Deadline:
July 27, 2025
Location(s)
South Africa
Cape Town, Pretoria
Overview
Nurturing expert teachers who embrace innovation and lead change.
Are you in Grade 12? Are you currently in your 1st year at UCT or UP? Are you a 3rd Year University / Already graduate? If so, Jakes Gerwel Fellowship has a mission for you to tackle one of the biggest megatrends of your generation. We are inviting you to be at the forefront of solving some of the most significant educational challenges in South Africa.
Details
Jakes Gerwel Fellowship is a full university scholarship that provides extensive mentoring and leadership development for top learners with a passion for teaching and education. At the heart of what we do is nurturing expert teacher who embrace innovation and can lead the kind of change that our educational sector so desperately requires. In short, we want to make the strongest possible case and provide the greatest possible support for our best students to become our best teachers.
Founded in 2017, Jakes Gerwel Fellowship is fully funded by Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Endowment. Our beneficiaries start their university studies at either the University of Cape Town or the University of Pretoria. The supported degree streams include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Commerce. In addition to their academic studies, students benefit from a world-class Fellowship programme that provides access to personal coaches, mentors and expert teachers, along with elective activities. After completing their 3-year degree, students qualify as high school teachers through a PGCE and then enter a 2-year induction phase as they are placed in partner schools as newly qualified teachers. Ongoing support and development will continue to be offered through communities of practice.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
There are three entry points into the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship. Grade 12 and 1st year level students can apply as part of the undergraduate intake. Alternatively, final year students can apply for to be part of the PGCE intake.
Academic requirements:
Applicants currently in Grade 12:
- Minimum of a 65% average for final Grade 11 results (excluding Life Orientation).
Applicants currently in Gap Year:
- Minimum of a 65% average for final Grade 12 results (excluding Life Orientation).
Applicants currently in 1st Year of university:
- Demonstrate the ability to maintain a 60% course average during 1st year degree studies.
- Minimum of a 65% average for final Grade 12 results (excluding Life Orientation).
Additional requirements:
- South African Citizenship or Permanent Resident with a South African ID number.
- Applicants must be under the age of 23 on closing date of application.
- Candidate Fellows will be expected to complete a three-year bachelor’s degree at the University of Cape Town or the University of Pretoria and then go on to complete a PGCE.
- Candidate Fellows will be expected to teach at a South African high school on completion of their PGCE.
- Applicants must apply to both the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria for academic study and placement in 2022. Jakes Gerwel Fellowship cannot influence your application and/or acceptance into any university.
Dates
Deadline: July 27, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
What the fellowship covers
- Full university tuition
- Accommodation
- Meals, books, tutor allowance
- Monthly pocket money
- Academic Support
- Leadership development
- Expert Teacher Mentor
- Personal Coach
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
