The Spirit Education Foundation (SEF) is now accepting applications for the 2026 High School Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to support academically talented learners from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Western Cape, providing financial aid, mentorship, and holistic development opportunities for students entering Grade 8 in 2026.
About Spirit Education Foundation (SEF)
The Spirit Education Foundation Trust is a non-profit organization based in Cape Town that aims to uplift learners from underprivileged communities. SEF provides:
- Educational scholarships for high school learners
- Mentorship programs to motivate academic excellence
- Personal and community development guidance
SEF’s goal is to empower scholars to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and creatively.
SEF High School Scholarship 2026 Overview
The scholarship is available to students entering Grade 8 in 2026 at one of SEF’s partner high schools in the Western Cape.
Partner Schools Include:
- Bergvliet High School (Bergvliet)
- Camps Bay High School (Camps Bay)
- Cape Academy of Mathematics, Science & Technology (Constantia)
- Claremont High School (Claremont)
- Groote Schuur High School (Rondebosch)
- Pinelands High School (Pinelands)
- South Peninsula High School (Diep River)
- Spine Road High School (Mitchells Plain)
- Westerford High School (Rondebosch)
- Wynberg Boys High School (Wynberg)
- Wynberg Girls High School (Wynberg)
- Zwaanswyk High School (Retreat)
Benefits of the SEF High School Scholarship
Students selected for this scholarship will receive:
- Partial or full school fee coverage
- Support for academic resources and stationary
- Contribution towards school uniforms
- Access to a personalized mentorship programme
- Holistic support in academics, emotional well-being, leadership, and community involvement
SEF’s mentorship program ensures that students are guided individually, with regular meetings with SEF staff, families, and schools. Scholars gain leadership skills, develop creativity, and become active in their communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Currently in Grade 6 in 2024
- Achieved Code 6 or higher in Home Language, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences (Grade 6 Term 2 report)
- Household gross income of R20,000 or less per month
- Planning to enter Grade 8 in 2026 at a SEF partner school
- Residing in the Western Cape
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the SEF High School Scholarship portal.
Required Documents:
- Learner’s birth certificate, passport, or study permit
- Parent/guardian ID or passport
- Grade 6 Term 2 or Term 3 report card
- Proof of residence
- Parent/guardian proof of household income (latest payslips, affidavit if unemployed, SASSA grant proof if applicable)
- Essay (max 500 words): “If you had a superpower, what would it be and how would you use it for good in your family, school, community, or South Africa?”
Note: Missing documents will result in disqualification.
SEF Scholarship Timeline
- Applications open: September – October 2024
- Feedback to applicants: December 2024 – January 2025
- Academic testing: February – March 2025
- High school application review: March – April 2025
- Interviews/meetings: May – June 2025
- Scholarship offers: June – July 2025
Applicants not contacted by 30 January 2025 should consider their application unsuccessful.
Closing Date
31 October 2024 – Applications submitted after this date will not be considered.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact the Spirit Education Foundation:
- Phone: 021 205 3497
- Email: scholarships@spiritef.org