SBF High School Scholarship South Africa 2026

The Students for a Better Future (SBF) High School Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for academically gifted Grade 6 learners from under-resourced communities in Cape Town. Through this programme, learners are placed in top-performing high schools where they receive not only full financial support but also holistic development and mentorship throughout their secondary school years.

Every year, SBF selects around 60 deserving learners and invests in their education and personal growth, helping to shape confident, capable, and socially aware young people who go on to lead successful lives beyond school.

What the Scholarship Offers

SBF’s support goes far beyond school fees. The programme provides a complete package that ensures each scholar can focus on their education without financial strain. The scholarship includes:

• Full tuition fees at a partner high school
• Funding for books, uniforms, stationery, and school-related trips
• Personal development programmes, including leadership training, life skills workshops, and values-based learning
• Academic support and coaching each term
• Psychosocial support, including counselling and mentorship
• , where necessary

In addition to academic support, learners participate in enrichment programmes that promote emotional resilience, critical thinking, and a sense of social responsibility.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the SBF High School Scholarship, learners must:

• Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
• Be in Grade 6 at the time of applying
• Live within approximately 30 km of the SBF office in Newlands, Cape Town
• Have achieved at least 65% overall in their Grade 5 final report and Grade 6 mid-year report
• Have a minimum of 60% in Mathematics and 65% in English in both terms
• Come from a household with limited financial resources (household income is assessed based on the number of children and financial background)

The scholarship is aimed at students who show academic promise, leadership potential, and a willingness to grow personally and contribute positively to their communities.

School Placement

Successful applicants are placed in one of SBF’s partner high schools. These are among Cape Town’s most reputable schools, offering strong academics, well-rounded extracurricular programmes, and inclusive learning environments. Partner schools include a mix of public and independent institutions, and placements are made based on what is best for the learner’s development and location.

Application and Selection Process

The selection process is carefully designed to ensure fairness and find the best fit between the learner and the programme. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how the process works for the 2027 intake:

1. Applications open on 22 July 2025 and close on 22 August 2025 at 17:00.
2. Once applications are received, they are screened for eligibility.
3. Shortlisted applicants are invited to complete online academic and personality assessments, which test reasoning skills, problem-solving ability, and learning potential.
4. A home visit is then arranged, where social workers meet the family to understand their living situation, financial circumstances, and support structure.
5. The final stage is the Explorers Gateway workshop, where candidates participate in group activities, engage with mentors, and demonstrate their potential beyond academics.
6. Scholarship offers are made in February 2026 for learners to start the preparatory programme during their Grade 7 year.

The Pathfinder Year

All successful applicants begin a Pathfinder year in Grade 7, which is a pre-high school development programme. During this year, learners attend regular workshops that focus on adjusting to new environments, improving study habits, developing social-emotional skills, and building leadership capacity. This helps to ease the transition from primary school into a top-performing high school.

Long-Term Support

SBF’s commitment to its scholars does not end at Matric. Once learners graduate, they are welcomed into a post-school programme that helps them prepare for university, apply for tertiary bursaries, explore career options, and continue developing their leadership and professional skills. Many SBF scholars go on to attend top South African universities and become active contributors to their communities and the wider economy.

Final Thoughts

The SBF High School Scholarship is more than just a bursary—it is a full-circle journey that supports young learners from Grade 7 all the way into early adulthood. By providing access to quality education, personal development, and a caring support network, SBF helps deserving children unlock their full potential. If you are a high-performing Grade 6 learner living in Cape Town and want to make the most of your abilities, this scholarship could open the door to a future full of possibilities.