The search for Africa’s next generation of leaders has begun. Applications for the Class of 2027 are officially open, and we are once again setting out across the continent to find young people with the potential to change the world.
Academic excellence matters at ALA, but it is only the starting point. We are looking for young people who show courage, take initiative, and carry a genuine drive to transform the communities around them. Each year, more than 2,000 young leaders from across Africa apply, and up to 130 are admitted to join a network that now spans 47 African countries. If that sounds like a community you belong in, read on.
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the Class of 2027, you must:
- Have been born on or after September 1, 2007 (applicants are typically between 15 and 18 years old)
- Have completed a minimum of Grade 10 of high school, or its equivalent in your home country
Applications are accepted in English, French, and Portuguese.
What do we look for?
Our admissions process is designed to assess each applicant’s leadership potential and fit with our unique diploma program. Rather than a single profile, we look for evidence of four traits. As you prepare your application, reflect on your personal and academic experiences and ask yourself:
- Intellectual readiness: Are you excited to push the boundaries of your own learning in a rigorous environment?
- Courage and perseverance: Do you take the initiative to try new things and follow through, even when you face setbacks?
- Ownership: Do you “drive the bus” in your leadership journey? Do you envision a destination and have the self-belief to take charge of your path toward impact?
- Interdependence: Do you recognize that transformation is the product of work with and through others?
What does the application process look like?
1. Register and apply online. Submit your application at www.africanleadershipacademy.org/apply and receive a confirmation email, followed by updates on your application status.
2. Finalist selection. Check your email to see if you have been selected as a finalist.
3. Finalist interview. Attend an interview with the ALA Admissions team. All finalists can apply for financial aid.
4. Submit supporting documents. Send your financial aid documents (if applicable) and letters of recommendation.
5. Admissions decision. Receive your final admissions decision by email.
6. Join ALA. Arrive on campus in August 2027 and begin your ALA journey.
Application timeline
Applications for the Class of 2027 open on July 15, 2026. You may apply through one of two rounds:
- Early Decision: Apply by October 15, 2026. Finalist interviews take place in November and December, and decisions are released in January 2027.
- Regular Decision: Apply by January 15, 2027. Finalist interviews take place in February and March, and decisions are released in April 2027.
Why ALA?
An ALA education opens doors long after graduation. Our alumni have enrolled at 342 universities around the world and have earned more than $270 million in university scholarship funding, including some of the world’s most competitive awards such as the Rhodes and Gates Cambridge Scholarships. More importantly, they are building careers and ventures that are shaping Africa’s future.
Where can I get more information?
Follow our social media pages for application tips, deadline reminders, and glimpses into life at the Academy. The ALA website is also your go-to resource for everything you need to know about the application process and student life.
Questions about the application? Email us at admissions@africanleadershipacademy.org.
Know someone who should apply?
We encourage friends, family members, and teachers to nominate students who meet the eligibility criteria and would thrive at ALA. You can submit a nomination here.
Ready to apply?
If you are a young African leader with the courage to challenge yourself, serve others, and create lasting change, we invite you to take the first step. This could be the beginning of a transformative journey, one that shapes not only your future but the future of the continent.
Applications for the Class of 2027 are now open. We can’t wait to meet you.
