In a little over four weeks since launch, the need for widespread financial support is clear - more than 8,000 families have shown interest to see if their family would qualify for the partial Grade 8-11 National Senior Certificate (NSC) scholarships for the January 2024 school year.
We are delighted that over 8,000 families have shown interest and the intent to see if they qualify for the Learning Liberated Scholarships Programme to date, even before applications actually opened - in light of this high demand, we’ve adapted the academic achievement criteria to allow for a wider learner impact across the country.
"It’s clear that South African families are in need of financial support to further their children’s education and we’re set to make a difference with this programme with the help of our corporate partners across the country", says Munei Tshiovhe, Corporate Partnerships Manager at UCT Online High School.
South Africa's education system is currently facing unprecedented challenges - with an insufficient number of teachers, limited infrastructure, and inadequate resources, the country's youth are struggling to access quality education. In response to these challenges, UCT Online High School offers a solution that is both innovative and accessible, providing high-quality education at an affordable cost.
With the kind and generous support of numerous corporations and sponsors, the ‘UCT Online High School Learning Liberated Scholarship Programme’ has been launched because UCT Online High School believes that these ambitious, intrinsically motivated and responsibly minded young people have the potential to access leading tertiary institutions for further education.
UCT Online High School is currently working with these notable corporate and philanthropic partners to join them in empowering the future of South Africa to make education more accessible to a diverse range of learners who may not afford the full tuition. This approach allows for more efficient distribution of financial aid, supporting a larger number of learners with available funds.
Additionally, funding through donations and philanthropy increases support for the programme, as donors can see their tangible impact on multiple learners.
Partial scholarships also foster a sense of commitment among recipients to maintain academic performance, leading to higher success rates. Furthermore, this financial assistance helps learners and their families manage rising education costs.
In order for a scholarship applicant to be considered as a ‘UCT Online High School Learning Liberated Scholarship Programme’ candidate, the following eligibility criteria must be met:
- Applicant must be a South African citizen
- Applicant must reside in South Africa
- At least one of the applicant's guardians must be a South African citizen
- Applicant must be age appropriate for the grades to which they are applying (grades 8-11)
- Applicant must want to complete the CAPS curriculum resulting in the National Senior Certificate (NSC)
- Applicant must demonstrate financial need (the family household income may not exceed R350,000 per annum or R29,000 per month)
- Applicant must obtain a minimum 60% average in the following subjects: 1. English (Home Language) 2. Mathematics.
- Applicant must have aspirations to pursue a tertiary education and career after school
- Applicant must have access to stable internet, a laptop or desktop, and a printer
- Applicant must have a safe learning environment with necessary support from at least 1 adult champion/supervisor
- Applicant must submit an Applicant Reference Letter from a senior member of the learner’s current school and must accompany the scholarship application confirming that the learner has the necessary aptitude to thrive in an online learning environment.
- Applicant must submit an Aspirations & Academic Journey Letter motivating their desire to pursue a tertiary education and career after high school
The ‘UCT Online High School Learning Liberated Scholarship Programme’ applications are now officially open and will close at midnight on 31 October 2023. All applications will be reviewed for shortlisting by the end of November 2023 with successful recipients notified in early December 2023. These successful recipients will begin their schooling in January 2024 at UCT Online High School.
For more information, FAQ’s, and to see if you qualify for the ‘UCT Online High School Learning Liberated Scholarship Programme’, visit the website for more details.
