The FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship 2027 is a fully funded opportunity for South African students who want to become Chartered Accountants, and it supports high-performing students who cannot afford university costs while preparing them for leadership roles in the finance sector.
About the Scholarship Providers
The scholarship is offered through a partnership between the FEM Education Foundation NPC and the Make a Difference Leadership Foundation, both focused on education and leadership development in South Africa.
The Make a Difference Leadership Foundation supports academically strong students with funding, mentorship, and personal development programmes.
The FEM Education Foundation works to promote education and ethical leadership in the financial sector.
Purpose of the FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship was created to honour Mike Ilsley and his contribution to ethical leadership in the accounting profession.
It aims to increase the number of qualified Chartered Accountants in South Africa.
It also supports students from lower-income households who have strong academic ability and leadership potential.
The programme focuses on developing future professionals who can contribute to economic growth.
Type of Scholarship Offered
This is a full-cost scholarship for undergraduate studies.
It is specifically for students studying towards a SAICA-accredited Chartered Accountancy qualification.
The scholarship may also extend to Honours level if required to qualify as a CA(SA).
It includes additional support such as mentorship and leadership training.
What the Scholarship Covers
The FEMEF Mike Ilsley Memorial Scholarship is comprehensive and covers major study costs.
- Full tuition fees are paid.
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials are included.
- Accommodation and meals are covered.
- A living allowance may be provided.
- Mentorship and career guidance are included.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet strict requirements to be considered.
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must have completed Matric.
- You must be studying or accepted into a SAICA-accredited accounting programme.
- You must be in your 1st, 2nd, or sometimes 3rd year of study.
- You must have at least 70% overall average.
- You must have at least 70% in Financial Accounting.
- Your household income must not exceed about R25,000 per month.
- You must study at a recognised South African university.
Type of Candidates the Scholarship is Looking For
The programme targets students who show strong academic performance.
It also looks for leadership potential and active involvement in community activities.
Applicants must show responsibility, discipline, and strong personal values.
Candidates must have a clear goal of becoming a Chartered Accountant.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must submit a complete set of supporting documents.
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified Matric certificate.
- Full academic transcript with latest results.
- Proof of university registration or acceptance.
- Motivational letter explaining your application.
- Letter of good conduct from a lecturer or tutor.
- Certified ID copies of parents or guardians.
- Proof of household income not older than three months.
- Details of household members and income breakdown.
- Details of other bursaries or NSFAS applications.
Incomplete applications are not considered.
Application Timelines and Deadlines
The application period is currently open and will be closing on 26 July 2026.
Interested candidates must apply fast because late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Shortlisted applicants will be contated for assessment and interviews in January 2027 and final announcements will be made in February 2027.
Application Process and Format
Applications must be submitted online through the official scholarship platform.
- Visit the official portal and locate the scholarship application form.
- Complete all required personal and academic information.
- Upload all supporting documents in the correct format.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Applications that are late or incomplete will not be reviewed.
Official Contact Details
For enquiries about the scholarship, you can contact the programme administrators.
- Email: applications@madleadership.org / info@madleadership.org
- Telephone: 066 483 1793
Office hours are usually Monday to Friday during working hours.
