Unlocking 2026/2027 Opportunities: Scholarships & Apprenticeships Every Zimbabwean Student Should Know

In a year packed with change, talented students across Zimbabwe and the wider African continent have more opportunities than ever to pursue their dreams. Below you’ll find a carefully verified list of scholarships and apprenticeships for 2026/27. We’ve cross‑checked eligibility requirements against official sources and compiled practical tips so that you can make informed, confident applications. Remember: most programmes have strict deadlines and require specific documentation, so start preparing early.......Here's the Scholarz compilation of scholarships every Zimbabwean should know about.

Scholarships FOR O-LEVELS

1. Makomborero Trust A‑Level Scholarship

Official Link: Makomborero Trust

• Is it active? Yes. Applications open 12 May – 19 June 2026 for students currently in Form 4; no late applications are accepted.
• Eligibility (summary): Form 4 students with excellent results and demonstrated financial need; Makomborero only offers an A‑Level scholarship.
• How to apply: Download the application form, fill it out honestly and submit it by email before the deadline. Be prepared to provide O‑Level results, teacher recommendations and a brief family background.

2. Capernaum Scholarship ~ Higherlife Foundation

Official Link: Higherlife Foundation – Capernaum

• Is it active? Ongoing. This programme supports orphaned or disadvantaged children in day and boarding schools. It covers school fees, uniforms and other essentials.
• Eligibility (summary): Zimbabwean students under 21 who have lost one or both parents or a breadwinner and who show academic potential.
• How to apply: Applications are usually made through your school head or local social welfare office. Prepare a copy of your birth certificate, proof of orphanhood or guardianship, and recent report cards.

3. CAMFED Bursary (Secondary School)

Official Link: CAMFED Programs

• Is it active? Yes; CAMFED has provided bursaries since 1993 and continues to support girls through the full secondary cycle.
• Eligibility (summary): Girls from poor, rural communities selected by their communities as most vulnerable; many are orphans at high risk of dropping out.
• How to apply: Community committees identify beneficiaries. Speak to your school head or district education officer to be considered. Have copies of your O‑Level results and a letter of need from your chief or social worker.

4. BEAM (Basic Education Assistance Module)

Official Link: Applications handled through your school and the Ministry of Labour & Social Welfare.

• Is it active? Yes, this government safety‑net programme supports orphaned and vulnerable children with school fees and exam costs. BEAM is part of Zimbabwe’s Enhanced Social Protection Project.
• Eligibility (summary): Orphans and children from extremely poor households who would otherwise drop out of school.
• How to apply: Request a BEAM form from your school administration or Social Welfare office. Provide proof of vulnerability (death certificates, court guardianship orders) and ensure the school stamps the application.

Pro‑tips (O‑Level): Gather your documents (birth certificate, death certificates if applicable, recent school reports) early. Speak to your headmaster or teacher in confidence if you need help completing forms. For CVs or letters, use free tools such as Google Docs or Canva templates and always ask a trusted adult to review your application for clarity and honesty.

Scholarships FOR A-LEVELS

1. USAP Community School (Education Matters)

Official Link: USAP Community School

• Is it active? Applications are closed until July 2026; the next cycle opens in July and forms must be collected from distribution centres.
• Eligibility (summary): Zimbabwean O‑Level graduates with outstanding academic records, leadership potential, a strong ethos of service and serious financial need.
• How to apply: Pick up an application form during July‑September at designated centres. Submit the form with O‑Level results, teacher recommendations and essays by the stated deadline. Finalists attend interviews and assessments.

2. STAR Leadership Academy (SLA)

Official Link: STAR Leadership Academy Admissions

• Is it active? Yes. The academy recruits academically gifted Form 4 students each year and invites top candidates to a 3‑day bootcamp.
• Eligibility (summary): High‑performing students completing O‑Level who aspire to become leaders; selection is through nominations and a bootcamp.
• How to apply: Visit the online portal to start a new application and follow each stage until submission. Have your O‑Level results, a motivational essay and contact details for a teacher who can recommend you.

3. Highlife Foundation Scholarships (Capernaum & A‑Level Support)

Double portion! See Capernaum Link above for details. For A‑Level support, the Joshua Nkomo Scholarship (undergraduate category) also considers high‑scoring A‑Level students.

4. Bradford Merit‑Based Bursary (University of Bradford, UK)

Official Link: University of Bradford Scholarships

• Is it active? Yes. This bursary provides fee discounts for self‑funding international students. Awards vary by degree programme and may change annually; applicants must hold an offer from the university.
• Eligibility (summary): International students (including Zimbabweans) with strong academic results, particularly at A‑Level or equivalent. Funding cannot be combined with other scholarships and is applied automatically when you accept an offer.
• How to apply: Apply for admission to the University of Bradford. If you meet the academic criteria, the bursary is automatically applied; you don’t need a separate application. Confirm latest details with the scholarships team.

5. African Science Academy (ASA)

Official portal: African Science Academy

• Is it active? The 2025/26 cycle is open to girls aged 16–19 with strong maths and science results; ASA typically opens applications around February for the next school year.
• Eligibility (summary): African girls with exceptional academic talent and financial need who have completed O‑Level (or equivalent) and are passionate about STEM.
• How to apply: Download the application form from ASA’s website, attach your exam results, a recommendation letter and a short essay on your passion for science. Submit via email by the posted deadline.

Pro‑tips (A‑Level): Track scholarship openings as soon as you receive your O‑Level results. Prepare a brief CV listing academic achievements, leadership roles and community service. Use AI tools to structure essays but always write in your own voice. For scanned documents, apps like Adobe Scan or Microsoft Lens produce clear PDFs using a smartphone.

Scholarships At Undergraduate Level 

1. Joshua Nkomo Scholarship – Higherlife Foundation

Official Link: Higherlife Foundation – Joshua Nkomo

• Is it active? No. The 2026 cycle closed on 7 April 2026.
• Eligibility (summary): Zimbabwean students under 21 with at least 14 points at A‑Level who demonstrate leadership and community service, especially in engineering or health sciences.
• How to apply: Complete the online application form, upload certified copies of your A‑Level certificates, birth certificate and national ID, and obtain a character reference form.

2. Well Mountain Initiative (WMI) Scholarship

Official Link: WMI Scholarship

• Is it active? Yes. The portal opens on 1 December 2025 and closes on 1 March 2026.
• Eligibility (summary): Developing‑country students (under 35) who plan to pursue their first degree in their home country or region; applicants must demonstrate financial need, community service and provide two recommendation letters.
• How to apply: Register on the WMI website, complete the online form, upload transcripts with grading keys, two reference letters and a personal statement. All documents must be in English.

3. Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe Scholarship (NUST)

Official Link: Stanbic Scholarship Application

• Is it active? Yes. The 2026 cycle closed on 15 May 2026, but students should monitor for next year’s opening.
• Eligibility (summary): Zimbabwean citizens under 21 admitted to the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) with at least 13 A‑Level points and proven financial need.
• How to apply: Submit the online form, attach your NUST offer letter, certified copies of O‑ and A‑Level results, birth certificate, national ID, a motivation letter and a recommendation letter.

4. FAWEZI & Mastercard Foundation TVET Bursary

Official Link: FAWEZI TVET Scholarships

• Is it active? Yes. For the 2026 academic year, FAWEZI offers 200 bursaries; Last year applications closed on 30 October 2025.
• Eligibility (summary): Young women (80% of spots) and men (20%) who face socio‑economic barriers and wish to study STEM programmes at approved polytechnics; 5–15 % of bursaries reserved for people with disabilities or refugees.
• How to apply: Download forms from the FAWEZI website or collect from Ministry offices, complete them with academic transcripts and proof of need, and submit by the deadline.

5. NOIC (National Oil Infrastructure Company) Scholarship

Official Link: NOIC Scholarship Programme

• Is it active? Yes. NOIC offers scholarships annually depending on budget; applications are electronic only.
• Eligibility (summary): Underprivileged Zimbabwean citizens studying full‑time at local universities in fields such as Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical, Mining, Agriculture and business. Distance learning and overseas studies are excluded.
• How to apply: Complete the electronic application via the NOIC website. Provide transcripts, national ID, proof of admission, and be prepared for a potential interview. The scholarship may lead to a two‑year graduate development programme.

6. ZAS (Zimbabwe Agricultural Society) Scholarship

Official Link: Zimbabwe Agricultural Society

• Is it active? Launched in December 2025. ZAS invested US$240,000 to fund 45 agricultural diploma students over three years. Look out for the next intake announcements.
• Eligibility (summary): Talented and financially constrained students enrolled in agricultural diploma programmes, with a deliberate bias toward female beneficiaries.
• How to apply: Contact ZAS or your agricultural college when the call opens. Prepare academic transcripts, a personal statement and evidence of financial need. Expect interviews and orientation sessions.

7. Zimbabwe Presidential & National Scholarship

Official Link: Presidential & National Scholarships – Office of the President and Cabinet

• Is it still active? No. Registration for the 2026 scholarship programme ended, with physical submission of forms from 23–27 February 2026 and a closing date of 27 February 2026.
• Eligibility (summary): Undergraduate applicants need at least 10 A‑Level points (A or B in science subjects for STEM fields) and be 25 or younger; Masters and PhD candidates need an Upper Second class degree and must be under 35 and 40 respectively.
• How to apply: Gather certified copies of your passport, A‑Level and O‑Level results, degree transcripts (if applicable), a motivation letter and two references. Deliver the application in person to your provincial center or the Presidential Scholarship Department in Harare.

8. Rhodes Scholarship (Zimbabwe constituency)

Official Link: Rhodes Scholarship Application

• Is it active? Yes. Applications open 1 June 2026 and close 13 August 2026.
• Eligibility (summary): Citizens of Zimbabwe (or born in Zimbabwe) who have completed at least five years of education in Zimbabwe; aged 18–23 (or up to 27 if they completed their first degree later); must have completed an undergraduate degree with a First Class or equivalent and meet Oxford’s English language requirements.
• How to apply: Submit the online Rhodes application by 13 August 2026, including your CV, personal statement, academic transcripts, birth certificate, proof of citizenship and letters of recommendation. The scholarship covers full tuition at Oxford starting October 2027.

Other Opportunities

ZIBAWU, Rising Stars, RBZ/ZESA/DDF, ED‑UNZA Trust: We could not access official details for these programmes. Typically these scholarships support employees’ dependents or provide merit‑based awards for union members. If you are interested, contact the respective organizations directly (e.g., Zimbabwe Bankers & Allied Workers Union, Shamwari YeMwanasikana, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, ZESA, District Development Fund or the ED‑UNZA Trust) and ask for the 2026/27 scholarship requirements.

Pro‑tips (Undergraduate): Keep digital copies of your certificates and transcripts, scanned clearly using a PDF scanner app. Create a basic CV highlighting your A‑Level points, leadership roles and community work. Use free proofreading tools like LanguageTool to polish essays. Most scholarships require two referees; choose teachers or community leaders who know you well and give them at least two weeks’ notice.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Apprenticeships offer paid training in skilled trades. Most require a clearance letter from the Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education’s Apprenticeship Training Authority and five O‑Level passes (including English, Maths and Science) with grades C or better. Here are some notable programmes:

1. Air Zimbabwe Aircraft Engineering Apprenticeship

Official Link: Air Zimbabwe Technical Training School

• Is it still active? No. Air Zimbabwe invited applications for its 2026 Aircraft Engineering apprenticeship intake, closed 23 January 2026.
• Eligibility (summary): Applicants must be Zimbabwean citizens with five O‑Level passes, two A‑Level passes and a clearance letter from the Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education.
• Trade areas: Aircraft engines and airframes, power plants, radios and telecoms, instruments, electronics, electroplating, sheet metal and composites, welding/metal work, fitter machinist, interiors and painting.
• How to apply: Submit your CV, certified certificates, clearance letter and application letter to Air Zimbabwe’s human resources department before the deadline. Follow instructions on their Facebook or LinkedIn pages for the official link.

2. Masimba Holdings Apprenticeship

Official Link: Masimba Holdings

• Is it active? The latest intake was announced in 2025; look for 2026 openings around May.
• Eligibility (summary): Five O‑Level passes with grade B or better in Mathematics and English; a clearance letter from the Registrar of Apprenticeship; a driver’s licence (for automotive trades) and preferably two A‑Level science subjects.
• Trades offered: Automobile Electrics, Boiler‑making, Diesel Plant Fitting and Motor Mechanics.
• How to apply: Email your application to humancapital@masimbagroup.com or hand‑deliver it to 44 Tilbury Road, Willowvale, Harare, clearly stating your preferred trade.

3. CMED (Private) Ltd Apprenticeship Training

Official Link: CMED Apprenticeships

• Is it active? The Ministry announced a 2025 intake; future calls usually open in September and close around October.
• Eligibility (summary): Minimum of five O‑Level passes (English, Mathematics and Science) with grade B or better, a clearance letter from the Registrar of Apprenticeship, A‑Levels (an advantage), driver’s licence, and age 18–25.
• Trades offered: Motor Mechanics, Panel Beating, Auto Electrics and Diesel Plant Fitting.
• How to apply: Submit your application with certified copies of your clearance letter, certificates and ID to the nearest CMED regional office or email the provincial addresses listed in the call.

4. Delta Beverages Apprenticeship Training Programme

Official Link: Delta Corporation

• Is it active? No. The 2026 programme closed on 23 February 2026.
• Eligibility (summary): Applicants aged 16–25 with at least five O‑Level passes (English, Mathematics, Science) and, for some trades, a National Certificate or A‑Level science subjects and a valid driver’s licence.
• Trades offered: Fitting & Turning, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Motor Mechanics (including Diesel), Auto Electrical, Electrical Power, Instrumentation & Control, and Millwrights.
• How to apply: Complete the online application form via the Delta website and attach certified copies of your ID, birth certificate and certificates; you will need a clearance letter from the Ministry.

5. Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science & Technology Development Apprenticeship

Official Link: Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education

• Is it active? As of my writing, no. The national 2026 apprenticeship intake closed on 21 November 2025; new intakes are announced annually.
• Eligibility (summary): Zimbabwean citizens aged 16–25 with five O‑Level passes; applicants must submit a clearance letter, certified certificates and a CV.
• Trades offered: Automotive, Construction, Hotel & Catering, Mechanical, Hairdressing, Electrical, Bio‑Medical and Printing.
• How to apply: Address your application to the Regional Registrar of Apprenticeship and submit it at the head office in Harare or a regional office before the deadline.

Other apprenticeships: Zimplats, Tongaat Hulett, Toyota by CFAO and other companies run annual apprenticeship programmes in mining, sugar, automotive and manufacturing. Because these private companies’ calls vary, follow their official social media pages or contact their HR departments directly. Prepare your clearance letter and transcripts ahead of time.

Pro‑tips (Apprenticeships): Apply for your clearance letter from the Ministry of Higher & Tertiary Education well before applications open – it’s mandatory for most apprenticeships. Keep digital and printed copies of your certificates and IDs. When sending emails, use a professional subject line (e.g., “Application for Motor Mechanic Apprenticeship – [Your Name]”). If you’re invited to interviews, dress neatly and be prepared to talk about your hands‑on experience or school projects.

Conclusion & Call‑to‑Action

Education transforms lives. Whether you’re finishing your O‑Levels, aiming for A‑Levels, starting university or entering the workforce through an apprenticeship, there is an opportunity for you in 2026/27. Do not wait until the last minute. Create a calendar with all relevant deadlines, gather your documents and reach out to mentors for support.

For more scholarship alerts, study tips and a step‑by‑step application guide, join our WhatsApp community. Planning to study abroad? Check out our ApplyMate scholarship portal. Share this resource with your classmates and help someone else achieve their dreams!