The Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarships are awarded annually to selected UCT undergraduate students in their final two years of undergraduate study who show evidence of a strong academic record and demonstrated leadership skills and experience in extracurricular activities, community service or other areas.

Applications are closed for 2026.

Criteria

• Students with a gross family income of no more than R1,2m per annum
• Undergraduate students from all six faculties at UCT are eligible to apply.
• Students must be South African citizens.
• Two years of their degree remain at the time of the award.
• GPA 60%> with no failed modules
• Postgraduate students are not eligible.
• Financial need will also be considered (all applicants must provide information about family income on the application form), but it will not be an overriding factor.
• Successful candidates may not hold other funding that exceeds the UCT-approved full cost of funding.

Application

Students must complete an application form and write a two-page motivation highlighting their life aims and reasons for applying. They must include their academic transcript in their application. Email application to fastudents@uct.ac.za. Students will be selected based on academic merit, demonstrated leadership and a willingness to serve the public and the community.

Award Conditions

The scholarship offers partial support to the value of R120 000.00 per year, intended to assist in covering tuition fees, accommodation, books, stationery and living expenses.

Students must remain in good academic standing after the first year to be eligible to renew the award for a second year.

Selection

The Funding Office will send the applications and motivations of the eligible students to Professor Bathe, who will give his suggestions on the selection of the students to be awarded the scholarship.