Join the Fellowship
Thank you for your interest in joining The Intellectual Life Fellowship at The Barutwa Institute! While applications are not yet open, we are excited to connect with curious minds and passionate learners who share our vision for transformative learning.
Applicants should be registered students at Botswana International University of Science and Technology, and can provide proof of enrollment and semester registration during the application process.
Applicants should currently be in their second or third year of undergraduate study.
Applicants should be personally open to rethinking how they use their time and attention – including social media and entertainment – in ways that support deeper focus, thoughtful leisure, and a more reflective learning life.
A statement of interest (about 150 to 300 words) is the primary tool used in selecting participants. In your statement, we're looking for:
Why you’re interested in joining the fellowship
What thoughtful learning means to you (or what draws you to it)
What you hope to gain or contribute to this learning community
Evidence of a good fit with our self-directed, reflective, and collaborative style of learning.
If you find it difficult to express your interest in writing, please email us at ilfprogram@barutwa.ac.bw to discuss an alternative way to share your interest.
Each semester, we accept a small cohort of 6 to 12 participants. This size allows us to maintain a learning environment that supports deep conversation, reflection, and meaningful engagement.
Fellowship meeting times and start dates will be communicated to accepted applicants at a later stage.
Applications for the fellowship are due by August 10th 2025.
All required materials — including your statement of interest and proof of student registration — must be submitted by this date.
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance within a week or two after the deadline.