UCT Klaus‑Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship
Are you an undergraduate student with leadership promise and a passion for service? The prestigious Klaus‑Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship Programme at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has officially opened its 2026 application cycle. The scholarship supports UCT undergraduates who aim to become changemakers across Africa.
This scholarship isn’t just financial support—it’s a comprehensive leadership development journey, designed to transform students into effective, socially responsible leaders. Here’s everything you need to know.
About Klaus‑Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship Programme
The Klaus‑Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship Programme at the University of Cape Town (UCT) was founded in March 2014 through a generous gift from alumnus Professor Klaus‑Jürgen Bathe. Its core aim is to cultivate a new generation of principled, service‑oriented leaders for South Africa and the broader African continent.
Aims & Purpose of the Scholarship:
- The programme seeks undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, academic excellence, and a strong ethical commitment to public service
- Scholars are purposefully guided to confront socio‑economic challenges—such as poverty, inequality, health, and education—through principled leadership
- Bathe envisioned producing a critical mass of moral leaders across business, government, industry, and civil society to manage Africa’s resources wisely and uplift its communities
Field of Study
The Klaus-JĂĽrgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship will be awarded for undergraduate studies at UCT, in ANY field of Study.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
- Tuition fees
- Books
- Stationery
- Accommodation
- Living expenses.
NB: This funding is partial and is only worth R120 000 each year.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Klaus-JĂĽrgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be studying towards an Undergraduate qualification in ANY field, at the University of Cape Town (in any of the 6 faculties)
- You must be entering your final 2 years of study (the bursary does NOT fund postgraduate studies)
- You must have a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 60% and NO failed modules
- You must have demonstrated leadership skills
- You must have participated in extracurricular activities, community service or other areas
- You must have a total household family income of NOT more than R1,2 million per annum
- You must NOT be receiving any other funding that exceeds this scholarship value
Application Process & Deadline
Download the Klaus-JĂĽrgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship Application Form HERE.
Fill in the application form correctly and fully
Attach the following documents to your applications:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Matric certificate
- Full academic record
- Proof of any leadership positions (at school, university and in your community)
- Motivational letter highlighting your life goals and reasons for applying
- Parents or guardians proof of family income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed)
- Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copy)
The closing date for the Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship for the 2026 academic year is 28 July 2025. Ensure that you submit your application on time to avoid disappointments. Bathe Scholarship goes beyond covering fees, it rovides education plus leadership training and global experience—building leaders equipped to tackle Africa’s challenges.
By welcoming students from across sub‑Saharan Africa, it fosters collaboration and cross-border impact. Scholars emerge prepared for roles in business, government, civil society—or to start change initiatives of their own.
Key Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Financial support | Up to R 120,000/year for full academic and living expenses |
| Leadership training | Two custom leadership courses + international internship |
| Network & mentorship | Connects scholars with mentors, global peers, and sector leaders |
| Pan‑African focus | Supports both South African and other sub‑Saharan African scientists |
| Lasting community impact | Emphasis on graduates staying in the region to give back |
Timeline & What Happens Next
Mid‑2025: Scholarship cycle opens. Keep tabs on the UCT Scholarships portal.
28 July 2025: Application deadline—final opportunity for submissions.
August–September 2025: Shortlisted candidates interviewed.
Late 2025: Award decisions made; winners notified and prepared for orientation.
2026 academic year: Scholars begin their funded leadership journey with UCT and commence leadership training and internships.
Final Thoughts
The Klaus‑Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship is a rare and powerful opportunity. For ambitious scholars in any field—be it engineering, health sciences, humanities, or business—this scholarship offers much more than financial support. It is an immersive development ecosystem designed to create leaders with global awareness and a devoted sense of public purpose.
If you believe in the power of leadership rooted in service—if you want to be part of a community committed to reshaping Africa’s future—then this is your moment. Submit your application before 28 July 2025, and take your first step toward joining a legacy of outstanding, purpose‑driven leaders.
