About this opportunity
The African Leadership Academy, often called ALA, runs a two year diploma for students from all over Africa who combine strong school results with a genuine record of leadership in their communities. It is a residential programme set on a campus near Johannesburg in South Africa, and students learn alongside peers from many different countries and backgrounds.
The academic side is demanding by design. ALA looks for young people who keep improving at school, who think critically, and who enjoy learning when a problem is unfamiliar rather than only when it is easy. The leadership side is just as central. The Academy wants people who take initiative, who keep going after setbacks, and who care about the places they come from.
Money should not be the reason a good student misses this. Tuition for the Class of 2027 is valued at US$30,900 a year and covers teaching, accommodation, meals and uniforms. Families then contribute according to what they can actually afford, and about 97 per cent of ALA students receive financial assistance. Help is available regardless of nationality, and awards are decided after an admission offer is made.
Applications for the Class of 2027 are open now. Early Decision closes on 15 October 2026 and Regular Decision closes on 15 January 2027, with results released in January and April 2027. Applying early only brings the decision forward, it does not change who is eligible. ALA also invites teachers, parents, mentors and community members to nominate a young leader they believe should apply.
What you receive
- A two year diploma combining an academically rigorous curriculum with leadership development
- Residential study on the Academy campus near Johannesburg in South Africa
- Tuition valued at US$30,900 a year, covering accommodation, meals and uniforms
- Financial assistance for about 97 per cent of students, awarded on demonstrated family need
- Scholarships available regardless of nationality
- A pan African community of high performing peers from across the continent
- Preparation for admission to leading universities worldwide
- Lifelong membership of the African Leadership Academy network
Who can apply
- Born on or after 1 September 2007 for admission in 2027
- Open to applicants from across Africa
- Strong and improving academic performance in secondary school
- Evidence of initiative, resilience and leadership potential
- A genuine commitment to making positive change in your community
- Willingness to live and learn in a diverse residential community
Who should not apply
- Applicants born before 1 September 2007 are not eligible for the Class of 2027
- This is a secondary school diploma, so it is aimed at young students rather than working professionals
Documents to prepare
- The completed online application on the Academy admissions portal
- Academic records from your secondary school
- Recommendations as requested by the application
- Financial information used to assess your family's need for aid
How to apply
- Open the official application page at africanleadershipacademy.org/apply
- Sign in or create an account on the admissions portal
- Complete the application, including the questions on your academics, your leadership and the change you want to create
- Submit before the Early Decision deadline of 15 October 2026, or before the Regular Decision deadline of 15 January 2027
- If you are a teacher, parent, mentor or community member, you can nominate a young leader using the nomination form on the same page
- If you are offered a place, financial aid is then assessed on your family's demonstrated need
Selection process
- Applications are reviewed holistically, and no single factor except age is used to exclude a candidate
- Intellectual readiness, covering academic performance, critical thinking and curiosity
- Courage and perseverance, covering initiative, resilience and self motivation
- Ownership, covering ambition, community leadership and commitment to Africa's future
- Interdependence, covering teamwork, respect for differing views and humility
- Early Decision results are released in January 2027 and Regular Decision results in April 2027
- The Academy maintains a non discrimination policy and does not consider gender, race, religion, disability, nationality, ethnicity, wealth or income in admission judgements
Sources and verification
Questions applicants ask
How old do I have to be to apply for the Class of 2027?
For admission in 2027 you must have been born on or after 1 September 2007. Age is the one factor the Academy uses as a firm cut off.
Do I need to pay the full tuition?
No. Tuition is valued at US$30,900 a year, but families contribute according to their financial ability and about 97 per cent of students receive financial assistance based on demonstrated need.
Is financial aid open to students outside the applicant's own country?
Yes. Everyone who applies and is admitted is eligible for significant financial assistance regardless of background or nationality.
What is the difference between Early Decision and Regular Decision?
Early Decision closes on 15 October 2026 and Regular Decision closes on 15 January 2027. Applying early only gives you an admissions decision sooner, in January 2027 rather than April 2027.
Can someone else encourage me to apply?
Yes. Teachers, parents, mentors and community members can nominate an exceptional young person through the nomination form on the application page, and the Academy reviews nominations and contacts selected students.
Important disclaimer
Nextali researches and curates useful opportunities to make discovery easier. Before applying, verify every timeline, requirement, fee and application link on the official provider website. Do your own research into the organisation, its background and the authenticity of the offer. Nextali does not guarantee selection, funding or the conduct of third party providers.
