Across Africa, many talented and academically gifted girls cannot complete their schooling due to various social, economic or cultural reasons. Key among these is a lack of financial support. In her lifetime, Margaret Sanders was a keen supporter of girls’ education. Now, thanks to a generous endowment from her family and friends, AISA is proud to offer the Margaret Sanders AISA Scholarship for Girls.

Funds permitting, this annual scholarship may be offered to more than one student per year.

Participating schools commit to covering core tuition costs associated with the student’s education, year on year until graduation. The Margaret Sanders AISA Scholarship supports the school contribution by covering a full range of incidental expenses such as extracurricular activities, school camps and IT expenses.

Award maximum: US$2,000 per annum per student

Nomination Guidelines

Each AISA Full Member school is invited to identify and process applications from female students who are first-country nationals residing in countries where the school is located. Although there is no age restriction for this scholarship, candidates will normally be high school students (Grades 9-12). Support for students commencing earlier than grade 9 will be considered under exceptional circumstances.

All applications must be received from a Full Member School. Individual students cannot apply to AISA directly for this scholarship.

Application Process:

• Each participating school is welcome to design and implement a scholarship application process appropriate to their context.
• Once the school has selected their scholarship nominee, they are invited to submit the candidate to AISA for consideration for the Margaret Sanders AISA Scholarship for Girls.
• Only one nomination per school can be made each year.
• AISA must receive applications no later than March 1st before the next school year begins. The completed submission form must indicate the following:
  • Full details of the student’s application along with any supporting documents that may be pertinent.
  • A written assurance from the head of the school indicating the school’s willingness to commit to supporting the student’s education until graduation (contingent on the scholarship holder meeting all of the participating school’s graduation requirements).
  • The number of years the school expects support from the Margaret Sanders AISA Scholarship for the student.
  • The annual amount the school will contribute (in cash or kind) towards the student’s education (optional).
• Completed applications will be submitted to the AISA Board for their consideration.
• Scholarships will be paid directly to the school of the winning candidate. The school is required to invoice AISA within three months of the scholarship being awarded.
• Annual progress reports (including a financial report on how the money was spent) must be submitted to AISA at the end of each academic year to secure ongoing support for the scholarship.

Key Nomination Dates: 

• Opening Date: 01 December
• Closing Date: 01 March
• Announcement: May (at Schools’ Discretion)