About the Bursary Provider – UCT & Klaus-Jürgen Bathe

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of South Africa’s leading academic institutions. Its mission is to develop individuals who embody strong leadership qualities and a commitment to social justice, preparing them to make meaningful contributions in government, business, civil society, and industry across South Africa and the African continent.

The Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship is awarded annually to exceptional UCT students. The scholarship is named after Professor Klaus-Jürgen Bathe, a distinguished Mechanical Engineering professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is renowned for his work in applied and computational mechanics, including the development of the world-famous ADINA system used in engineering analysis.

Professor Bathe is also the founder of ADINA R & D, Inc., and has authored numerous articles, textbooks, and scholarly publications. He has received prestigious honors from institutions such as MIT, the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. A UCT graduate himself (Class of 1967), Professor Bathe was a Gold Medalist in the Faculty of Engineering and has supported the university through scholarship programs for over 20 years.

About the Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Scholarship Programme – Fields Covered

UCT invites applications for the Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship for the 2026 academic year. The scholarship is open to undergraduate students in any field of study at UCT. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership abilities, and involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, or similar areas.

Coverage and Benefits

The scholarship is valued at R120,000 per year and offers partial funding to cover tuition fees, books, stationery, accommodation, and living expenses.

Selection is based primarily on:

• Academic performance
• Demonstrated leadership
• Commitment to public and community service

While financial need is considered, it is not the main selection criterion. Funding is provided for one academic year and may be renewed for a second year based on academic performance.

The UCT Funding Office will forward eligible applications to Professor Bathe, who plays an active role in selecting scholarship recipients.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at UCT in any of the six faculties
• Must be entering the final two years of undergraduate study (postgraduate students are not eligible)
• Must have a minimum GPA of 60% and no failed modules
• Must have proven leadership experience
• Must have participated in extracurricular activities or community service
• Must have a total household income of less than R1.2 million per year
• Must not be receiving other funding that exceeds the value of this scholarship

How to Apply

1. Download and complete the UCT Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Scholarship Application Form for 2026.
2. When asked where you heard about the scholarship, enter “www.bursary24.co.za”.

Required Documents

Submit the following supporting documents along with your completed application form. All documents are mandatory – missing items may lead to disqualification:

• Certified copy of your ID document
• Matric certificate
• Full academic transcript (on official UCT letterhead)
• Proof of leadership roles (school, university, or community-based)
• Motivational letter (2 pages) outlining your life goals and reasons for applying
• Proof of household income (latest payslips or affidavit if unemployed)
• Certified ID copies of your parents or guardians

Submission Details

Email your application and supporting documents to: fastudents@uct.ac.za
Use the subject line: “KJB Scholarship 2026”

Closing Date

28 July 2025
Late applications will not be accepted, so make sure to apply before the deadline.

Contact Information

For queries related to the scholarship, contact:

• Mary Hilton (Programme Manager)
• Phone: 073 236 5783
• Email: mary.hilton@uct.ac.za