Apply Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary (closing: 31 July 2023)

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5liudmuna
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Apply Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary 2023 | How to apply to the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary, Application Process, requirements, and Deadline.

Are you a South African who dreams of pursuing higher education but struggles with the financial burden? Look no further than the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary! Created to honor the late Professor Jakes Gerwel, this bursary provides opportunities for talented young individuals to access tertiary education and make their mark in various fields. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what the bursary is all about, who Jakes Gerwel was, how to apply for it, its benefits and requirements, as well as answer some frequently asked questions. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this prestigious program – read on to find out more!

 

What is the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary?

The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary is a program designed to provide financial assistance to academically gifted and financially disadvantaged South African students. This bursary pays for tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other related study expenses.

It was established in honor of the late Professor Jakes Gerwel who was an academic giant and social activist in South Africa. He served as Director-General in the Presidency under Nelson Mandela’s leadership from 1994-1999 and played a pivotal role in shaping post-apartheid South Africa.

The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary is open to all high school graduates who have been accepted into any public university or university of technology in South Africa. The bursary aims to support students who are committed to using their education towards building a better society by developing their skills and knowledge for community development.

This fellowship bursary covers up to four years of undergraduate studies with an opportunity for one additional year for Honors or PGCE programs. It also offers mentorship, leadership training, entrepreneurial skills development, networking opportunities as well as internships with partner organizations that align with its values.

In short, the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary provides much-needed financial aid along with various benefits such as guidance and career advancement opportunities that can help undergraduate students achieve their dreams while contributing positively to society.

 

Who is Jakes Gerwel?

Jakes Gerwel was a respected and influential South African academic, administrator, and activist. He is best known for his work in helping to end apartheid in South Africa as well as his many contributions to education in the country.

Gerwel was born on January 18th, 1946 in Somerset East. He began his career as a teacher before moving into academia, ultimately serving as the Vice-Chancellor of both the University of Western Cape and Rhodes University.

In addition to his academic work, Gerwel played a key role in ending apartheid by working with Nelson Mandela during the transition to democracy. After Mandela became President of South Africa, Gerwel served as Director-General of the Presidency from 1994 until 1999.

Throughout his life, Gerwel remained committed to improving education opportunities for young people throughout South Africa. This dedication led him to establish several scholarship programs aimed at supporting students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.

Despite passing away in November 2012 due to complications following heart surgery, Jakes Gerwel’s legacy continues through initiatives like the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary which seeks out individuals who embody his values of leadership and service.

 

When is the deadline?

If you’re interested in applying for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary, it’s important to keep track of the application deadline. The deadline for applications is July 31st, 2023. This means that you still have some time left to prepare your application and submit it before the deadline.

It’s a good idea to start working on your application as soon as possible so that you have plenty of time to gather all the necessary documents and information. Don’t wait until the last minute to start your application, as this can lead to unnecessary stress and rushed work.

Make sure that you carefully review all of the requirements for the bursary before submitting your application. Double-check that all required documents are included and that they meet all of the criteria outlined by the fellowship program.

Remember, missing out on this opportunity could be a huge loss for both your academic advancement and personal development. So take advantage of this chance while it lasts!

 

What are the requirements?

To apply for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary, there are certain requirements that applicants must meet. Firstly, you must be a South African citizen or permanent resident who is under the age of 35 at the time of application. Secondly, you should have completed your first undergraduate degree with an average academic performance of 70% and above.

Additionally, applicants should demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to community service and social justice as well as possess excellent communication skills. The fellowship program places emphasis on diversity and encourages applications from individuals who come from disadvantaged backgrounds or those who belong to historically marginalized groups in South Africa.

It’s important to note that successful candidates will be required to complete a Master’s degree at one of the partner institutions within three years after being awarded the bursary. Therefore, it’s crucial that applicants show exceptional academic potential and readiness for postgraduate studies.

Candidates need to submit a motivation letter outlining their personal background story and explaining why they believe they are suitable for this prestigious fellowship program.

 

What are the benefits of the bursary?

The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary offers a wide range of benefits to successful candidates. Firstly, recipients will receive full tuition fees for their chosen degree or diploma programme at a South African university. This means that they can focus on their studies without the financial burden of paying for tuition.

In addition to covering tuition fees, the bursary also provides for accommodation and living expenses such as food, transport and books. This ensures that students are able to fully immerse themselves in campus life without worrying about basic needs.

Besides financial support, the bursary also offers mentorship and networking opportunities with other fellows and leaders across different industries. Recipients will have access to exclusive workshops, seminars and events where they can share ideas and learn from experienced mentors.

Furthermore, being a Jakes Gerwel fellow is not just about receiving funding but it’s an opportunity for personal growth through community service projects in disadvantaged communities across South Africa. Fellows get hands-on experience working towards sustainable development goals while giving back to society.

The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary is more than just financial assistance but an opportunity for academic excellence combined with personal growth through social responsibility initiatives which prepares students for future leadership roles in various sectors of society.

 

How will I be selected?

The selection process for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary is highly competitive. After submitting your application, a panel of judges will review it and select candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to community engagement.

Candidates who make it past the initial round of reviews will be invited for an interview with the selection committee. During this stage, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your skills, passions and achievements that make you stand out from other applicants.

The final decision on successful candidates will be based on various factors such as academic merit, financial need, personal character traits and suitability for leadership roles.

It’s important to note that meeting all eligibility criteria doesn’t guarantee acceptance into the program. The competition is fierce and only a limited number of bursaries are available each year.

Therefore, it’s essential to submit a comprehensive application that highlights your unique strengths and experiences while demonstrating how they align with the mission of Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary Program.

 

How can I apply for the bursary?

Applying for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary is a straightforward and simple process. To begin with, you need to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements stated on their website.

Once you have confirmed your eligibility, head over to their online application portal. Ensure that you follow all instructions carefully and provide accurate information about yourself.

You will be required to attach several documents along with your application form, including academic transcripts, certified copies of identification documents and proof of household income.

Make sure that you double-check all details before submitting your application as incomplete or incorrect applications may not be considered by the selection committee.

Once submitted, your application will undergo a rigorous review process by the selection committee. If shortlisted, you will then be invited for an interview before final selections are made.

Remember to apply well in advance of the deadline (31 July 2023) to avoid any last-minute technical glitches or unforeseen circumstances. Good luck!

 

Apply Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary 2023 | How to apply to the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary, Application Process, requirements, and Deadline.

 

FAQs

Q: Can international students apply for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary?
A: Yes, international students can apply as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

Q: Is there an age limit to qualify for the bursary?
A: No, there is no specific age limit. As long as you meet all other eligibility criteria, you may submit your application.

Q: How many recipients will be selected for the bursary each year?
A: The number of recipients varies each year depending on available funding and the quality of applications received.

If you are a South African student with a passion for academic excellence and leadership potential, applying for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship Bursary could be your ticket to success. With this bursary, not only will you receive financial support to pursue your studies at some of South Africa’s top universities, but also access opportunities that may help shape your career path in ways beyond what you imagined. So don’t wait any longer! Apply now before 31 July 2023 and take charge of your future today!

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