Hey, future global leaders! Ever dreamed of an incredible educational adventure abroad that boosts your leadership skills and expands your horizons? Well, get ready because the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary might just be your ticket! This isn’t just a travel opportunity; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in English culture, connect with other inspiring young minds, and return ready to make a real impact in South Africa.
The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary is an amazing annual program offered by the Abe Bailey Trust. It’s designed to give academically brilliant South African students and junior lecturers an unforgettable educational tour of England. Imagine exploring historic sites, engaging in insightful discussions, and building an international network – all fully covered! This bursary is all about identifying and nurturing exceptional young leaders who are not only achieving academically but also making a significant difference in their communities.
Who Can Apply?
To be considered for this unique opportunity, you’ll need to tick quite a few boxes. The Abe Bailey Trust is looking for well-rounded individuals with a proven track record. Here’s who they’re looking for:
- You must be an academically strong student or junior lecturer, on track to complete your current degree program within the minimum required timeframe.
- You need to show exceptional leadership qualities and a history of service, both within your university (student affairs) and in the wider community.
- You should be a South African citizen with a valid South African passport.
- Generally, applicants shouldn’t be older than 25 years when the tour begins, though this age limit can be relaxed for truly outstanding candidates.
- You must have completed at least your second year of university studies.
- Being proficient in English is key, as you’ll be interacting with a diverse group and engaging in various activities during the tour.
- You should be physically fit enough to handle an intensive program, which includes walking tours and a packed schedule.
- Commitment is crucial: you must be available to participate in the entire tour for its full duration, from start to finish, and take part in all programmed activities.
- Please note: If you’re married, your spouse cannot accompany you on the tour. Also, if you’re planning to apply for other major scholarships like the Rhodes scholarship, ensure there are no clashes with the Abe Bailey tour dates, as you must commit fully to this program if selected.
What Does It Cover?
This is a travel bursary, which means it covers the costs associated with your educational visit to England! While the original details are from a few years back, the essence remains the same: the bursary is intended to remove financial barriers so you can fully immerse yourself in this incredible experience. This typically includes:
- Travel Expenses: Flights to and from England.
- Accommodation: Your stay during the entire tour.
- Program Activities: Access to all scheduled educational visits, cultural experiences, and leadership development activities.
- Meals: Generally, meals are covered as part of the tour package.
Essentially, the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary provides a comprehensive package for a fully-funded educational and leadership development journey to the UK!
How to Apply?
Ready to embark on this amazing adventure? The application process is thorough, designed to identify the best candidates. There isn’t a simple online form, so pay close attention to the details:
- Prepare Your Documents: Your application must be in English and include the following:
- A personal letter of motivation explaining why you’re applying and what you hope to gain.
- A current and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Two letters of reference that specifically highlight your suitability for this travel bursary, focusing on your character, leadership, and personality. Your referees may be asked to send these directly to the nominating institution.
- Certified copies of your South African ID and your full university academic record.
- Copies of your university merit or achievement certificates (maximum 5 items).
- Detailed information about your leadership roles and any social and community service you’ve undertaken at university and beyond.
- A brief statement outlining the dates and purpose of any previous visits you’ve made to the United Kingdom.
- Confirmation that you hold a valid South African passport.
- Submission: Applications are typically submitted through your university’s international office or a similar student affairs department. For example, at Stellenbosch University (where this information originated), applications are handled by SU International in collaboration with the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development. Crucially, always check with your own university for their specific internal application process and deadlines for the current year.
- Selection Process: Once submitted, applications are reviewed by a selection panel (often including past Abe Bailey bursars). Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. Following interviews, a few candidates are nominated by the Rector (or equivalent head) of the university to the Trustees of the Abe Bailey Trust, who then make the final award.
Keep an eye on your university’s official communications for the exact deadlines and procedures for the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary for the upcoming tour!
If becoming a global leader and experiencing an incredible educational journey in England sounds like your dream, then the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary could be perfect for you! Don’t let this chance slip by — start preparing your application now and keep an eye on your university’s announcements. For more amazing opportunities like this, keep exploring Bursaries Room!
