The African Leadership Academy (ALA) 2026: Two-Year Pre-University Program with Financial Aid for Africans

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The African Leadership Academy (ALA) offers a transformative two-year, pre-university diploma program for outstanding young African leaders. The program aims to develop future leaders who will drive positive change on the continent. ALA’s holistic curriculum includes rigorous academics, entrepreneurial leadership training, and access to a lifelong pan-African network.

When is the Application Deadline:

📅 January 15, 2026 (Regular Decision)
🕒 Early Decision Deadline: October 15, 2025

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✅ Which Fields are Eligible?

All academic disciplines are covered under the ALA diploma curriculum. The program focuses on:

  • Entrepreneurial Leadership
  • African Studies
  • Writing & Rhetoric
  • Cambridge A-Level courses in various subjects
  • Team-building and innovation projects

✅ Type:

🏫 Pre-University Diploma Program (2 Years)
🌍 Leadership Development + Academic Preparation

✅ Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

  • Be born on or after September 1, 2006
  • Be from any African country
  • Show strong academic ability
  • Demonstrate leadership potential, initiative, and a passion for positive change
  • Be open to learning in a diverse, collaborative environment
  • Show readiness to benefit from and contribute to ALA’s mission

✅ How are Applicants Selected?

ALA uses a holistic admissions process, evaluating:

  • Intellectual Readiness
  • Courage & Perseverance
  • Ownership & Initiative
  • Interdependence & Teamwork
    Selection includes multiple review stages. Finalists may be invited to interviews or leadership assessment camps.

✅ Which Countries Are Eligible?

🌍 All African countries
ALA encourages applicants from all backgrounds, languages, and regions across the continent.

✅ Where will the Award be Taken?

📍 At the African Leadership Academy campus in Johannesburg, South Africa

✅ How Many Awards?

Each year, ALA admits around 120 young leaders from across Africa into the program.

✅ What is the Benefit of the Award?

🎓 Students admitted to ALA receive:

  • Access to a world-class two-year diploma program
  • Intensive leadership and entrepreneurial training
  • Global university and career support
  • Significant financial aid—97% of students receive scholarships
  • Inclusion in the ALA lifelong leadership network

📌 Tuition is valued at $30,900/year, covering:

  • Academics
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Uniforms
  • Co-curricular activities

Financial aid is awarded based on need, after admission decisions are made.

✅ How Long Will the Award Last?

2 years – The full duration of ALA’s pre-university diploma program.

✅ How to Apply:

📝 Applications are open online. You may also nominate a young leader.
👉 Click Here to Apply

✅ Visit the Award Webpage for Details:

🌐 African Leadership Academy Official Website

Author

  • Okechukwu Liberty is a Mass Communication graduate and a dedicated content writer for AfterSchoolAfrica. He holds certifications in UK Agent and Counselling, and Ethical Business Practices in International Student Recruitment, equipping him with the expertise to guide students in their academic pursuits abroad.

    He specializes in researching and curating scholarship and empowerment opportunities for students aspiring to study abroad.

    Content Research Writer