About the programme
ALA's two-year diploma program admits young leaders from across Africa and beyond, assessing leadership potential, intellectual readiness, courage, perseverance, ownership and interdependence. Admitted students receive financial assistance scaled to family means, and 97% of students receive aid. Applicants may also be nominated by community members. The regular decision deadline is 15 January 2027, with an earlier Early Decision deadline of 15 October 2026, which has already passed.
Duration: 2 years
Eligibility
- Must have been born on or after September 1, 2007
- Completed or near completion of secondary school (high school student)
- Demonstrated leadership potential and compatibility with the diploma program
- Sign in to check these against your background.
What they look for
- Academic achievement and consistent improvement in secondary school
- Passion for Africa and commitment to positive change
Needs a third party. Nominations from community members are accepted but not required; nominees are contacted to apply.
What you will need
- Application guide (downloadable)Optional
How to apply
- Submit application by the Regular Decision deadline (15 January 2027); Early Decision deadline of 15 October 2026 has passed
- Regular Decision results released April 2027
- Nominations of young leaders can be submitted by community members via a form
Applications are submitted on African Leadership Academy’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
No notes yet.
Source and verification
- Official source
- African Leadership Academy · Application
- Last checked
- 10 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
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