The Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship is open for the 2027 academic year and invites students from developing countries — including South Africa — to apply for funding toward their undergraduate studies. In this detailed guide, we break down everything you need to know: eligibility requirements, what the scholarship covers, how to apply, and important deadlines.
About the Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI)
WMI is a public charitable organisation based in the United States that focuses on creating social change by supporting young people from developing countries. The organisation funds undergraduate students in high-need sectors and encourages scholars to actively participate in community service while studying.
Unlike many traditional funding programmes, WMI remains actively involved with its scholars. Students are required to participate in community projects and stay engaged throughout their academic journey, ensuring they not only succeed academically but also contribute meaningfully to their communities.
What Does the WMI Scholarship Cover?
The WMI Scholarship provides partial financial support for undergraduate studies. It is important to understand that this is not a full scholarship.
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The scholarship helps cover tuition and fees
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Books and course materials
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Transportation
WMI awards between 80 and 100 scholarships each year, with an average value of $1500 USD, and in some cases up to $3000 USD.
Because this is partial funding, students must have some additional financial support but demonstrate that they cannot pursue tertiary education without assistance.
Fields of Study
One of the biggest advantages of the WMI Scholarship is that it is open to students studying any field. There are no restrictions on degree programmes, provided you are pursuing your first undergraduate degree or diploma.
This makes the scholarship ideal for students in:
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Education
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Engineering
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Health Sciences
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Social Sciences
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Business
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Agriculture
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Technology
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Environmental studies
…and many more.
The scholarship supports students throughout all years of their undergraduate education, provided they continue to meet performance and community service requirements.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements)
Before applying, make sure you meet the minimum criteria. Applicants must:
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Be from a developing country (South Africa qualifies)
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Be 35 years old or younger on 1 August 2026
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Have completed Matric (or currently be in Matric with excellent results)
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Be applying to or currently studying toward a first undergraduate degree/diploma
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Study in their home country or another developing country
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Plan to live and work in their home country after graduation
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Have prior volunteer experience and commit to community service during studies
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Commit to completing 100 hours of community service per year
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Maintain above-average academic results
Applicants must not plan to study in the United States, Canada, Australia, the UK, or Western Europe
This scholarship is ideal for socially responsible students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.
Scholarship Responsibilities
Receiving the WMI Scholarship comes with responsibilities. Scholars must:
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Maintain strong academic performance
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Complete 100 hours of community service annually
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Submit semester academic reports twice a year
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Submit community service reports
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Stay in regular contact with the Student Scholar Coordinator
Failure to meet these requirements may result in termination of the scholarship.
WMI looks for students who are not only academically strong but also dedicated to leadership and service.
Selection Process and Timeline
The application review process is detailed and competitive.
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Applications are reviewed between April and July 2026
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Successful candidates are announced on 1 August 2026
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First scholarship payments are made in September 2026
The scholarship is awarded through a multi-step review process conducted by volunteer reviewers and the Scholarship Committee.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship application portal.
You will need to submit the following supporting documents:
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National ID document
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Academic transcripts
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National exam results (if applicable)
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Headshot photograph
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University fee structure
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Two recommendation letters
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Personal statement (350–500 words)
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Essay (maximum 1000 words) responding to a community service scenario
The essay asks you to explain how you would use $1000 to address a community issue, including impact and budgeting. This gives WMI insight into your leadership, planning, and social awareness skills.
All applications must be submitted in English, and supporting documents in other languages must be officially translated
Closing Date
The closing date for the 2027 WMI Scholarship is 1 March 2026 at 11:59 EST.
Late applications will not be accepted, so it is important to prepare your documents well in advance.
Why This Scholarship Is Worth Applying For
As an education blogger who regularly tracks international bursaries, I can confidently say that the WMI Scholarship stands out for several reasons:
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It supports students in any field of study.
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It funds students for the entire undergraduate duration.
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It prioritises leadership and community engagement.
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It is open to South African students.
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It encourages graduates to return and uplift their communities.
For students in areas like Delmas, Mpumalanga, or other parts of South Africa where financial barriers often limit tertiary access, this scholarship can provide meaningful support.
Final Thoughts
The Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship is more than just financial aid — it is a leadership and community development programme. If you are academically capable, socially responsible, and committed to improving your community, this could be the perfect opportunity.
Start preparing your application early:
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Gather strong recommendation letters.
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Build your volunteer portfolio.
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Draft and refine your essays.
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Ensure your academic records are ready.
Opportunities like this are competitive — but they are life-changing.
