Eligibility note: Only a UK higher education or TVET/further education institution can submit this application, as lead of a UK–South Africa consortium. South African universities, TVET colleges and industry partners take part as consortium partners. Individuals can’t apply. If you’re at a South African institution, reach out to UK partners now. Others should see the related opportunities open to Africans at the end.
The British Council is offering a £150,000 grant to run a pilot of its new Green and Digital Employability and Enterprise Programme (GDEEp) in South Africa. The programme will prepare at least 50 South African TVET and university students for jobs and enterprise where the green and digital economies meet. Examples include digital tools for climate action, clean energy, the circular economy and green enterprise.
Applications close on 17 November 2026 at 11:00 UK time.
At a Glance
| Funder | British Council (Going Global Partnerships) |
| Grant | One grant of £150,000 |
| Duration | 21 months, from December 2026 |
| Country | South Africa |
| Students | At least 50 TVET and university students |
| Lead applicant | A UK higher education or TVET/FE institution |
| Deadline | 17 November 2026, 11:00 UK time |
What the Programme Aims to Do
- Prepare students for employment and entrepreneurship in the green and digital economies
- Build lasting partnerships with industry
- Strengthen workforce readiness in the participating institutions
- Give students direct industry exposure
- Embed new teaching, learning and student-support approaches
Benefits
- £150,000 to design and deliver the pilot
- For South African partners: new curriculum and teaching approaches, UK partnerships, and stronger links with industry
- For students: green and digital skills, industry exposure and entrepreneurship pathways
Eligibility: Who Must Be in the Consortium
- One UK higher education or TVET/FE institution as UK lead partner, which submits the application
- One South African TVET college and one South African university, one of which is the South African lead partner
- One or more South African industry partners
How to Apply
- Form a consortium that meets the requirements above.
- Download the Application Guidance and the Grant Agreement template from the British Council page.
- The UK lead institution registers on the British Council grant platform and submits the application.
- Submit before 11:00 UK time on 17 November 2026.
Official British Council GDEEp call · Grant application platform
Contact: [email protected]
Tips for South African Institutions
- Approach UK partners now. Many UK universities and colleges already work with South African institutions through British Council programmes.
- Bring in industry early, for example renewable energy firms, fintech, agritech or municipal digital services.
- Pair a TVET college with a university that already have a working relationship.
