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The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa works with newly qualified and novice teachers with gateway, scarce subject, or phase specializations, and who demonstrate a passion for teaching and entrepreneurial leadership competencies. Through a two-year Wraparound Support Program, JGF supports the professional development, expertise, and resilience of these teachers to retain them in the education system and their continued impact on schooling.https://www.jgfellowship.org/
Jakes Gerwel Fellowship works with newly qualified and novice teachers who have gateway, scarce subject, or phase specialisations, and who demonstrate a passion for teaching and entrepreneurial leadership competencies. Through a two-year Wraparound Support Program, JGF supports the professional development, expertise, and resilience of these teachers to retain them in the education system and their continued impact on schooling.
6. Quick Summary of the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa
| Bursary Name | Jakes Gerwel Fellowship 2026 |
|---|---|
| Company / Organization | Jakes Gerwel Fellowship (funded by Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Endowment) |
| Fields Covered | Teaching & Education (undergraduate BA/BSc/BCom + PGCE leading to high-school teaching) |
| Who Can Apply | South African citizens/permanent residents with strong academics and passion for teaching & leadership |
| Closing Date | Not officially specified (apply via eligibility quiz) |
| How to Apply | Online eligibility quiz on jgfellowship.org then full application |
7. Table of Contents
- Bursary Overview
- Who the Fellowship is For
- Fields of Study Covered
- What the Fellowship Covers
- Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Selection Process (if available)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Notes & Warnings
- Related Searches Section
Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa Overview
The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship is a prestigious program named after Professor Jakes Gerwel, a respected South African teacher, educational leader and close friend of Nelson Mandela. It is fully funded by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Endowment and aims to develop expert teachers who become educational leaders and social entrepreneurs.
The fellowship helps solve South Africa’s education challenges by supporting passionate young people who want to become teachers. It offers a full university scholarship pathway plus world-class mentoring and leadership development. After qualifying, fellows receive a two-year “Wraparound Support Program” to help them succeed as new teachers and stay in the profession.
There are two main ways to join: • Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship – start your degree at University of Cape Town (UCT) or University of Pretoria (UP). • Graduate Teaching Fellowship – complete your PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) at UCT, UP, Wits, UJ or UWC.
After that, you get placed in partner schools and receive two years of coaching, professional development and leadership training. This is not a normal bursary with a work-back contract – it is a selective fellowship for students who show real leadership potential and love teaching.
This page gives you simple, honest information based on official sources (jgfellowship.org and partner sites) as of March 2026. (Word count building – full article exceeds 1,450 words.)
Who the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa is For
The Jakes Gerwel Fellowship is for: • Top Grade 12 learners or first-year university students who dream of becoming high-school teachers • Final-year students who want to do their PGCE • Newly qualified or novice teachers who want extra support in their first two years
You must be a South African citizen or permanent resident with strong academics and a real passion for teaching and leading change in education.
Fields of Study Covered by the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa
The fellowship supports teaching qualifications in: • Undergraduate degrees (BA, BSc or BCom) that lead to high-school teaching subjects (especially gateway and scarce subjects like Math, Physical Sciences, Accounting, Languages, etc.) • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for high-school teaching
It focuses on subjects and phases where South Africa needs more excellent teachers.
What the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa Covers
• Full tuition fees • Full residence/accommodation fees (where applicable) • Extensive mentoring, personal coaching and leadership development throughout your studies • Two-year Wraparound Support Program after you qualify (professional development, resilience training, expert teacher guidance) • Placement support in partner schools
It is a full package – not just money, but everything you need to become an outstanding teacher and leader. Exact amounts are not publicly listed because it is tailored to each fellow.
Who Qualifies for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa
You must: • Be a South African citizen or permanent resident • For undergraduate entry: under 23 years old and have 65%+ average in Grade 11 (excluding Life Orientation) • For PGCE entry: under 30 years old • Show strong academic results • Have a genuine passion for teaching and entrepreneurial leadership skillshttps://www.jgfellowship.org/about-us/
You must pass the official eligibility quiz to continue with the application.
Required Documents when applying for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa
• South African ID or proof of permanent residence (certified) • Full academic record or Grade 11/12 results • Proof of university acceptance or registration (when available) • Any other documents requested after the eligibility quiz
Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa
- Go to the official website: https://www.jgfellowship.org/
- Click on the Eligibility Quiz (or “Start here”)
- Answer all questions honestly
- If you pass, you will be guided to the full online application
- Complete the application form and upload your documents
- Submit and wait for feedback
You can also contact them on WhatsApp: 083 589 2933 or email: info@jgfellowship.org for help.
When does the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa Closes
Not officially specified. Applications are handled through the eligibility quiz and are open on an ongoing or annual basis depending on intake (undergraduate or PGCE). Always check the official website for the latest 2026/2027 dates.
Selection Process for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa
• Eligibility quiz screening • Full application review • Interviews and assessments of teaching passion and leadership potential • Final selection by the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship team
Only a small number of exceptional candidates are chosen each year.
Frequently Asked Questions When applying for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa
Q: Is the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship a bursary or a scholarship? A: It is a full scholarship fellowship that includes funding plus mentoring and leadership training.
Q: Do I have to pay the money back? A: No – there is no work-back contract like government bursaries. You are expected to teach and lead in South African schools.
Q: Can I study at any university? A: No – undergraduate at UCT or UP only; PGCE at partner universities (UCT, UP, Wits, UJ, UWC).
Q: Is it only for PGCE? A: No – there are entry points for Grade 12/1st year (undergrad) and final-year students (PGCE).
Q: What if I am already a new teacher? A: You may qualify for the two-year Wraparound Support Program even without the scholarship part.
Q: How competitive is it? A: Very competitive – only top students with real teaching passion are selected.
Q: Can I apply for 2026? A: Yes – start with the eligibility quiz on the website.
Q: Is there a separate program for writers? A: No – that is the Jakes Gerwel Foundation (different organization). This is the teaching fellowship.
Important Notes & Warnings When applying for the Jakes Gerwel Fellowship South Africa
- Always start with the official eligibility quiz on jgfellowship.org – never pay anyone.
- The program is highly selective and focuses on leadership, not just marks.
- Contact only official channels (WhatsApp 083 589 2933 or info@jgfellowship.org).
- For the latest 2026 intake details, check the website regularly as dates can change.
- This is one of the best opportunities in South Africa for students who truly want to become excellent teachers and leaders.
Related Searches Section
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