Ford Philanthropy, in collaboration with the Gift of the Givers Foundation, is offering a remarkable opportunity for South African students in need of financial assistance to pursue their academic dreams. This partnership aims to support disadvantaged individuals by providing scholarships to nurture talent and empower future leaders in technical and engineering fields.
About Ford Philanthropy
Established in 1949, Ford Philanthropy serves as the global philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, channeling company profits into impactful programs. With a focus on promoting equity, mobility, and access to education and entrepreneurship, Ford Philanthropy invests in initiatives that address pressing community needs worldwide.
About Gift of the Givers
The Gift of the Givers Foundation is Africa’s largest disaster response non-governmental organization. Its work spans six main focus areas: disaster response, hunger alleviation, water provision, healthcare, education, and human development. With a reputation for transformative impact, Gift of the Givers is committed to creating sustainable solutions for underprivileged communities.
Fields of Study Covered by the Scholarship
For the 2025 academic year, Ford Philanthropy and Gift of the Givers are providing scholarships for students pursuing qualifications in the following fields:
- Automotive, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering (N4–N6)
- NCV Mechatronics (Levels 2, 3, and 4)
The scholarship is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for careers in technical and engineering industries, as well as apprenticeships in automotive and manufacturing sectors.
Who Should Apply?
The scholarship targets talented individuals from disadvantaged communities who show promise in the fields of engineering and technology. Notably, recipients are not bound by a work-back obligation after completing their studies, allowing them to freely pursue their career aspirations.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ford & Gift of the Givers Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Community Background: Applicants must come from under-resourced communities.
- Education Level: Candidates must either be in Matric in 2024 or have already completed Matric.
- Study Focus: Applicants must be studying or planning to study one of the listed qualifications.
- Institution of Study: Applicants must enroll in a TVET College in South Africa.
- Funding Status: Applicants must not be recipients of NSFAS funding.
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply via email by submitting their application to mandy.mncwabe@giftofthegivers.org. The email subject line should include the college name and course name.
Important: No application form is required. Instead, candidates must provide the following supporting documents. Failure to submit all required documents may result in disqualification.
- Certified Copy of ID Document
- Latest School Report: Stamped by the school (if in high school).
- Provisional Acceptance Letter: From the TVET College (if not yet studying).
- 2024 Academic Record: Stamped by the college (if currently studying).
- Proof of Registration or Enrollment: If already registered.
- Financial or Fee Statement: If currently studying.
- Proof of Residence: Stamped by a traditional council or municipal councillor.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivational Letter: Explaining why the applicant deserves the scholarship.
Tip: Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter in 2024
For guidance on writing a strong motivational letter, candidates are encouraged to review online resources available for crafting effective applications.
Closing Date
The application deadline is 11 February 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted, so applicants are advised to prepare and submit their applications well before the deadline.
Contact Information
For queries or further details about the scholarship program, applicants can contact the Gift of the Givers Foundation through:
- Contact Person: Mandy Mncwabe (Bursary Coordinator)
- Tel: 0800 786 911 (toll-free)
- Email: mandy.mncwabe@giftofthegivers.org
Related: SIOC Community Development Trust Bursaries 2025
This partnership between Ford Philanthropy and Gift of the Givers represents a transformative step toward addressing financial barriers in education. By focusing on underprivileged communities and technical fields, the scholarship aligns with both organizations’ missions of fostering equity, mobility, and sustainable development.
Aspiring engineers and technicians are encouraged to seize this opportunity to shape their futures while contributing to South Africa’s growth in critical sectors.