African Leadership Academy Two-Year Diploma Programme (Class of 2027)
African Leadership Academy
Two-year pre-university leadership and entrepreneurship diploma in Johannesburg for young Africans born on/after 1 Sept 2007 who have completed Grade 10 (SHS 1). 97% of students receive need-based aid. Class of 2027: Early Decision 15 Oct 2026, Regular Decision 15 Jan 2027.
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Eligibility
- Who can apply
- All nationalities
- Education required
- Secondary enrolled
- Fields
- Any field of study
- Language
- Applications accepted in English, French and Portuguese
- Also required
- Completed a minimum of Grade 10 of high school or its equivalent (SHS 1)
- Open to African and international applicants; primarily recruits across Africa
- Financial aid is requested at the finalist stage with supporting financial documents
About this opportunity
African Leadership Academy (ALA) is a residential pre-university academy in Johannesburg that admits up to 130 students a year from over 2,000 applicants into a two-year diploma combining academics, entrepreneurial leadership and African studies.
For the Class of 2027 applicants must have been born on or after 1 September 2007 (typically 15-18) and have completed at least Grade 10 or equivalent (SHS 1 in Ghana). Applications are accepted in English, French and Portuguese and assessed on intellectual readiness, courage and perseverance, ownership and interdependence. Process: online application, finalist interview, recommendation letters and financial aid documents, decision. Fees are USD 30,900 a year all-inclusive, but everyone admitted 'is eligible to receive significant financial assistance' based on family means; 97% receive aid.
- Level
- Secondary
- Where
- South Africa
- Duration
- 2 years
- Number of awards
- Up to 130 students admitted per year
- Difficulty
- Very high · about 6 weeks to prepare
Funding
Funding varies
- tuition
- accommodation
Fees USD 30,900 per year, all-inclusive (tuition, accommodation, meals, uniforms). Aid is need-based and 'determined after admissions decisions have been made'; 97% of students receive financial assistance and the most disadvantaged receive the most.
What you will need
- Academic transcripts
- Essays
- Reference letters
- Financial documents
Online application (essays), finalist interview, then letters of recommendation and financial aid documents (if applicable). Number of recommendations not stated on the page.
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