SBF High School Scholarship South Africa
SBF High School Scholarship South Africa 2026
About the Scholarship Provider – SBF
The Students For A Better Future (SBF) is a high school scholarship programme funded by the Andreas and Susan Struengmann Foundation, which was established in 2007. The Foundation is dedicated to sponsoring educational initiatives in the Western Cape. Beyond SBF, the Foundation has launched the Sue Struengmann Initiative at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and funds the Disa Primary School in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay.
The Foundation’s vision is to develop well-rounded, goal-oriented individuals who contribute positively to South Africa’s future and become global citizens.
About the SBF High School Scholarship Programme
SBF invites students in Cape Town to apply for their high school scholarship for the 2026 academic year. The scholarship is open to students who will be entering Grade 8 in 2026 (currently in Grade 6 in 2024) and who demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need.
Students selected for the scholarship will attend one of the following SBF partner high schools in the Cape Town Metropole:
- Bergvliet High School
- Camps Bay High School
- Claremont High School
- Groote Schuur High School
- Herschel Girls High School
- Rondebosch Boys High School
- Rustenberg Girls High School
- South African College High School (SACS)
- Springfield Convent Senior School
- St. George’s Grammar School
- Westerford High School
- Wynberg Boys High School
- Wynberg Girls High School
Programme Overview
SBF scholars will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that supports the development of key skills and attributes necessary for success in the future. The programme includes psychosocial support, tutoring, boarding, sports, cultural activities, service opportunities, and more.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the SBF High School Scholarship:
- Must reside in Cape Town, Western Cape, within a 25 km radius of the SBF Newlands Office (Letterstedt House, Newlands on Main, Newlands).
- Must be interested in attending one of the SBF partner schools listed above.
- Must be in Grade 6 in 2024.
- Must be entering Grade 8 in 2026.
- Must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in Grade 5 final and Grade 6 term 2 assessments.
- Must have achieved a minimum of 65% in Mathematics in Grade 5 final and Grade 6 term 2 assessments.
- Must have achieved a minimum of 70% in English in Grade 5 final and Grade 6 term 2 assessments.
- Must be in financial need, with a household income of no more than:
- R17,000 for 1 child in the household
- R20,000 for 2 children in the household
- R23,000 for 3 or more children in the household
- Must exhibit qualities such as self-management, a growth mindset, critical thinking, goal orientation, and resilience.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the SBF High School Scholarship Application 2026 portal. Be sure to enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the SBF High School Scholarship.
Required Documents
The following supporting documents are compulsory and must be submitted with your application:
- South African citizens: unabridged birth certificate
- Non-South African residents: birth certificate and proof of study visa
- Grade 5 final report
- Grade 6 term 2 report
- Parents or guardians’ ID documents
- Parents or guardians’ visa or proof of residency, if not a South African citizen
- Parents or guardians’ proof of household income:
- If employed: 3 most recent salary slips and 3 months bank statements
- If self-employed: 6 months bank statements
- If receiving a SASSA grant: proof of this
- If unemployed: affidavit stating how long they have been unemployed and why
- If one or both parents are not present or uninvolved: affidavit confirming this
- If one or both parents are deceased: death certificate(s)
- Essay (350 words): Write about a time in your life that has shaped who you are as a person.
Note: Shortlisted candidates may be required to submit additional documents.
Selection Process
The selection process involves the following stages:
- Stage 1: Applications (14 June to 30 August 2024) – Submit your application online.
- Stage 2: Screening (September 2024) – Feedback on whether you move to the next stage.
- Stage 3: Online Testing (28 September 2024) – Psychosocial and academic assessments.
- Stage 4: Entrance Exam (12 October 2024) – Academic testing in English and Mathematics.
- Stage 5: Family Interviews (November to December 2024) – Social workers visit applicants’ homes.
- Stage 6: Scholarship Offer (February 2025) – Successful students are offered scholarships and prepare for high school.
Selected candidates will participate in a 7-month preparatory programme during their Grade 7 year to build bonds, access necessary learning enrichment, and support their transition into high school.
Closing Date
The closing date for the SBF High School Scholarship is 30 August 2024 at 17:00. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Contact Information
For any queries related to the SBF High School Scholarship, please contact Students For A Better Future directly:
- Tel: 021 419 3383
- Email: info@thesbf.co.za
- Office Hours: 09:00 to 16:00
This scholarship offers an incredible opportunity for academically talented students in financial need to receive a top-tier education and holistic support. Apply before the deadline to secure your chance at a brighter future with SBF.
