 8 (2026), with a household income not exceeding R35,000 per month, and demonstrating leadership and community service involvement.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. This includes your ID or birth certificate, academic results, parents’ ID documents, and proof of household income.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official MAD Leadership Foundation application portal. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://madleadership.jotform.com/261193098752565
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa: 02 August 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa, please contact Make a Difference Leadership Foundation (MAD) directly:
- Tel / SMS / WhatsApp: 082 313 9014
- Email: applications@madleadership.org
- Business hours: Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm (Please note that queries will be responded to within 3-5 business days)
MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa – Quick Summary
- Organisation: MAD Leadership Foundation
- Scholarship Name: MAD Leadership Scholarship
- Founded: 2003 by Francois Pienaar
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens in Grade 8 (2026), advancing to Grade 9 in 2027
- Household income limit: Not more than R35,000 per month
- Key qualities sought: Leadership at school, community service involvement, basic English proficiency
- What is covered: High school studies
- Selection process: Shortlisted candidates undergo psychometric and leadership assessments
- Required documents: ID/birth certificate, academic results, parents’ ID, proof of income, death certificate (if applicable)
- Application method: Online via Jotform
- Closing date: 26 July 2026
- Notification date: By 31 December 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa
1. Can I apply if I am in a different grade?
The MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa is specifically for students currently in Grade 8 (2026) who will be advancing to Grade 9 in 2027. Students in other grades are not eligible for this scholarship.
2. Who founded the MAD Leadership Foundation?
The MAD Leadership Foundation was founded by Francois Pienaar in 2003, with an inspiring vision to provide educational access to deserving young South Africans with academic and leadership potential.
3. What is the household income limit?
The MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa requires a gross household income of no more than R35,000 per month. Proof of income is required.
4. What kind of leadership and community service is expected?
The MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa looks for students who display leadership at school (e.g., class monitor, prefect, sports captain, or club leader) and are actively involved in community service (e.g., volunteering, helping at local organisations, or community projects).
5. What assessments are required for shortlisted candidates?
Shortlisted candidates for the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa may be required to undergo psychometric and leadership assessments to evaluate their potential.
6. When will I know if my application was successful?
If you do not receive any feedback from the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa by 31 December 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.
7. What if I am under 16 years old?
If you are under 16 years old, you must submit a certified copy of your birth certificate instead of an ID document for the MAD Leadership Foundation High School Scholarship South Africa.
8. Where can I find more high school scholarships in South Africa?
Visit EduFunds high school scholarships page for more funding opportunities for school learners.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries and scholarships for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
MAD Leadership Foundation
High School Scholarship 2027
Make A Difference • Empowering future leaders • Investing in education