Scholarships
Start in Grade 6. End with your first job.
We support extraordinary young minds on a journey from Grade 6 to their first job. We welcome 60 scholars a year. Our graduates are employed at leading South African organisations like PwC and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.
SBF PROGRAMMES
Start in Grade 6.
End with your first job.
SBF PROGRAMMES
Recruitment
Stage 1
Applications
Are you ready? After checking that all the required documents are ready, applicants can proceed with the application. All applicants MUST ensure that they upload the required documents during the application process. No late applications are accepted.
Stage 2
Screening
All applications are screened using the same criteria, with financial need and academic performance being the primary considerations. All applicants will receive an email confirming whether their application was successful and whether they move onto the next stage.
Stage 3
Explorers Quiz
The online testing is a facilitated process whereby several psychosocial and academic ability indicators are measured. These validated tests give us insight into our cohorts towards us effectively being able to support them on their journey with us.
Stage 4
Explorers Mission
The entrance exam seeks to ascertain an academic baseline among the applicants. The exam focusses on English and Math, and applicants do not need to study for these specifically as it will test them on an age-appropriate level. Only the top performing applicants will move forward from this stage, and all applicants will receive communication to this effect.
Stage 5
Explorers Story
Our social workers conduct home visits to get to know our applicants and their families, towards ensuring we place successful applicants at the right partner school and support them as appropriate.
Stage 6
Explorers Gateway
The Explorers Gateway marks the final stage of the SBF scholarship selection journey. Here, shortlisted candidates participate in a dynamic, hands-on experience designed to test their creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience.
Stage 7
Scholarship Offer
Successful applicants who have passed all the recruitment stages are offered a scholarship with us. We proceed with placement interviews at our partner schools, and our new cohort of scholars proceed with the preparation classes ahead of them going to high school the following year.
Student Requirements:
Be in Grade 6 in 2025
65% minimum overall average in Gr. 5 Term 4 and Gr. 6 term 2
65% minimum for Maths in Gr. 5 Term 4 and Gr. 6 term 2
70% minimum for English in Gr. 5 Term 4 and Gr. 6 term 2
Demonstrate financial need
Stay within 25 kilometres of the SBF Newlands Office
SBF PROGRAMMES
Pathfinders
Each new SBF scholar enters the Pathfinders programme in grade 7.
Once selected to join our family – the entire cohort will, in their Grade 7 year, undertake a 7-month long preparatory programme to build bonds, access learning enrichment, and get support as they transition into high school.
SBF PROGRAMMES
High School
Placement at partners schools & comprehensive holistic support throughout high school to ensure scholars thrive in school—and beyond.
SBF, through years of research and real know how, works with all our scholars to ensure future ready high school graduates as they journey through our Edge Programme —designed to:
✅ Equip scholars with future-proof skills
✅ Foster adaptability in an unpredictable world
✅ Cultivate purposeful leadership for lasting impact
We also provide access to bursary level support including, tutoring, boarding, sports, culture, service and more.
SBF PROGRAMMES
SASLI
Our coveted 3-year leadership development programme for the best and brightest SBF scholars.
Our three-year leadership development programme. This highly coveted university initiative for exceptional SBF high school graduates is focused on developing the power skills of the future, active citizenship, and an integrated wellness practice.
In today’s highly competitive world of work, employers are seeking oven-ready graduates who are ready to hit the ground running. By actively equipping our laureates with the most powerful skills of all, we are generating a pipeline of extraordinary young people purpose-built to thrive.
