1. Purpose of the Absa Fellowship Programme
Absa is deeply committed to fostering growth and development throughout Africa. As a prominent Financial Services Provider, we play a vital role in enhancing the economic landscape for individuals, businesses, and nations.
Our focus on wealth creation, protection, and sustainable growth is a testament to our strategic intent—driving intergenerational value through meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.
Education and skill development are key areas of our corporate social responsibility. Our goal is to build a foundation that enables young African entrepreneurial leaders to envision and shape a brighter future.
The Absa Fellowship Programme aims to nurture these individuals into influential leaders—whether in the private or public sector, or as entrepreneurs—capable of driving positive changes in their societies and promoting sustainability for future generations.
2. Offerings of the Absa Fellowship Programme
The future of Africa depends on the courage and passion of its young entrepreneurial leaders. Designed to cultivate a generation of authentic, responsible, and ethical leaders, the Absa Fellowship Programme enables participants to reimagine and reshape society.
Education is crucial, but it is only part of the equation. Our programme equips fellows with essential life, business, and entrepreneurial skills necessary for adapting to the fast-evolving job market.
With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and other technologies, we recognize the need to support students pursuing degrees in critical fields such as science, technology, engineering, creative arts, humanities, mathematics, commerce, and digital design/data. These disciplines are vital for fostering a robust entrepreneurial and digital economy.
The fellowship encompasses a full merit-based programme that acknowledges the unique leadership capabilities of selected candidates. Along with financial assistance for academic studies, Absa Fellows gain access to a tailored Entrepreneurial Leadership Development Programme, which includes support for emotional wellness and academic mentoring.
3. Objectives of the Absa Fellowship Programme
The Absa Fellowship Programme seeks to develop and prepare fellows with essential skills needed by entrepreneurial leaders to make a transformative impact across businesses, communities, and the African continent.
Upon completion, fellows will possess not only an academic degree but also a strong network of peers. They will gain insight into their entrepreneurial mindset, foster a sense of community citizenship, and cultivate their creativity while understanding the broader African context.
Our curriculum focuses on the following skill sets:
- Innovation and adaptability
- An Afrocentric global perspective
- Digital and project management skills
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Commercial insight
- Entrepreneurial acumen
- Personal development and people management skills
- Environmental awareness
4. Minimum Eligibility Criteria for the Absa Fellowship Programme
- Age between 18 and 25 years.
- Minimum average of 65% in Grade 12 (or equivalent qualifications).
- Provisional or final acceptance from a recognized public university in South Africa (e.g., University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria, etc.).
- Enrollment in an approved undergraduate degree program.
Additionally, applicants must complete an application form along with all required documents, undergo online psychometric assessments, and prepare a presentation for evaluation by a panel of senior management.
Required additional information includes:
- Household income verification
- Proof of citizenship
- Disability certificates (if applicable)
- ID for age verification
International students will have extra documentation requirements, including proof of student visa and medical aid.
5. Coverage of the Absa Fellowship Programme
The Absa Fellowship supports students studying full-time at specified public South African universities. The programme covers:
- Full tuition, meals, accommodation, a laptop, books, educational equipment, monthly stipends, and medical aid (if necessary).
- Leadership development costs, including online workshops, emotional wellness sessions, and mentorship from Absa’s leadership and industry experts.
After being awarded the fellowship, recipients will receive:
- A monthly stipend deposited into their Absa account.
- Annual allowances for textbooks and educational supplies.
- Direct payment of tuition and accommodation fees to the university.
For international students, reimbursements for certain travel and visa costs will also be provided.
6. Degrees Supported by the Absa Fellowship Programme
Funding is available exclusively for preselected undergraduate degrees at NQF Level 7 from public South African universities, focusing on areas such as:
- Science (e.g., Applied Bioinformatics, Biochemistry)
- Technology (e.g., Computer Science, Information Technology)
- Engineering (e.g., Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
- Creative Arts (e.g., Film, Fine Arts)
- Mathematics and Digital Design/Data
- Commerce (e.g., BCom degrees)
Funding for postgraduate studies will be communicated separately upon graduation.
7. Overview of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Development Programme
The fellowship requires participation in the Entrepreneurial Leadership Development Programme, which fosters future African leaders’ ability to co-create solutions for emerging challenges. Participants can expect to develop:
- A personal leadership vision and value creation capabilities
- Insights into serving their communities
- A network of high-performing peers
- Creative problem-solving skills for addressing African challenges
Support systems include emotional wellness check-ins, academic tutoring, and peer mentoring to enhance both academic and personal growth.
8. Governance and Management of the Fellowship
The Absa Fellowship Forum oversees the Fellowship Programme, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the application and selection processes. The Corporate Citizenship team, along with the Forum, is responsible for admission criteria, recipient selection, and the management of the programme and its underlying initiatives.
9. Selection Process for the Absa Fellowship
Candidates will be selected based on academic performance, field of study, and demonstrated entrepreneurial skills. The selection process includes multiple phases such as psychometric assessments, shortlisting, and evaluation of presentations submitted by candidates to ensure merit-based outcomes.
10. Details of the Online Psychometric Assessment
Applicants will undergo assessments designed to evaluate their leadership traits, adaptability, drive, problem-solving skills, interpersonal abilities, and entrepreneurial readiness. Assessments will occur through a contracted service provider, with results utilized strictly for shortlisting purposes.
11. Presentation Evaluation Process
Candidates will prepare and submit a presentation and video according to specified guidelines. A panel will assess submissions using a standardized rubric to ensure fairness in evaluation.
12. Importance of Absa’s Values and Social Media Screening
Absa is dedicated to conducting business ethically and responsibly. As part of maintaining these standards, candidates will undergo screening that may include social media checks to safeguard the organization’s integrity and reputation.
13. Criteria for Continuation of the Fellowship
Continuation of funding depends on meeting specific criteria, including attendance in leadership workshops and maintaining a satisfactory academic performance. Breaches of agreement or significant changes in circumstances may lead to a review or termination of the fellowship.
14. Repayment Terms
Funding received through the Absa Fellowship Programme does not require repayment upon successful completion of studies, provided terms are upheld.
15. Eligibility for Application
Only permanent citizens from specified countries may apply for the fellowship while pursuing designated undergraduate degrees at declared South African universities.
16. General Application Checklist
Applicants must complete the application online, ensuring all sections are fully filled and all necessary documents are uploaded. Missing or incomplete information may lead to disqualification.
For a detailed listing of applicable degrees and further application guidelines, please refer to the specified tables and criteria within the programme documentation.