Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholars Program 2027

Who can apply

35 years of age or younger as of 1 August 2027
Studying, or planning to study, in their own home country or region; the scholarship does not fund study in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Europe
Completed secondary school, or in the final year, with above-average grades
Applying to university, or already enrolled in a first undergraduate degree or diploma
Plans to live and work in their home country or region after graduating
Has some funding already but cannot complete university without additional support, and commits to 100 hours of community service each year of study
First-generation university students are preferred but not required; family members of WMI staff or existing WMI Scholars are not eligible

A partial scholarship, and WMI is upfront about it

This is explicitly a partial scholarship, and WMI is upfront about it: the award covers tuition, books, accommodation and meals, and transport, but does not promise to cover everything, and applicants are expected to already have some funding of their own before they apply. The maximum is USD 3,000 a year; the average WMI actually pays out is half that, USD 1,500.

Where you can study is restricted in the opposite direction from most scholarships

Where you can study is tightly restricted, in the opposite direction from most scholarships on this site: WMI funds study in your own home country or region only, and explicitly will not fund a degree in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Europe. It also only funds a first undergraduate degree or diploma, not a Master’s or PhD. For a wider view of scholarships built specifically for applicants from developing countries, see the guide to funding for students from developing countries.

The commitment side is real, and support doesn’t stop at graduation

The commitment side is real too: 100 hours of community service every year you hold the scholarship, twice-yearly reports covering both academics and that service, and a stated intention to return to and work in your own country or region after you graduate. WMI’s own page describes support continuing well after graduation as well: professional development and social entrepreneurship training, community development grants to help alumni start their own projects or businesses, and regular conferences and webinars, rather than the relationship ending once a scholar’s degree is complete. WMI is also specific that essays and personal statements are checked for plagiarism and AI-generated text, and that either will make an application ineligible.

The scale behind the programme

WMI states it currently supports 438 active Scholars and 472 Alumni, a combined network of more than 900 people, across 55 developing countries, built specifically around young people it describes as having proved “unstoppable in the face of adversity” and committed to leading change in their own communities.

Applications are free, and WMI says so because it’s had to

Applications are free, and WMI says so directly because it has apparently had to: its own page warns applicants that no fee is ever required and to report anyone who claims otherwise. The 2027 window opens 1 December 2026 and closes 1 March 2027, with selected Scholars notified by email on 1 August 2027.

Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholars Program