SBF High School Scholarship South Africa 2028

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE SBF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

Students For A Better Future (SBF) is inviting students in Cape Town, to apply for their high school scholarship for the 2028 academic year.

Each year, scholarships are awarded to 60 students who are entering Grade 8 in 2028 (currently in Grade 6 in 2026), who demonstrate strong academics and are in financial need.

Students will be placed in SBF partner High Schools in the Cape Town Metropole, including:

  • Bergvliet High School
  • Camps Bay High School
  • Claremont High School
  • Groote Schuur High School
  • Herschel Girls High School
  • Pinelands High School
  • Rondebosch Boys High School
  • Rustenberg Girls High School
  • SACS (South African College) High School
  • Springfield Convent Senior School
  • St. George’s Grammar School
  • Westerford High School
  • Wynberg Boys High School
  • Wynberg Girls High School

** RELATED BURSARIES **

WHAT DOES THE SBF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP OFFER?

Students from Grade 8 to Matric will be immersed in SBF’s dedicated curriculum, which includes support for the development of key attributes and building the skills of the future.

The scholarship will provide comprehensive cover for the following expenses: school fees, uniform, text books, travel allowance, sports kit, meal allowance, exclusive camps & workshops, and access to extraordinary opportunities.

By attending one of 13 partner high schools in Cape Town, SBF aims to ensure students receive a well-rounded education, equipping them with the academics, skills and exposure to opportunities needed to thrive in the future.

Students will be selected based on 2 main criteria: financial need and academic performance.

www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the SBF High School Scholarship.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE SBF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

  • You must reside in Cape Town, Western Cape, within a 30 kilometers radius of the SBF Newlands Office (Letterstedt House Newlands on Main, Newlands)
  • You must be interested in joining one of the SBF partner schools listed above
  • You must be in Grade 6 in 2026
  • You must be entering Grade 8 in 2028
  • You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in Grade 5 term 4 and Grade 6 term 2 reports
  • You must have achieved a minimum result of 60% for Mathematics in Grade 5 term 4 and Grade 6 term 2 reports
  • You must have achieved a minimum result of 65% for English in Grade 5 term 4 and Grade 6 term 2 reports
  • You must be in financial need, with a household income of NOT more than: R18 000 (if there is 1 child in the household), R21 000 (if there is 2 children in the household), R24 000 (if there is 3 or more children in the household)
  • You must display the following characteristics: self management ability, growth mindset, critical thinking, goal oriented and resilience

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE SBF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP?

Applications must be submitted online at: SBF High School Scholarship Application 2028

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the SBF High School Scholarship.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE SBF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP?

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

  • Recent photograph of the applicant (head and shoulders only)
  • 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 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, on the the following topics: Write about a time in your life that has shaped who you are as a person (350 words)

Note: shortlisted candidates may be required to submit additional documents.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE SBF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP?

Applicants should take note of the stages of scholarship process:

  • Stage 1 (applications): applications are submitted between 26 June and 12 August 2026.
  • Stage 2 (screening): applicants will receive feedback, via email, on whether they move to the next stage or not, in September 2026.
  • Stage 3 (online testing): students will be measured on various psychosocial and academic aspects, in September 2026.
  • Stage 4 (entrance exam): academic testing will conducted be conducted, focusing on English and Mathematics – top achievers will move on to the next stage, in October 2026.
  • Stage 5 (family interviews): social workers visit the applicants and their families at their home to get to know them better, to ensure they are placed at the right partner school and receive the correct support, in November to December 2026.
  • Stage 6: shortlisted candidates participate in a dynamic, hands-on experience designed to test their creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience, in January 2027.
  • Stage 6 (scholarship offer): successful students are offered scholarships, and scholars prepare for high school the following year, in February 2027.

Successful candidates will undertake a 7-month long preparatory programme, during their Grade 7 year, whereby they will build bonds, access necessary enrichment in learning, and supporting a transition into a life changing journey.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SBF HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP?

12 August 2026 (at 17:00).

(Note: students who apply before 15 July 2026, known as the “Early Bird window”, will be entered into a lucky draw and could win exciting prizes.)

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this scholarship programme, please contact Students For A Better Future directly:
Tel: 021 419 3383
Email: info@thesbf.co.za
Office Hours: 09:00 to 16:00

Please do NOT contact SBF if this bursary has already closed. View our other bursaries open for application here: https://www.zabursaries.co.za/bursary-news/

WHAT DOES THE SBF DO?

Students For A Better Future (SBF) is a scholarship programme established and funded by the Andreas and Susan Struengmann Foundation, a philanthropic organisation founded in 2007. The Foundation focuses on improving access to quality education in South Africa, with a particular emphasis on supporting talented learners from disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape.

In addition to the SBF scholarship programme, the Foundation has supported several educational initiatives, including the Sue Struengmann Initiative at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the development of educational opportunities for learners in communities such as Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay.

The Andreas and Susan Struengmann Foundation aims to empower young people through education by nurturing confident, responsible and well-rounded individuals. Its long-term vision is to help develop future leaders who can make meaningful contributions to South Africa while becoming active and engaged global citizens.

— END —

This bursary listing was last updated in July 2026.

SA Bursaries wishes you the best of luck with your application! Please remember to SHARE this page with anyone you know who may be in need of bursary funding.