Green and Digital Employability and Enterprise Programme (UK and South Africa)

The British Council’s Green and Digital Employability and Enterprise Programme (GDEEp) offers a £150,000 grant for a UK-South Africa consortium to pilot a new employability initiative in South Africa. This programme aims to prepare students for opportunities at the intersection of green and digital economies. Applications are due by 17 November 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: British Council

- Opportunity Type: Grant

- Funding Amount: £150,000

- Eligible Applicants: UK higher education and TVET institutions in consortium with South African partners

- Eligible Countries: United Kingdom, South Africa

- Deadline: 17 November 2026, 11 a.m. UK time

- Project Duration: 21 months starting December 2026

About the Opportunity

The Green and Digital Employability and Enterprise Programme (GDEEp) is a pilot initiative by the British Council. It aims to enhance workforce readiness among students by integrating green and digital sectors. The programme will support at least 50 students from South African TVET colleges and universities, fostering skills in areas such as climate action, sustainability, and green enterprise. Funding and Benefits

- Financial Support: A single grant of £150,000 will be awarded to the selected consortium.

- Scope: The programme includes student-facing, institutional, and industry-facing components.

- Outcome: Participants will gain skills in green-digital economies, entrepreneurship pathways, and direct industry exposure.

Who Is Eligible?

- UK Partners: One higher education or TVET institution must act as the UK lead partner.

- South African Partners: Must include one TVET college, one university (one of which must be the South African lead partner), and one or more industry partners.

- Consortium Structure: Must be co-led by UK and South African tertiary education and industry partners.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

The programme supports activities that:

- Build green-digital skills - Strengthen entrepreneurship pathways - Enhance industry partnerships with educational institutions - Contribute to sustainable approaches in teaching, learning, and student support Why This Opportunity Matters This initiative is crucial for developing a skilled workforce capable of thriving in the evolving green and digital sectors. By focusing on the convergence of these fields, the programme supports sustainable development and economic participation in South Africa, promoting innovative solutions in climate action and resource efficiency. How to Apply

- Prepare Proposal: Develop a focused and realistic pilot model within the budget and timeline.

- Access Application Platform: Register on the British Council’s grant platform at Going Global Partnerships.

- Submit Application: Only the UK lead institution can start and submit the application using the online form.

- Download Guidance: Access the Application Guidance document for detailed instructions.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Ensure the proposal aligns with the programme’s practical implementation focus. - Use existing employability evidence and institutional insights to inform the project design. - Avoid proposing broad research or mapping exercises. Frequently Asked Questions What is the funding amount for this programme? The grant amount is £150,000. Who can apply for the grant? UK higher education and TVET institutions in consortium with South African TVET colleges, universities, and industry partners. What is the deadline for application submission? The deadline is 17 November 2026, at 11 a.m. UK time. How long is the project duration? The project will last for 21 months, starting in December 2026. Where can I find the application guidelines? The Application Guidance document is available for download on the British Council’s grant platform. Next Steps Eligible applicants should review the official guidelines and prepare their proposals in accordance with the stated requirements. For more information, visit British Council.