How to Get a Scholarship in South Africa

Getting a scholarship is one of the most challenging things for most students, many students don’t know what to do right to be awarded a scholarship. This article will highlight some simple tips on How to Get a Scholarship in South Africa.

The education system in South Africa is divided into primary education, middle education, secondary education, vocational education, and tertiary education.

Known for its diverse wildlife, boundless natural landscapes, and eleven official languages, South Africa is home to people of many ethnic backgrounds. South African schools accept students from different backgrounds irrespective of culture and beliefs.

The cost of study in this country is considerably lower and affordable to many compared to other African countries, and the courses they offer are taught in English.

Assume that English is not your first language and that you are an international student hoping to pursue a degree in South Africa. Then you would need to have completed a high-standard TEFL qualification three to five years before applying, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, and a minimum score of 65% in the NBT’s Academic Literacy section.

Primary Education in South Africa

Primary education in South Africa is divided into general education and training, further education and training, and higher education and training. This stage is grade 9 to grade 12, with numerous scholarships available to students in this grade.

Primary Education Scholarships in South Africa

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship
ACES Scholarships
ServiceScape Scholarship
Fullbright U.S Student Program
Mozida African Master Scholarship
World Universities Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
iVisa Annual Scholarship
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
$1,500 Annual Essay Writing Contest Scholarship
AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid
Anonymous Hope Fund
Biotin Xtreme Hair Care Annual Scholarship 2023: Empowering The Future of Hair Care

Middle Education in South Africa

Middle education in South Africa takes three years to complete, it is usually a combination of normal academics and vocational training and comes with a certificate after completion.

Middle Education Scholarships in South Africa

Some of the middle education scholarships available in South Africa include:

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship

Secondary Education in South Africa

Secondary education in South Africa is managed by a network of previously mainly-white government schools and private colleges with high standards. Secondary schools in South Africa are quite costly in South Africa.

Secondary Education Scholarships in South Africa

The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships
Education Future International Scholarship
ACES Scholarship
ServiceScape Scholarship
Fullbright U.S Student Program
South Africa Program
Moving Mates Scholarship
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Coupons Plus Deals “Save for Future” Scholarship
Drs. Anthony and Joanne Edmonds Study Abroad Scholarship
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Scholarships for Japanese Students
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Atlas Shrugged Essay Contest
Global Innovation Challenge
The Bill Walsh Scholarship
The MyUS Community Scholarship
Dermadry Hypershidrosis Scholarship
iVisa Annual Scholarship
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Exploring Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Adoption in Various Industries Scholarship
Clean And Recovery Scholarship Essay Contest
$1,000 All-Star Verified Scholarship
Florida Rentals Annual Dream Vacation Scholarship
Studybay Fall Essay Contest
VSBfonds Grant
Anonymous Hope Fund
The Annual IELTSing Scholarship
High School Essay Contest
Pearl Lemon Scholarship
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Individual Travel Grant
Biotin Xtreme Hair Care Annual Scholarship: Empowering The Future of Hair Care.

Tertiary Education in South Africa

Both public and private universities provide tertiary education in South Africa, and the Ministry of Higher Education and Training oversees them. In South Africa, universities grant bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in a variety of fields, but polytechnics are in charge of providing training.

Tertiary Education Scholarships in South Africa

Universities and colleges in South Africa offer a variety of scholarships to students enrolled in their schools, some of the popular tertiary education scholarships in South Africa include:

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
University and TVET Colleges
The Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Scholarship
Canon Collins Trust
MEST Fellowships
Sasol Inzalo Foundation Scholarship

Some of these scholarships are fully funded and available to international students who are interested in getting a degree in South Africa.

Having known about the education system of South Africa and the possible scholarships attached to every one of them, now let’s talk about the tips you have to apply to be awarded these scholarships no matter your level in school.

The following ways are how you can get scholarships in South Africa be it partially funded or fully funded scholarships:

1. Start Early

To get scholarship opportunities, you have to start your hunting on time, i.e. start your research very early, especially if you’re offering a highly competitive program.

2. Research and Targeting

To carry out in-depth research, visit the university’s website to see their available scholarships and if there is anyone you can apply for. Also, check out private foundations and companies that offer scholarships to students in your level of study.

Scholarships have different criteria, find out the specific criteria of the scholarship you are interested in, and check if they align with your academic goals, financial need, and background.

3. Find out available study programs

Once you get a glimpse of the scholarship you want to apply for, ensure to visit the university website for more information on the academic programs these scholarships cover because some scholarships don’t cover all academic programs.

4. Check Eligibility Status

Confirm you are eligible for the particular scholarship by checking if you meet the eligibility criteria for the programs. Some of these eligibility criteria include age, previous education, nationality, personal performance, and many more. You have to pass all the eligibility tests to be worth the scholarship.

5. Apply for Multiple Scholarships

Don’t limit yourself by applying for only one scholarship, apply for as many as possible that fit your profile to increase your chances of getting a scholarship. Applying for just one scholarship might deny you the opportunity to do your academics with a scholarship.

6. Proper preparation of documents

Always be ready and optimistic, and prepare the necessary documents that you might need for the scholarship as soon as possible. Most scholarship requires certain documents included in their eligibility criteria to qualify a candidate, ensure to gather these documents for possible upload when necessary. Documents such as academic certificates, extra-curricular achievements, community service documents, personal identification documents, and others.

7. Application Strength

Your application has to appear unique and excellent. You must demonstrate your dedication and potential by maintaining strong grades and performing well on any standardized test given before the scholarship. Have your required documents like transcripts, reference letters, and proof of residence in advance as well as craft a highly compelling essay that highlights your academic goals, financial need, and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.

All these put together catch the eye of the scholarship committee and position you for a possible scholarship.

8. Be Aware of Deadlines

Always know the deadline for every scholarship you apply for. You can set reminders for deadlines, it will help you to be in line and submit applications ahead of deadlines.

9. Follow Up Scholarship

Applying for a scholarship without following it up might affect the status of the scholarship. After submitting your application, follow up with the scholarship provider to confirm receipt when necessary.

10. Seek Advice

Be informed the admission office is always available to assist applicants. If you don’t know how to follow up on your application, get in contact with someone who will guide you throughout the whole application process or better still email the admission office of any university you applied to for more guidance, support, and necessary information regarding the scholarship.

Universities Offering Scholarships to International Students in South Africa

The following universities listed below offer scholarships to international students who find studying in South Africa interesting;

Nelson Mandela University
University of Cape Town
Durban University of Technology
Vaal University of Technology
Stellenbosch University
University of the Witwatersrand
University of Johannesburg
University of Pretoria
University of KwaZulu-Natal
Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Conclusion

We have carefully outlined the top 10 simple tips you can follow to gain a scholarship in South Africa. If you need assistance and guidance on how to implement these tips, kindly leave us a comment in the comment section.

Udegbe Assumpta Chibuzor is a highly motivated undergraduate pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering at a respected university. As a skilled writer with a passion for education, she leverages her research skills to create informative and top-ranking educational content. Udegbe has a proven track record of assisting students in their academic pursuits, including helping them find the best schools for their goals.

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How to Get a Scholarship in South Africa – Top 10 Simple Scholarship Tips