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Learning Liberated Scholarship & Bursary Programme.

Join us on our mission to unleash South Africa's learning potential

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This is our mission.

UCT Online High School is launching a Learning Liberated Scholarship & Bursary Programme to unleash South Africa's learning potential. Our mission is to make online education as affordable as possible to provide more education opportunities to bright young South Africans. As a result, we are collaborating with Corporate South Africa to make this vision a reality by unlocking the funds to make this possible. If you would like to be part of this exciting opportunity and apply for a potential scholarship or bursary you will need to complete an application as part of your UCT Online High School admissions application.

Why partial scholarships or bursaries?

The Learning Liberated Scholarship or Bursary programme offers partial scholarships or bursaries for a January start date 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 or bursaries 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 education costs.

Available for entry into grades
8-11
Curriculum
NSC
Partial Scholarship or Bursaries
80% of the
Tuition fee
Next Intake
Jan 2025

Our Partners

Applications for 2025 close in:

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Days
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Join our Learning Liberated Scholarship and Bursary Programme today.

Hear from our existing scholarship & bursary learners

Learning Liberated Scholarship & Bursary eligibility criteria

  • 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)
  • Applicants applying for entry into:
    1. Grades 8-10 must obtain a minimum 50% ave in both English (Home Language) and Mathematics
    2. Grade 11 must obtain a minimum 50% ave in English (Home Language) and 40% ave in either Mathematics or Maths Literacy
  • 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
Applicant
6 May - 31 August 2024
An APPLICANT:
  • Starts an application
  • Works through the application process towards becoming a Candidate
  • Can have their application closed if they do not meet eligibility criteria, submit correct documents, successfully complete the LLSB Application Assessment, or follow the process correctly
Candidate
1 - 30 September 2024
A Candidate has:
  • Completed the application process
  • Met all the eligibility criteria
  • Successfully completed the LLSB Application Assessment and
  • Submitted all required documents, including SRO validation
  • Paid Placement Fee (non-refundable)
Candidates are not guaranteed a scholarship or bursary but will be shortlisted and depending on available funding and Sponsor's additional requirements; will be matched accordingly
Recipient
1 - 31 October 2024
A RECIPIENT is someone who has:
  • Been awarded and accepts a Learning Liberated Scholarship or Bursary supported by a corporate sponsor
  • Received a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
  • Accepted the T&Cs of the MOA, and has signed and returned the MOA within the specified timeframe and
  • Submitted their Term 4, 2024 Academia report and this has been validated by SRO team

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve got tons of A’s
This is a question about fees

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This is a question about fees

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This is a question about fees

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This is a question about fees

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This is a question about fees

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How long does Adult Matric take?

Adult Matric preparation for the ASC can be completed in 18 months at UCT Online High School

Will there be any live sessions?

Yes, there are Live Check-ins that take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for 15 minutes, with Support Coaches.

As such, high school learners will have multiple opportunities to engage with their Support Coaches and peers, enriching their learning experience.

What experience do your Learning Facilitators have?

We look for Learning Facilitators who have experience teaching a vast curriculum. They must have demonstrated experience working effectively with young people to promote their individual academic potential.

Can I write my final matric examination at my home?

No, you cannot. You will have to write your ASC examinations in person at a registered venue identified by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Why is the University of Cape Town launching a high school? Why now?

As several top universities, like Stanford's Online High School, have proven, the academic excellence of universities can be extended to high school learners and create new opportunities for a diverse group of learners to join an aspirational school.

We asked the question: what if we broke down the unnecessary silos between high school and university and offered a solution where the high school experience sets our learners up for success in their university studies and careers?

Bold innovations are required to bring more cohesion to our education sector, and more access for the next generation of leaders across Africa. In response to the education crisis currently facing our country, the time to lead is now — in this regard, we are thrilled to launch the UCT Online High School.

How do art practicals work in an online environment?

UCT Online High School utilises video demonstrations to deliver creative art practicals for internal assessments. Learners will never be required to attend a physical venue to conduct a Visual Art or Drama practical. Instead, high school learners are required to purchase the items listed in the stationery and equipment list (where possible, high school learners can substitute materials for what they have available). For Visual Art, high school learners will work in their art book using the materials from their kit and photograph their work according to our specifications using their smartphones or tablets. The photograph will be inserted by the high school learner into a document and uploaded for grading. For drama, high school learners will use their smartphone or laptop to record their performances and upload them for grading. The methods used to deliver Creative Art practicals adhere to the Curriculum Assessment Policies Statements (CAPS) outlined by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). We aim to equip high school learners with the practical skills required to prepare them for future studies in the creative arts through the use of innovative and accessible tools.

As a guardian, what is expected of me with regards to educating my child? How is this different from a traditional homeschooling parent?

Parents are integral in the educational journey of their children, whether it be in a brick-and-mortar school, online school or homeschooling context. Parental guidance, interest, support and motivation is critical to ensuring that a child develops holistically.

There is, however, a big difference between homeschooling and UCT Online High School. In the homeschooling context, the parent is expected to be the curriculum and content creator, as well as the teacher and assessor. Whereas in an online school environment, learners are provided with all the learning materials they require and a learning path to guide their progression. They have access to Learning Facilitators, and Support Coaches who will monitor their progress and help them achieve their academic goals.

All that’s left for you to do is keep encouraging them.

How do I engage with UCT Online High School for Adult Matric?

Engagement is key and we encourage Adult Matric learners to direct any questions directly to their Support Advisor. If the matter requires escalation, the Support Advisor may refer the Adult Matric learner to contact Student Experience Leadership.

Partnering with a PBO

UCT Online High School has partnered with the iBhodi Trust (Registration number IT000433/2020), a Public Benefit Organization (PBO) to facilitate all donations for the high school Learning Liberated Scholarship & Bursary programme.  There are several compelling reasons for this. Firstly, the financial benefits are clear, as donations often come with tax incentives, reducing the overall cost of giving while maximising the positive impact of the contribution.

Secondly, PBOs ensure transparency and accountability in fund management, providing our partners with the assurance that their resources are being used efficiently and ethically. This ensures that the funds are directed towards their intended purpose - supporting deserving learners in their pursuit of education. Ultimately, investing in a PBO associated with a high school scholarship & bursary programme aligns corporate philanthropy with financial prudence, transparency, and a strong commitment to the betterment of the community and the education of future leaders.

Want to join us on our mission to unleash South Africa's learning potential?

If you are part of a corporate or NGO that would like to find out more about contributing to our Learning Liberated Scholarship and Bursary Programme, get in touch through the form below.
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