Wells Mountain Initiative
Wells Mountain Initiative Scholarship
Closes
1 March 2026
Value
$1,500 to $3,000 USD per year
Level
Undergraduate degree or diploma
For
SA citizens & developing nation residents
Sector
All fields of study
Type
Partial scholarship
About this bursary
The Wells Mountain Initiative is a US-based charitable organization that funds higher education for youth from developing nations. The programme assists tertiary students pursuing their first undergraduate qualification in any study field.
This scholarship aims to empower future leaders who intend to stay and work in their home countries after graduation. Successful candidates receive partial financial support to help reduce the cost of tertiary studies.
Recipients must complete 100 hours of volunteer work each year. The award is renewable for the full duration of the undergraduate programme provided academic standards and community service requirements are met.
Obligation
Recipients must perform and record at least 100 hours of local volunteer work for each year funded.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- You must be a citizen or resident of a developing nation such as South Africa.
- You must be under 35 years of age on 1 August 2026.
- You must be a current matriculant or have completed secondary school with good academic results.
- You must be applying for or studying towards your first undergraduate degree or diploma qualification.
- You must plan to study in your home country or another developing nation.
- You must intend to live and work in your home country after graduating.
- You must demonstrate prior volunteer experience and commit to 100 hours of community service yearly.
You do not qualify if
- Applicants older than 35 years on 1 August 2026 do not qualify.
- Students planning to study in Western Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, or the UK are ineligible.
- Postgraduate students or individuals pursuing a second tertiary qualification cannot apply.
- Immediate family members of WMI staff or current WMI Scholars are not eligible.
Documents you need to submit
- Copy of official South African identity document or passport
- Latest secondary school reports or matric results certificate
- Official university academic record if currently enrolled
- Clear headshot photograph
- Official fee statement or university tuition estimate
- Two written recommendation letters following WMI guidelines
- Personal statement of 350 to 500 words
- Essay of up to 1000 words detailing a hypothetical community project
All application documents must be submitted in English or accompanied by official translations.
How to apply
- 1Read the official WMI Scholarship Information Flyer and FAQ document thoroughly.
- 2Navigate to the Kaleidoscope online application platform using the provided link.
- 3Complete the personal profile, educational history, and financial information sections.
- 4Upload clear copies of your identity document, academic results, fee structures, and recommendation letters.
- 5Draft and upload your personal statement along with the required community project essay.
- 6Submit your complete online application prior to the closing deadline on 1 March 2026.
Incomplete submissions or applications sent after the deadline will not be evaluated.
How you are selected
Forms, downloads and links
Online application portal
apply.mykaleidoscope.com/program/wellsmountainscholarsprogram2026WMI scholarship information flyer
kaleidoscope.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#36000000ojFe/a/TP000009d5tt/b3ioNLtHvWV3VWoiXGCHseoje4DxW.y9GH1Flh.OCy0Recommendation letter guidelines
kaleidoscope.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#36000000ojFe/a/TP000009d5qf/c4UzhCPqqScP5WmhQ2FyCHKMXAHQyGQNCz_KJq407xwScholarship FAQ document
kaleidoscope.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/#36000000ojFe/a/TP000009d12J/TaVPlUcqAGzF.0iUD1GzJt8n30Fxak_46nkHX4gWjskList of developing countries
worlddata.info/developing-countries.php