In this article, we’ll explore high schools in South Africa that are committed to providing scholarships to exceptional students. These institutions understand that education is not just about imparting knowledge but also about empowering the next generation to become leaders, innovators, and contributors to society. Join us on a journey through some of the prominent high schools offering scholarships.
1. St. John’s College
St. John’s College, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a prestigious private Anglican day and boarding school founded in 1898. The institution is renowned for its educational excellence and follows the traditions of the Anglican Church. It offers scholarships to South African students who meet specific criteria. These scholarships cover up to 50% of tuition fees for eligible candidates.
To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must be South African students and have gained admission to St. John’s College. They need to enroll in the senior secondary program at the college and submit supporting documents, including academic transcripts from previous schools and a copy of their national ID card. Additionally, applicants should have a prior degree certificate with excellent grades and be proficient in both written and spoken English.
St. John’s College’s commitment to offering scholarships underscores its dedication to providing quality education and opportunities to deserving South African students, further enhancing its reputation as one of the country’s leading educational institutions. For more detailed information and the application process, you can visit the college’s official website.
2. St. Cyprian’s School
St. Cyprian’s School offers scholarships and bursaries to Grade 8 students who excel in academics, sports, or music. These awards can cover 25% to 75% of tuition fees, but they typically do not include boarding fees. These scholarships are highly competitive and limited in number. Applicants must genuinely intend to enroll at St. Cyprian’s if their daughter receives an offer.
Additionally, the school partners with organizations like the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the Standard Bank Tutuwa Community Foundation to offer three to four full scholarships each year. These opportunities are available starting in the applicant’s sixth grade year, and interested candidates should reach out to these organizations directly for details.
It’s crucial for applicants to carefully review the scholarship requirements, as applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered. Even if a candidate meets the requirements but isn’t selected to advance in the process, it’s a sign of high demand and stringent selection. No correspondence will be entered into regarding this, as the school’s decisions are final.
In general, these scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in academics, sports, or music/drama.
For Academic Scholarships at St. Cyprian’s School, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic talent both within and outside of their school environment. This includes a record of involvement in co-curricular activities. The school also considers achievements in external examinations, where available. To qualify for the Academic Scholarship Examination, candidates must have a minimum of 80% in English Home Language and Mathematics, as well as an overall aggregate of 80% in their final Grade 6 report.
For Sport Scholarships, applicants should provide evidence of achievements beyond the school level, such as regional, zonal, provincial, or higher representation in at least two sports that St. Cyprian’s School offers. Additionally, candidates should maintain a strong academic record at the Grade 6 level.
For Music/Drama Scholarships, applicants are required to showcase their talent and involvement in their respective areas of achievement. Music Scholarship candidates must have reached a minimum Grade 3 level in practical external examinations (e.g., ABRSM or Trinity). Drama Scholarship consideration is reserved for applicants with exceptional dramatic and musical theater abilities, while those offering only ballet or dance are not eligible. Along with talent, applicants need to provide a record of their achievements and other supporting documentation. A strong academic record at the Grade 6 level is also expected from Music/Drama Scholarship applicants.
These specific requirements help the school identify and support students who excel in academics, sports, or the arts, ensuring that scholarships are awarded to those who truly demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication in their chosen fields. For more information, visit the official website of the school.
3. Redhill School
Redhill School in South Africa provides scholarships to high school students who exhibit exceptional qualities in academics, leadership, sports, and music. This institution offers three distinct scholarship opportunities: Academic, Music, and Sport Scholarships. Below, we will outline the prerequisites and application procedures for these scholarships.
- Academic Scholarships
Redhill School offers a limited number of Academic scholarships to both current and prospective Grade 8 students in its High School. However, these scholarships come with the condition that the recipients must consistently uphold the school’s Vision, Mission Statement, and Values.
The selection process for Academic Scholarships at Redhill School involves several factors. It includes a written Entrance Examination, assessment of school reports, and an interview. It’s important to note that meeting these requirements and undergoing an interview do not guarantee the award of a scholarship. The school considers multiple aspects before granting an Academic scholarship. In addition to demonstrating academic excellence, applicants should also exhibit a genuine enthusiasm for engaging in the diverse range of opportunities available within the High School.
External applicants who aspire to apply for an Academic Scholarship at Redhill School should adhere to the specific application procedures and requirements outlined by the school. These scholarships are a way for the school to recognize and support students who excel academically and align with the institution’s core values and mission.
- Music Scholarships
Redhill School extends Music Scholarships to a limited number of students who are either currently enrolled or prospective entrants in Grades 8, 9, or 10 in the High School. Like other scholarships at the school, Music Scholarships come with the expectation that recipients will uphold the institution’s Vision, Mission Statement, and Values.
Music Scholarship recipients are not only expected to excel in their musical pursuits but also to actively contribute to the cultural activities organized by the school. They are required to continue studying and performing music throughout the duration of their scholarship. Additionally, these successful candidates are encouraged to engage in the wide array of opportunities provided by the school.
To qualify for a Music Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria, which are applicable to all candidates:
- Music Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a standard of performance that is at or above a certain level, as per UNISA/ABRSM/Trinity grade requirements, depending on their current grade level (e.g., Gr 3 in Grade 7, Gr 4 in Grade 8, etc.).
- Positive Role Model: Scholarship recipients are expected to act as positive role models for their peers and actively participate in musical programs.
- Documented Achievements: Applicants must provide evidence of their musical achievements within the past two years, both in school and outside of school, including consistent ensemble participation. Supporting documents such as certificates, citations, and medals should be provided.
- Audition: All applicants will be required to perform an audition as part of the selection process.
Short-listed candidates will be invited for an audition and an interview with the school’s Executive Head, Head of High School, and the Director of Visual and Performing Arts. It’s important to note that attending this interview does not guarantee the offer of a scholarship. The decisions of the Scholarship Committee regarding the awarding of Music Scholarships are final, and no correspondence will be entertained in this regard. These scholarships are a means for Redhill School to nurture and recognize outstanding musical talent while maintaining its core values and standards.
- Sport Scholarships
Redhill School offers a limited number of Sport Scholarships to both current and prospective students entering Grades 8, 9, or 10 in the High School. These scholarships are awarded under the condition that recipients consistently uphold the school’s Vision, Mission Statement, and Values.
Sport Scholarship recipients have several responsibilities. They are expected to actively participate in all sporting activities organized by the school and continue their involvement in their chosen sports throughout the duration of the scholarship. Additionally, they are encouraged to explore and engage in the various opportunities offered by the school.
To be eligible for a Sport Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria applicable to all candidates:
- Provincial Level Competitions: Applicants should have competed at the provincial level or its equivalent in one of Redhill School’s niche sports, including Cricket, Hockey, Netball, Swimming, and Tennis.
- Participation in Other Sports: Candidates are required to participate in at least one other sport offered at Redhill School.
- Positive Role Models: Scholarship recipients are expected to serve as positive role models for their peers in all sporting programs.
- Documented Achievements: Applicants must provide evidence of their sporting achievements within the past two years, both within and outside of school. This documentation should include certificates, citations, and medals.
Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend an interview with the school’s Executive Head, Head of High School, and the Head of Sport. However, it’s important to note that attending this interview does not guarantee the offer of a scholarship. Decisions regarding the awarding of Sport Scholarships are made by the Scholarship Committee and are final, with no correspondence entered into regarding these decisions.
For further information and access to the relevant application forms and submission dates, interested individuals can contact Mrs. Jill Harvey at admissions@redhill.co.za or visit the school’s website for Sport Scholarship details. These scholarships are designed to recognize and support exceptional sporting talent while aligning with the school’s values and mission.
4. Dainfern College
Dainfern College is another South African institution that offers scholarships for high school students. Interested Grade 7 students can apply each year to take the scholarship assessments for Grade 8 in the following year. Specific documentation will be provided to applicants applying for sport or cultural scholarships after submitting their online applications.
Applicants are required to submit various supporting documents in PDF format by email to scholarships@dainferncollege.co.za before the closing date. These documents include the most recent Grade 6 school report, a copy of the applicant’s unabridged Birth Certificate, a letter of application from parents explaining why their child is applying for a Dainfern College Scholarship, a letter of reference or testimonial from a Preparatory School Head or similar authority figure, a one-page CV of the applicant (certificates and achievements are not required), and a final Clearance Certificate from the current school.
Dainfern College awards Academic, Sporting, Cultural, and All-rounder scholarships annually. These scholarships are granted based on the value the student will bring to the High School. Eligible applicants include South African citizens, permanent residents, and foreign students with a valid study permit who will be entering Grade 8 the following year. It’s important to note that scholarships awarded cover school fees only, either in full or partially (e.g., a 50% scholarship), with other school costs such as books, stationery, uniforms, and camps being the responsibility of the student’s parents or guardians. New students may also need to pay an entrance fee to secure their position upon scholarship acceptance.
Students receiving scholarships are expected to possess good character, positive personalities, and the ability to serve as role models for their peers. For questions about the application process, interested individuals can contact scholarships@dainferncollege.co.za. The online application form typically becomes available in January of the application year.
In addition to scholarships, Dainfern College also offers a limited number of High School bursaries for Grade 8 students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate talent or potential in academic, sporting, leadership, or cultural areas. Grade 7 students are invited to apply for Grade 8 early in their 7th grade year, following a separate application process. Bursary assessments usually take place from mid-March to the end of March. Those interested in applying for a bursary can contact Ms. Lerato Moripe at lmoripe@dainferncollege.co.za for further information. More details can be found on the school’s website.
Other Institutions Offering Scholarships in South Africa
Kay Mason Foundation (KMF)
The Kay Mason Foundation (KMF) South African Trust is a prominent educational foundation in South Africa, established in 1999 with the primary objective of breaking down the barriers to quality education for underprivileged young South Africans. KMF offers a range of programs designed to provide scholars with comprehensive support, including social, academic, financial, and emotional assistance, enabling them to succeed. Over the years, KMF has positively impacted the lives of numerous students.
KMF scholarships are available to students entering High School (Grade 8), where they are matched with leading South African institutions to commence their Grade 8 studies. The program’s overarching aim is to empower children from disadvantaged communities with the skills and knowledge necessary to become future leaders of South Africa.
To be eligible for the KMF scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- South African Citizenship
- Grade 6 Enrollment
- Minimum overall average of 65% for First and Second Language
- Minimum overall average of 65% for Mathematics and Science
- Combined household gross income not exceeding R17,500 per month (before deductions)
- Residency within the Western Cape, including Cape Town, Southern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Helderberg Area, and the Boland Area
- Ability to commute to Bellville on Saturdays for classes
- Demonstrated academic talent
Applicants are required to submit various supporting documents with their online applications, which are mandatory for consideration. These documents include the learner’s birth certificate, parents’ or guardians’ ID documents, Grade 5 (Term 4) and Grade 6 (Term 1) reports, proof of parents’ or guardians’ income, a divorce decree (if applicable), and the death certificate of a deceased parent (if applicable). It’s crucial that all supporting documents are scanned and uploaded correctly, as any missing documents may result in disqualification.
The Kay Mason Foundation strives to provide comprehensive educational opportunities to deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to become future leaders in South Africa.
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarships
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarships program has a clear aim: to nurture a community of young leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset. This initiative seeks to develop scholars who are confident, possess entrepreneurial thinking and leadership qualities, and have a strong desire to create value. They are expected to be problem solvers, collaborative, and have a positive attitude. The ultimate goal is for these scholars to become Fellows who actively contribute to the transformation of Southern Africa’s economic and social landscape.
The program achieves these goals through a combination of face-to-face, online, and peer learning, as well as one-on-one interventions. Scholars also benefit from mentorship provided by a dedicated Program Officer. This comprehensive approach supplements the curricula of partner high schools, helping scholars gain an understanding of entrepreneurship and a deep appreciation for community and collaboration. They are inspired to create value as part of their entrepreneurial journey and look forward to becoming Fellows.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Current grade 6 learners in the year of application.
- South African citizenship.
- Age between 11 and 12 years old in grade 6.
- Demonstrated financial need.
- Minimum of 70% in both English and Mathematics.
- Minimum overall average of 70% in all subjects.
- Display entrepreneurial characteristics like a growth mindset, self-efficacy, leadership, opportunity identification, curiosity, and problem-solving skills.
The application process involves submitting the application form and supporting documentation either in hard copy or online. Successful applicants will be required to take the Foundation exam in Mathematics and English for grade 6. Following the exam, they will undergo interviews, and recommended candidates will be invited to placement schools for further interviews. Those whose recommendations are approved will be awarded the Scholarship.
The Scholarship covers various aspects of the scholars’ educational journey, including tuition and boarding, stationery and textbooks, a monthly allowance, toiletries, uniforms, casual clothing, support for extra-curricular activities, workshops, speakers, and seminars, an annual entrepreneurial conference, access to an online learning campus, and mentorship by a Program Officer. Scholars also become part of a like-minded community, which fosters confidence, entrepreneurial mindset development, and leadership qualities.
This scholarship program is a pathway for young South Africans to unlock their potential, instill a growth mindset, and contribute positively to their communities and broader society. More information can be found on the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation website.