Government Scholarships for High School Students in South Africa | 2026

Quick Answer: Government and state-linked high school scholarships in South Africa include the no-fee school policy, OWLAG, provincial department bursaries, SANRAL scholarships, and Eskom scholarships for Mathematics and Science learners.

Government Scholarships for High School Students in South Africa

Many South African families are not aware of the government scholarship and support programmes that exist for high school learners. While the government's most prominent education funding — NSFAS — is directed at university and TVET college students, there are several state-funded or state-facilitated scholarship mechanisms that specifically support high school learners. This article breaks down what is available, who qualifies, and how to access these opportunities.

Understanding Government Support for High School Education

The South African government provides several layers of financial support for high school learners, ranging from fully funded residential schools to no-fee school policies and provincial bursary initiatives. These mechanisms are not always well publicised — families often only discover them through a school counsellor, a community worker, or by actively searching for them.

Government support for high school learners operates through three main channels:

• Provincial Departments of Education: Each of the nine provinces has dedicated scholarship and bursary programmes for high school learners.
• State-funded special schools: Fully funded residential schools for gifted or specialised learners.
• No-fee school policy and exemptions: Protections that ensure learners from poor households can access public schooling without paying fees.

Key Government Scholarship and Support Programmes

1. No-Fee Schools Policy

More than 60% of South Africa's public schools are classified as no-fee schools — schools that do not charge learners any school fees. These schools receive a government subsidy to compensate for the absence of fee income. If you are in a no-fee school, your schooling is already government-funded. If you are in a fee-charging public school and your family cannot afford to pay, you are entitled to apply for a school fee exemption under Section 39 of the South African Schools Act. Parents earning less than ten times the annual school fee are eligible for partial or full exemption. Apply through your school's governing body (SGB).

2. OWLAG — OR Tambo Leadership Academy for Girls (Gauteng)

OWLAG is a state-funded boarding school for gifted young women from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. It is administered by the Gauteng Department of Education. Learners admitted to OWLAG pay no school fees — the state covers all costs including tuition, accommodation, meals, and uniforms. The school has a strong academic focus, particularly in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and languages. Applications are processed through the Gauteng Department of Education and are highly competitive, with selection based on academic merit and financial need.

3. Gauteng High School Scholarship Programme

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) runs scholarship programmes for top-performing learners from the province. These programmes offer financial support for placement at selected schools and may include a stipend and academic support. Eligibility is based on academic performance (typically 75%+) and financial need. Learners in Grades 8 to 12 within the Gauteng school system should contact the GDE directly or speak to their school's guidance counsellor for current programme details.

4. Provincial Department Scholarship Programmes

All nine provincial education departments in South Africa have some form of scholarship or support programme for deserving high school learners. These vary in scope and availability from province to province. Learners in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and other provinces should contact their provincial education department directly to inquire about current scholarship opportunities. In some provinces, these are channelled through District Education Offices rather than advertised publicly.

5. SANRAL Scholarship Programme

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) is a state-owned enterprise and one of the most active government-linked scholarship providers in South Africa. SANRAL's scholarship programme targets Grade 10, 11, and 12 learners who live near national road development areas and intend to study engineering, the built environment, or related fields. The scholarship covers school fees and provides a monthly stipend. It extends into university study for recipients who pursue eligible degree programmes. While SANRAL is not a government department per se, it is a state entity and its scholarships carry the same stability and long-term commitment as government programmes.

6. Eskom Scholarship Programme

Eskom, South Africa's national electricity utility and a state-owned enterprise, offers scholarships to high-performing Grade 11 and 12 learners with exceptional results in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Like SANRAL's programme, Eskom's scholarship is linked to a career pipeline in engineering, electricity supply, and infrastructure. Recipients who progress to engineering degrees at South African universities may be offered Eskom bursaries and employment opportunities after graduation.

7. Funza Lushaka Bursary (Educator Pathway)

The Funza Lushaka Bursary is a government programme for learners who wish to become teachers. While this programme primarily operates at university level, it provides a strong incentive for high-achieving learners to pursue a teaching career. Learners who intend to study education at university should be aware of Funza Lushaka as a pathway — it covers university fees, accommodation, and a stipend, and in return requires the recipient to teach at a public school for a specified period after graduation.

How to Access Government Scholarship Information

Government scholarship information in South Africa is not always easily accessible. Here is how to find it:

• Contact your provincial Department of Education: Each province has a website with contact details. Call or email their bursary and scholarships division directly.
• Speak to your school's guidance counsellor: Guidance counsellors are required to be aware of scholarship opportunities and should be your first point of contact.
• Check the official government website: www.gov.za publishes information on government-funded scholarship and support programmes.
• Follow social media accounts of provincial education departments: Scholarship announcements are often posted on Facebook and Twitter.
• Contact state-owned enterprise HR departments: SOEs like SANRAL, Eskom, Sasol, and Transnet have scholarship and CSI departments. Email their HR or CSI teams directly for current programme details.

Important Considerations

Government scholarship programmes in South Africa can be subject to budget changes, programme restructuring, and administrative delays. Before building your plans around any specific programme, verify the current status of the scholarship directly with the administering department. Do not rely solely on information published more than one year ago.

Also be aware that government scholarship programmes may have specific geographic, demographic, or career-pathway requirements. Some are open only to learners from specific provinces, communities near infrastructure projects, or learners intending to pursue specific careers. Read the eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in an application.

Combining Government Support With Private Scholarships

There is no rule that prevents a learner from accessing both government support (such as a school fee exemption or provincial scholarship) and a private or corporate scholarship. In fact, the most resourceful families explore every available source of support simultaneously. Research all available options and apply for as many as you qualify for — then accept the best package once offers arrive.

See the full list of top high school scholarships in South Africa

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