In Partnership With
A Powerful Collaboration for Educational Access
The Clementine Mahlwele Education Foundation collaborates with the Varsity Friends Organisation to support learners in accessing tertiary education opportunities through structured institutional and funding application support.
The partnership between the two organisations was formally established in 2022, with the shared objective of improving access to higher education for learners, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. Under this collaborative model, the Foundation mobilises resources and gathers donations to compensate the Varsity Friends Organisation for the professional application support services provided to learners.
The Foundation plays a key coordination and mobilisation role by liaising directly with school management teams, organising learner participation, and facilitating engagement platforms such as Grade 12 Career Expos. These career expos provide learners from multiple schools with access to critical career guidance, tertiary education information, and application support services. Through the Foundation's established relationships with schools, Varsity Friends Organisation is able to reach a broader base of learners across different institutions in a structured and organised manner.
The Varsity Friends Organisation provides the technical and administrative expertise required to facilitate applications to institutions of higher learning and student funding bodies. This includes assisting learners with career guidance, application submissions, documentation compliance, and tracking of application outcomes. Through the support facilitated by the Foundation, Varsity Friends Organisation is able to extend its services to a wider group of learners who may otherwise face barriers in accessing tertiary education opportunities.
2022
Partnership Established
Multiple
Schools Engaged
Grade 12
Career Expos Hosted
100%
Commitment to Access
Words From Our Partners & Students
Don't just take our word for it. Here's what educational organizations, partners, and students say about Varsity Friends.
Baloyi T
"I am pleased to provide the testimonial for varsity friends that has been an invaluable asset to our organisation TTFS Tshepo Tutoring For Success for the past 4 years. Throughout their tenure, varsity friends has consistently demonstrated exceptional, professional skills, dedication and remarkable ability to contribute positively to TTFS. Through the help of varsity friends we were able to help more than 60 students to apply for university vacant."
Clementine Mahlwele
"Our partnership with Varsity Friends has been transformative in bridging the gap between talented learners and tertiary education opportunities. By combining our resource mobilisation capabilities with their technical expertise in application processing, we've been able to reach learners who would otherwise fall through the cracks of the system. The structured approach of hosting Grade 12 Career Expos has created a platform where learners can access not just application support, but holistic career guidance that helps them make informed decisions about their futures. Together, we're not just processing applications—we're changing lives and building stronger communities through education."
Varsity Friends Graduate
"I am proud to share my journey as a testament to the impact Varsity Friends has had on my life. In 2022, while I was completing my matric at King Makhosonke II Secondary School in Moloto, Mpumalanga, I felt overwhelmed by the university application process and uncertain about my future. Varsity Friends stepped in at a crucial time and provided me with the guidance and support I needed. They assisted me with applying to various universities, and through their help, I was accepted by multiple institutions.
Because of their support, I made an informed decision and chose to join the University of Johannesburg in 2023. They also guided me through the NSFAS application process, which successfully funded my studies and made it possible for me to pursue my education without financial barriers.
Today, I am proud to say that I completed my qualification in record time, graduating in 2026, and I am continuing further with my studies. Varsity Friends is more than just a platform — it is a life-changing support system. I highly recommend Varsity Friends to any student who feels uncertain about their academic journey. With the right guidance and support, your goals are achievable and Varsity Friends can help you get there."
Varsity Friends Graduate
"I'm proud to share my journey as a testimony of how Varsity Friends changed my life. In 2022, while doing my matric at King Makhosonke II Secondary School in Moloto, Mpumalanga, I was unsure about the university application process. Varsity Friends guided and supported me through everything, from applications to NSFAS funding.
In 2023, I got accepted at Walter Sisulu University, and today I'm proud to say I graduated in record time in 2026. I'll always be grateful for the support, guidance, and opportunities Varsity Friends gave me. They truly help students turn their dreams into reality."
Tonny Bokang Khobane
"I am proud to share my journey as a testimony to the impact Varsity Friends has had on my life and the lives of many students. In January 2024, while I was doing my first year at the Central University of Technology, I became a member of Varsity Friends. From a young age, I had always dreamed of studying abroad, but I was unsure of how I would make that dream a reality. Joining Varsity Friends opened my eyes to many opportunities and gave me the motivation to pursue my goals with confidence.
My international study journey began in November 2024 while I was assisting Varsity Friends applicants with bursary and scholarship research. During that process, I came across an international scholarship opportunity. Without hesitation, I applied, believing it could be the breakthrough I had been waiting for.
In 2025, my dream became a reality when I arrived in China to further my studies at Jiangsu Institute of Architectural Technology, where I am currently studying Vehicle Engineering and Manufacturing. This opportunity completely changed my life and expanded my perspective both academically and personally.
While in China, I had the privilege of meeting the founder of an organisation similar to Varsity Friends called Varsity-Fy, founded by a fellow South African from Limpopo. Inspired by the organisation's vision, I joined Varsity-Fy to help create opportunities for other students who also dream of studying internationally, especially in China.
It has been an incredible journey, and one of the most fulfilling parts of it is being able to help others achieve the same opportunities I have received. Seeing students gain hope and confidence in their academic futures reminds me why organisations like Varsity Friends and Varsity-Fy are so important.
Varsity-Fy is more than just a platform — it is a support system that changes lives. Through guidance, mentorship, and access to opportunities, students are empowered to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams without limits.
I highly recommend Varsity-Fy to every student who feels uncertain about their academic journey. With the right support, guidance, and determination, anything is possible. I am living proof that dreams of studying internationally can become a reality."
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