The Absa Fellowship Programme 2026 is more than just a scholarship. It is a transformative journey created to unlock the potential of South Africa’s brightest young minds. Rooted in Absa’s vision of financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainability, this fellowship nurtures future changemakers who will shape leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact across the continent.
Each year, only 50 outstanding applicants are selected. These fellows are not seen as ordinary students but as future leaders of industries, social enterprises, and public institutions. With structured support, mentorship, and leadership development, they gain the tools to drive growth, champion sustainability, and turn bold possibilities into reality.
Who Can Apply
The Absa Fellowship is designed for young and emerging leaders who display purpose, resilience, and passion. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Between 18 and 25 years old
- Academic Record: Minimum pass mark of 65 percent. Applicants may submit June 2025 preliminary results or final matric results
- Field of Study: Applicants must be enrolling as first-year undergraduate students at a South African public university in 2026, pursuing studies in one of the following fields:
- Commerce
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), including health sciences (excluding medical and veterinary studies)
- Creative Arts
- Digital and Data Design
Applications must be made in the name of the student and not that of a parent or guardian.
The Application Process
The selection process for the Absa Fellowship includes four structured phases:
- Phase 1: Pre-Screening – Applicants are reviewed against the basic eligibility criteria.
- Phase 2: Psychometric Assessment – Successful candidates from Phase 1 receive a voucher code by email (from Absafellowship@fundi.co.za) to complete an online assessment.
- Phase 3: Shortlisting – Applicants are shortlisted based on their assessment results.
- Phase 4: Interviews – Final candidates attend a personal interview to showcase their vision, values, and leadership potential.
APPLY FOR THE ABSA FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME 2026 HERE
Why Apply
Becoming an Absa Fellow goes beyond receiving financial support. Fellows benefit from:
- Access to a strong and influential network of changemakers
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders
- Leadership training designed to prepare them for the future
- Opportunities to make a real and lasting difference in their communities
Applicants are advised to check their emails regularly, including their spam and junk folders, to avoid missing critical updates.
Closing Date
Applications for the Absa Fellowship Programme 2026 close on 10 September 2025.
Conclusion
The Absa Fellowship Programme 2026 is a unique opportunity for young South Africans with the passion and vision to lead with purpose. If you are ready to challenge the status quo, uplift your community, and build a better Africa, this fellowship could be the first step toward your journey of impact and leadership.