The UCT Online High School, launched in June 2021 by the University of Cape Town (UCT), stands as a pioneer in Africa by extending its academic expertise to the secondary schooling sector. Accredited by the South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), the UCT Online High School delivers the South African National Curriculum, known as Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS), to students from Grades 8 to 12.
Upon completion of Grade 12, students earn the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
About the UCT Online High School Scholarship Programme
For the 2025 academic year, the UCT Online High School invites applications for its Learning Liberated Scholarship & Bursary Programme. This initiative supports students entering Grades 8 to 11 who will undertake their high school education online starting in January 2025.
The Learning Liberated Scholarship Programme aims to make quality education accessible to students who cannot afford the full tuition fee. This scholarship is a result of partnerships with corporate sponsors, including Valenture Institute, Sanlam, Imbeleko Foundation, South African Human Rights Commission, and Sasria.
Scholarship Coverage and Value
The Learning Liberated Scholarship provides partial financial support, covering 80% of the tuition fee for the duration of the scholarship. Additionally, it covers the full SACAI Grade 12 Examination fee. This partial scholarship model enables more students to benefit from the programme.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the UCT Online High School Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a South African citizen residing in South Africa.
- Parent/Guardian Citizenship: At least one parent or guardian must be a South African citizen.
- Grade Level: Must be entering Grade 8, 9, 10, or 11 in January 2025.
- Age Appropriateness: Must be of the correct age for the grade level.
- Academic Intention: Must plan to complete the CAPS curriculum to achieve the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
- Financial Need: Must demonstrate financial need with a family household income not exceeding R350,000 per annum or R29,000 per month.
- Academic Performance:
- Minimum average of 50% for English (Home Language).
- Minimum average of 50% for Mathematics for applicants entering Grades 8 to 10.
- Minimum average of 40% for Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy for applicants entering Grade 11.
- Future Plans: Must intend to pursue tertiary studies and a career after high school.
- Technology Requirements: Must have access to stable and reliable internet, a laptop or desktop, and a printer.
- Learning Environment: Must have a safe learning environment and support from at least one adult champion/supervisor.
- Agreement: Must agree to the rules of the scholarship policy.
How to Apply for the UCT Online High School Scholarship
Applications must be submitted online at the UCT Online High School Scholarship Application 2025 portal. Parents or guardians are required to register an account before logging in to apply.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit clear copies of the following documents:
- ID Document or Birth Certificate
- ID Photo
- 2024 Term 2 Academic Report
- 2024 Term 4 Final Academic Report (to be submitted in December)
- Proof of Address
- Parents or guardians’ ID Document or Birth Certificate
- Parents or guardians’ proof of income (not older than 3 months at the time of application)
- Parents or guardians’ Proof of Address (not older than 3 months at the time of application)
Tip: 5 Tips on How to Write an Outstanding Bursary Application Letter
Timeline and Selection for the UCT Online High School Scholarship
Application Period
- Opening Date: 6 May 2024
- Closing Date: 31 August 2024 (23:59)
Applicants must begin and complete their applications within this period. Incomplete applications or those not meeting the eligibility criteria will be disqualified.
Selection Process
- 1 September 2024 – 30 September 2024: Candidates will be shortlisted and matched based on available funding and sponsor criteria. A non-refundable Placement Fee is required.
- 1 October 2024 – 31 October 2024: Scholarships will be awarded. Successful learners will receive and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and submit their 2024 Term 4 Final Academic Report.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email.
Contact the Scholarship Provider
For queries related to the scholarship programme, contact UCT Online High School:
- Tel: 021 140 1792
- Email: admissions@uctohs.valentureonline.com
Candidates should review the UCT Online High School Scholarship FAQ’s before submitting any queries.
The UCT Online High School Scholarship Programme is an incredible opportunity for South African students to access quality education and achieve their academic goals. With the support of corporate sponsors, this scholarship aims to reduce the financial burden on families, enabling more students to benefit from a robust online education system. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process, students can pave the way for a promising future.
Don’t miss out on this chance to transform your educational journey—apply before the deadline and take the first step towards a brighter future.