Championing HALI students from the African continent to university and beyond
About Us
The HALI Access Network is an association of non-profit organizations in Africa that work with high-achieving, low-income (HALI) students to access international higher education opportunities. We strive to level the playing field in international education to increase inclusion, access, and scholarship support for remarkable students who only lack finances to make their educational dreams come true.
Our Mission
We believe in the power of education to change communities and in the impact our students have on college and university campuses. By building a coalition of university access organizations from across the African continent, we help empower the next generation of community-builders through their higher education journeys.
HALI = High-Achieving, Low-Income
member organizations across sub-Saharan continent
countries where our member organizations operate
Friends of HALI who support our mission
Our organizations support over 2000 students annually
Students of our member organizations receive $150M in grants and scholarships annually
Our Objectives
Advocate
Through its advocacy work, the network seeks to support all HALI students by advocating for admissions, financial support, scholarships, and fairness in the application process.
Connect
We bring together professionals from around the world and both sides of the admissions desk to help African HALI students pursue their higher educational goals.
Support
Just as each of our Member Organizations supports its HALI students, the network supports its members through mentorship and professional development opportunities.
HALI Indaba
The HALI Indaba is an annual gathering of non-profit organizations and schools united in one mission: to support high-achieving, low-income students from across Africa in their search for a quality tertiary education. Since 2016, the Indabas have brought HALI organizations, admissions officers, and relevant stakeholders together to share our experiences, our strategies, and our stories. The Indabas provide a strategic opportunity for professional development, building connections, and a space for HALI members and friends to advocate for education access and inclusion.
HALI Access Network is a Master’s and PhD nominating agency for the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme. Applicants must be eligible for admission to a participating university/course AND have prior affiliation with one of the HALI Access Network’s member organizations. We cannot nominate applicants who are not already affiliated with one of our member organizations and we do not accept individuals as members or new affiliates. Prospective applicants should contact their HALI member organization for more information about the nomination process.
Our latest news
Space-Ed Africa and the EmpowerHER Summit : A new initiative from Tujenge Africa Foundation Alumni
Tujenge Alumni from Cohorts 3, 4, 5, and 6 cofounded and collaborated in the administration of an NGO, Space-Ed Africa, which launched its first initiative, the EmpowerHER Summit, in December 2023. The EmpowerHER Summit aims to empower women to pursue careers in business or the nonprofit sector. A pilot of the Summit was held in Bujumbura in December 2023, with several students from Tujenge Cohort 7, the current cohort, in attendance.
Celebrating Mental Health Month – UWC East Africa
May is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and promoting understanding about mental health issues. Last month, students at UWC East Africa, a member organization of the HALI network, shared insights to create awareness, and break the stigma around mental health.
Bridging Borders: A New Partnership within the HALI Access Network
Haile-Manas Academy in Ethiopia hosted representatives from Abaarso School in Somaliland, creating meaningful connection within the HALI Access Network. Leaders from both schools exchanged insights on college counseling and university admissions. This collaboration promises ongoing resource sharing and joint projects to enhance opportunities for high-achieving, low-income students.