We are inviting a consortium of South African and UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and intermediary (education support) organisations to join forces to submit applications to lead on the planning and delivery of specific capability strengthening initiatives, under the Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP), in collaboration with the British Council and Universities South Africa (USAf).
The proposed intervention will be implemented within the SWEEP governance structure that includes coordinators and executive committee members of chapters based at public universities in South Africa.
The Consortium will support the development of structures and tools for innovation and entrepreneurial development within SWEEP chapters and engage to tackle the barriers to entrepreneurship that female university students face. The preferred consortium should be able to integrate various forms of mentoring, training, and perspectives, including insights from diverse fields of study and the private sector. This multidisciplinary approach is essential for creating a comprehensive support system for female university students involved in entrepreneurship. The call presents an opportunity for partners to collaboratively contribute to the economic empowerment of female students, while also enhancing their international engagement and sharing insights and learnings.
| Time frame | Opens 7 November - closes 10 December 2025 17.00 GMT |
| Number of grants | 1 |
| Value of grant | £60,000 |
| Eligibility - who can lead the application | Either an HEI in South Arica or an HEI in the UK |
| Eligibility - whio can partner | HEIs and education support organisations based in South Africa and the UK |
| Number of organisations required in the consortium | minimum of 5 and maximum of 9 |