British Council GDEEp Grant 2026: £150,000 for UK–South Africa Partnerships

The British Council is inviting applications for a £150,000 grant to deliver its Green and Digital Employability and Enterprise programme (GDEEp) in South Africa. One UK–South Africa consortium will be selected to design and deliver the pilot.

Funder: British Council
Funding: £150,000; one grant available
Delivery location: South Africa
Project duration: 21 months, starting December 2026
Deadline: 17 November 2026 at 11 a.m. UK time

Who can apply?

This is an institutional consortium grant, not an individual student scholarship. The consortium must include:

• One UK higher education or TVET/further education institution as the UK lead partner.
• One South African TVET college and one South African university; one of these must act as the South African lead partner.
• At least one relevant South African industry partner.

Only the lead UK institution can start and submit the online application.

What the programme will support

The pilot will work with at least 50 current students from participating South African TVET and higher education institutions. It aims to strengthen green-digital skills, readiness for employment, entrepreneurship pathways and direct industry exposure.

Projects should explore how digital tools and technology-enabled services can contribute to climate action, sustainability, resource efficiency, circular economy solutions, clean energy, green enterprise and inclusive economic participation.

What a strong proposal should address

• A practical, focused pilot that can be delivered within the funding and timeline.
• Integrated student-facing, institution-facing and industry-facing activities.
• Meaningful collaboration between tertiary education providers and industry.
• Ways to embed successful approaches in teaching, learning and student support.

The call is intended for practical delivery rather than a broad research, mapping or scoping exercise. Existing evidence and market knowledge should inform the design.

How to apply

1. Read the GDEEp Call Guidance and grant agreement template linked on the official opportunity page.
2. Form the required UK–South Africa education and industry consortium.
3. The lead UK institution must register on the British Council online grant platform.
4. Complete and submit the application by 17 November 2026 at 11 a.m. UK time.

Read the guidance and application instructions ↗

Apply through the official grant platform ↗