Private education in South Africa is expensive, but bursaries and scholarships provide help and reduce the cost.
These funding opportunities enable academically strong learners with financial need to attend some of the country’s top private schools. Below are ten trusted bursary programmes available for private school learners in 2026.
Bursaries for Private University and College Students in South Africa 2026
1. Investec High School Bursary Programme
The Investec bursary supports learners from township and rural areas who have strong academic potential. It helps them gain access to high-performing private and public high schools.
- Eligibility: South African citizens with strong performance in Mathematics (pure Mathematics) and Science, and demonstrated financial need. Learners must be accepted into a top-performing school.
- Coverage: Tuition, textbooks, uniforms, and other school-related costs.
- Application: Apply via Investec’s website or StudyTrust. Deadline: 30 September 2025.
2. Ruta Sechaba Foundation Scholarships (Curro Schools)
The Ruta Sechaba Foundation, in partnership with Curro Holdings, offers scholarships to learners attending Curro and Curro-managed schools, including specialised opportunities for employees’ children.
- Eligibility: South African citizens or permanent residents with financial need. Specific programmes are available for children of KFC employees or Add Hope beneficiaries.
- Coverage: Tuition, textbooks, devices, and sometimes additional educational expenses.
- Application: Apply on the Ruta Sechaba Foundation website. Check specific Curro school pages for details.
3. Roedean School (SA) Scholarships and Bursaries
Roedean School offers scholarships through partnerships with organisations such as the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the Student Scholarship Programme.
- Eligibility: South African citizens or permanent residents with academic, cultural, or sporting achievements. Some options are need-based.
- Coverage: Partial tuition funding. Does not cover uniforms, textbooks, or extras.
- Application: Submit academic records, proof of achievements, and a recommendation letter from the learner’s current school. An interview may be required.
4. St Peter’s Schools Bursary Funds
St Peter’s Schools offer multiple bursaries to support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and families with a history at the school.
- Eligibility: South African citizens enrolled or accepted at St Peter’s. The Helen Atkinson Fund also supports children of school support staff.
- Coverage: Varies by fund; usually includes tuition and related costs.
- Application: Contact the school directly for details and application procedures.
5. African Leadership Academy (ALA) Bursary
ALA offers full bursaries for learners with leadership potential and a strong academic record. The school focuses on entrepreneurship and African development.
- Eligibility: Learners with an average above 65%, proven leadership skills, and a commitment to solving community issues.
- Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, transport, books, and additional expenses.
- Application: Submit applications via email or phone. Apply before the end of May 2026 for the September intake.
6. SAHETI Scholarship and Bursary Fund
SAHETI offers scholarships and bursaries to academically gifted learners who also demonstrate financial need.
- Eligibility: Academic, cultural, or sporting excellence, plus financial need.
- Coverage: Covers a portion or full tuition, depending on the need and scholarship awarded.
- Application: Contact the admissions office at SAHETI to begin the process.
7. Allan Gray Orbis Foundation High School Scholarship
This scholarship supports learners with entrepreneurial potential, helping them attend high-performing partner private schools.
- Eligibility: South African citizens with at least a B average in Grade 6 or Grade 7 and demonstrated financial need.
- Coverage: Tuition and holistic development support including mentorship and leadership training.
- Application: Apply via the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation website with academic transcripts and financial documents.
8. KFC Ikusasa Lethu Scholarship Programme
This programme supports children of KFC employees and Add Hope beneficiaries, offering them access to education at private schools.
- Eligibility: Children of KFC staff or Add Hope recipients, currently in Grades 8 to 10 at a participating private school.
- Coverage: Tuition, textbooks, devices, and related expenses.
- Application: Applications are handled through the Ruta Sechaba Foundation.
9. Club Magazine Bursary
Funded by The Foschini Group, this bursary supports learners attending private schools if their family subscribes to Club Magazine.
- Eligibility: South African citizens with an active Club Magazine subscription in the family.
- Coverage: R15,000 toward tuition or related educational costs.
- Application: Visit Club Magazine or The Foschini Group websites for updates and applications.
10. HCI Foundation Bursaries
The HCI Foundation provides over 1,000 bursaries each year, including support for learners attending private schools and colleges.
- Eligibility: South African citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds with a strong academic record and financial need.
- Coverage: Tuition and additional educational costs, depending on need and availability.
- Application: Apply online via the HCI Foundation website.
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