2026 TFG Data Science & Leadership Fellowship

If you’re a South African student aiming to specialize in data science, the TFG Data Science & Leadership Fellowship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree with leadership and mentoring support. Managed by StudyTrust and sponsored by The Foschini Group (TFG), this fellowship supports both coursework and research Master’s programs. Applications are open now — this could be your pathway to academic advancement, professional growth, and making meaningful impact.

🎓 Fellowship Summary

• Location: South Africa

• Sponsor: The Foschini Group (TFG) in partnership with StudyTrust; universities designated as Tier One public institutions in South Africa.

• Study Level: Master’s degree (coursework or research)

• Target Group: South African citizens, with preference for under-represented groups; applicants in their first or second year of Master’s studies or intending to begin in 2026.

• Fields & Focus: Data Science or related fields of study.

• Coverage: Fully funded fellowship (see benefits section)

• Duration: First and second year of Master’s program.

• Application Deadline: 31 October 2025.

📚 Fellowship Overview

The TFG Data Science & Leadership Fellowship is an initiative to develop the next generation of data scientists in South Africa, combining academic study with leadership development, mentoring, and real-world exposure. It is administered by StudyTrust, an educational trust known for bursary management, mentoring, and student support.

The fellowship is aimed at both research and coursework Master’s programs and supports scholars through the first two years. In addition to covering financial needs, it offers non-financial supports like coaching, mentoring, and an engagement event at TFG’s Cape Town head office.

Selection prioritizes candidates with strong academic records, creativity, leadership potential, and commitment to innovate. Under-represented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

📚 Benefits & Coverage

Here are the benefits covered by the 2026 TFG Data Science & Leadership Fellowship:

• Full tuition fees for first and second year of the Master’s program.

• Living allowances.

• Meal allowances.

• Accommodation (or support toward accommodation).

• Equipment (e.g. computers or other necessary tools for study) and textbooks.

• Coaching and mentoring support.

• Event / visit to TFG Head Office in Cape Town.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 Fellowship, applicants must meet:

1. Citizenship: Must be South African.

2. Academic Program: Enrolled in or accepted to a coursework or research Master’s degree in Data Science or related field at a Tier One public university in South Africa.

3. Year of Study: Applicants should be in their 1st or 2nd year of the programme (or entering in 2026).

4. Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance.

5. Innovation, Creativity, Leadership: Evidence of leadership potential, creativity, and innovation in previous work or study.

6. Preference: Given to applicants from under-represented groups.

📝 Application Procedure

Here’s how to apply and what you’ll need:

1. Go to the StudyTrust TFG Data Science Fellowship page and access the online application platform.

2. Carefully read the bursary / application instructions on StudyTrust’s site before filling in the application.

3. Complete the online application before the deadline (31 October 2025).

4. Submit all required documents (see below).

🗂️ Documents You’ll Typically Need

• South African ID document (certified copy)

• Academic transcripts (latest results) from previous studies

• Proof of acceptance or enrollment in the Master’s program (or evidence you will begin)

• A CV / résumé showing academic achievements, leadership, innovation

• A statement of purpose or motivation, showing interest in data science, leadership, and how you plan to use the opportunity. (While not always explicitly listed, this is often implied in selection criteria)

ℹ️ Tips & Extra Insights

• Ensure you apply before 31 October 2025; late applications are generally not considered.

• If you belong to an under-represented group or community, be sure to highlight that in your application — there is a stated preference.

• Demonstrate your leadership, creativity, and ability to innovate (via past projects, extracurriculars, or academic work).

• Make sure you choose one of the designated Tier One public universities in South Africa for your Master’s; check the fellowship’s list of eligible institutions.

• Read through StudyTrust’s full terms and bursary guidelines so you are clear on what is covered, expectations, and whether there are obligations (e.g., maintaining performance, reporting) if applicable.