ABSA Fellowship Programme 2026 Opens Applications – Only 50 Spots Available

Absa invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for the Fellowship Programme 2026 (X50 Posts). The closing date for applications is 10 September 2025.

If you are a young South African with ambition, resilience, and the drive to make an impact, this fellowship could be your chance to shine. The Absa Fellowship Programme 2026 is not just about covering tuition – it’s about shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and changemakers who will transform Africa.

Only 50 candidates will be selected, making this one of the most competitive and rewarding fellowships in the country.

What Is the Absa Fellowship Programme?

The Absa Fellowship Programme goes far beyond a typical academic scholarship. It is designed as a transformative journey that nurtures bright young minds into future leaders who can bring positive change to industries, communities, and societies across Africa.

Fellows don’t just receive financial assistance for their studies – they also gain access to mentorship, leadership development, and personal growth opportunities. This structured support empowers them to graduate with both academic qualifications and the leadership skills needed to create meaningful impact.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to young South Africans who are committed to education, leadership, and social impact. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: 18 to 25 years old.
• Academic Record: Minimum 65% pass rate. Applicants can submit June 2025 preliminary results or final matric results.
• Field of Study: Must be enrolling in first-year undergraduate studies at a public South African university in 2026 in one of the following disciplines:
  • Commerce
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), including health sciences (excluding medical and veterinary studies)
  • Creative Arts
  • Digital/Data Design

⚠️ Important: Applications must be submitted in the student’s name (not a parent or guardian).

The Selection Process

Absa uses a four-phase process to select the most promising fellows:

1. Pre-Screening – Applicants are checked against the minimum requirements.
2. Psychometric Assessment – Eligible applicants receive a voucher code via email (Absafellowship@fundi.co.za to complete an online assessment.
3. Shortlisting – Candidates are shortlisted based on their test results.
4. Interviews – Finalists are interviewed to showcase their vision, values, and leadership potential.

Applicants are encouraged to check their email regularly (including spam/junk folders) to avoid missing important communication.

Why Apply?

Becoming an Absa Fellow comes with more than just financial support. The programme is built to:

• Cover academic costs to ease the financial burden of university.
• Provide mentorship from professionals and leaders in various industries.
• Develop leadership skills through structured workshops and training.
• Create networking opportunities with fellow changemakers.
• Empower community impact by encouraging fellows to use their skills to uplift others.

Graduates of this fellowship don’t just leave with degrees – they leave as leaders equipped to challenge the status quo, drive innovation, and transform Africa’s future.

Application Details

• Closing Date: 10 September 2025
• Where to Apply: Applications must be submitted online via the official Absa Fellowship application portal.
• Documents Needed: Applicants should prepare their ID, academic records (final or preliminary results), and any supporting documents required during the process.

Why This Opportunity Matters

South Africa is full of bright, ambitious young people who often lack access to resources and opportunities. The Absa Fellowship Programme 2026 directly addresses this by creating a platform for emerging leaders to study, grow, and contribute to building a stronger Africa.

By combining financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainability, Absa ensures that the fellows of today become the changemakers of tomorrow.

Final Words

If you are between 18 and 25, have strong academic results, and a passion for leadership, this fellowship could change your life. With only 50 spots available, the competition will be tough – but for those selected, the rewards will be life-changing.

Don’t wait until the last moment. Apply now for the Absa Fellowship Programme 2026 and take the first step towards becoming a future leader of Africa.