The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary is awarded by the Abe Bailey Trust which was established in 1957 after Sir Abe Bailey – a renowned businessman and philanthropist from South Africa. The bursary programme is demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to foster leadership, academic excellence, and cross-cultural engagement among the South African youth.
[ez-toc]WHAT IS THE ABE BAILEY TRAVEL BURSARY?
The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary is a financial support that targets South African students with outstanding academic performance. It offers a 3 weeks study tour to England and Scotland with all expenses paid for by the Trust. Applications for funding are done via the university where applicants are enrolled.
There is a limited number of 18 students who get selected to participate in the bursary programme each year. These students must meet all eligibility requirements to participate in the fully funded bursary programme.
FIELDS OF STUDY COVERED BY THE ABE BAILEY TRAVEL BURSARY
Since this is a travel bursary, it is not limited to a specific qualifications – ALL fields of study are inveted to apply for funding. Only third year Undergraduate students are invited to apply for the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary programme.
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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE ABE BAILEY TRAVEL BURSARY
- Only third year students or junior lecturers can apply
- South African citizens or permanent residents who possess (or be able to obtain) a valid South African passport, and have no restrictions preventing them from securing a UK visa can apply
- Applicants must be 25 years old or younger at the start of the tour
- Applicants must confirm their acceptance of the Objectives of the Travel Bursary
There may be additional requirements that will be communicated by the Trust to each university where interested students are enrolled.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ABE BAILEY TRAVEL BURSARY?
- March – The Trust sends invitations to each university to submit applicants for the bursary award.
- April/ May – Universities publish bursary application invitations, shortlist candidates for interviews, conduct interviews and select 3 nominees to submit to the Abe Bailey Trust.
- June/ July – The Trust selects bursary recipients from the lists sumbitted by all universities, and sends the names of successful applicants to the relevant universities, universities then inform applicants.
- August – Successful bursary applicants complete the declaration of acceptance and information sheet and send this to the Trust.
- August to October – The Abe Bailey Fellowship Secretary, Tour Manager and Travel Agent contact the successful bursary applicants.
- November – All bursary recipients gather in Cape Town for a 3 day orientation, Farewell Dinner is held and then depart for the United Kingdom.
Interested students who wish to apply must contact university Financial Aid Office to enquire about the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Below is the list of documents that are required from all interested students who wish to apply for the travel bursary programme:
- Certified copy of the South African passport
- Certified copy of your ID Document
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- Reference letters (2) outlining your academic, leadership and community service record of the nominee, and suitability in terms of the Objectives of this Travel Bursary
- Personal motivational letter outlining why you are applying for this Travel Bursary and how you will meet the Objectives (this must include experiencing and understanding different cultures, meeting different people and broadening the mind on the issues of the day. A proven ability to listen as well as to have the confidence to formulate and express an opinion is an essential prerequisite to selection as an Abe Bailey Travel Bursar).
CLOSING DATE FOR THE ABE BAILEY TRAVEL BURSARY
The deadline is determined by the University in communication with the Trust. Interested students must visit their Universities to enquire about application dates.
BURSARY PROVIDER’S CONTACT DETAILS
If you have queries relating to this bursary opportunity, please contact your university’s Financial Aid office.
Grads24 regularly update bursary listings to bring you the latest opportunities—this article was last updated in March 2025.
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About the Author:
Mr. Percy Mncwango is a seasoned education writer with over 10 years of experience in creating high-ranking articles that provide valuable guidance for students seeking university funding. As a graduate of the University of Cape Town Business School, Percy combines deep knowledge and personal experience to help students succeed. He has received bursaries from Nampak, Telkom, and the Institute of Directors of South Africa (IoD). Percy’s educational background, which includes Richtec TVET, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and UCT GSB, equips him with a unique perspective that enriches his SEO-optimized content and resonates with aspiring scholars.