ยทHigh School Education (Grade 10-12)
## About the Provider
Investec is a global asset management and specialist banking group with a strong presence in South Africa. The company was founded in 1974 by three co-founders, Ian Kantor, Errol Grolman, and Larry Nestadt, and has since grown into an international business that serves clients across South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Investec is dual-listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, and it employs over nine thousand staff members worldwide.
The group offers a wide range of financial products and services, including investment banking, private banking, and corporate and institutional banking. It has banking operations in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Guernsey, Jersey, Botswana, Namibia, and Mauritius. This international reach reflects Investec's reputation as a distinctive and respected financial institution.
Beyond its business activities, Investec is committed to giving back to society and to investing in the future of South Africa. The company understands that education is one of the most powerful tools for changing lives and building a stronger country. While many bursary programmes focus on university students, Investec recognises that the foundation for success is laid much earlier, during the high school years. For this reason, the company runs a High School Bursary Programme aimed at supporting talented young learners.
The programme reflects Investec's belief that every child with ability and ambition deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their financial circumstances. It is particularly focused on learners from township and rural schools, who often face greater challenges in accessing quality education. By identifying promising students early and supporting them through to Matric, Investec helps to ensure that talent is not lost simply because of a lack of resources.
The purpose of the programme is to encourage the youth of South Africa to further their studies, with the hope that they will go on to contribute positively to the economy and to the development of the country. It is an investment not only in individual learners but also in the future of the nation, helping to build a generation of capable, educated young people who can become active participants in society.
For talented high school learners who dream of attending university and building successful careers, the Investec High School Bursary represents a rare and valuable opportunity. It provides the financial support needed to stay in a strong school and achieve excellent results, giving young people the foundation they need to pursue their goals and reach their full potential.
## About the Program
The Investec High School Bursary Programme funds high school studies for the 2027 academic year. It is open to students entering Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12 in 2027, and it is mainly aimed at learners from township and rural schools who show strong academic potential, particularly in Mathematics and Physical Science.
The purpose of the programme is to encourage young South Africans to further their studies, with the hope that they will go on to contribute positively to the economy and to the development of the country. By investing in promising students while they are still in high school, Investec aims to help them build a strong academic foundation that can carry them through to university and beyond.
Students are selected based on both financial need and academic potential. The programme is competitive, and meeting all the requirements does not guarantee a bursary, as there are only a limited number available. Successful students are funded for the remainder of their high school studies, which gives them the security of continued support through to Matric.
The academic requirements are demanding. Applicants must study Pure Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and English from Grade 10 to Grade 12, and must show strong potential in these subjects. They need a minimum of 70% for Mathematics, 70% for English, and 70% for all other subjects. This focus on strong results reflects the programme's aim of supporting learners who have the ability to excel.
The programme also looks closely at the schools that applicants attend. To qualify, a school should have a strong track record, including a high Matric pass rate, a high proportion of students qualifying for university entrance, and good performance in Pure Mathematics and English. The school must also demonstrate a holistic, supportive environment for students. These conditions help ensure that the bursary supports learners in environments where they can thrive.
The selection process takes place between December 2026 and March 2027, and communication is handled through the bursary administrator on behalf of Investec. Students continue at their current school rather than moving, and must have been enrolled there for at least one year.
By supporting high school learners, the Investec High School Bursary helps talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds stay in strong schools and build the results they need to pursue higher education and rewarding careers.
## Bursary Benefits
The Investec High School Bursary provides financial support to help talented learners continue their high school education at strong schools. The funding is designed to remove financial barriers so that students can focus on achieving excellent results.
- **Funding for the remainder of your high school studies**, giving security of support through to Matric
- Support aimed at learners from **township and rural schools** who show strong academic potential
- The opportunity to remain at a **strong-performing school** in a supportive environment
- A connection to a respected financial services group committed to education and development
Because the bursary funds the rest of a learner's high school career, recipients do not have to reapply each year or worry about losing support as long as they continue to meet expectations. This continuity is valuable for both students and their families.
Beyond the financial support, the programme aims to help young people build the academic foundation they need for university and future careers. By focusing on subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and English, the bursary supports learners in building skills that open doors to many fields of further study.
## Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Failing to satisfy every criterion will result in an application not being considered.
- You must be a **South African citizen**
- You must be entering **Grade 10, Grade 11, or Grade 12 in 2027**
- You must have a **strong academic record**
- You must study **Pure Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and English** from Grade 10 to Grade 12 and show strong potential in these subjects
- You must have achieved a minimum of **70% for Mathematics** (not Mathematical Literacy)
- You must have achieved a minimum of **70% for English**
- You must have achieved a minimum of **70% for all other subjects**
- You must have **proven financial need**
- You must have been enrolled at your school for at least one year, and you will continue at your current school
- Your school must meet performance criteria, including a minimum 90% Matric pass rate, at least 80% of Matric students qualifying for university entrance, at least 75% of students doing Pure Mathematics, at least 75% achieving 50% or more for Pure Mathematics, at least 80% achieving 50% or more for English, and a demonstrated holistic, supportive environment
## Required Documents
Submit the following supporting documentation, certified where required, along with your completed application form. Missing documents may lead to disqualification.
- A certified copy of your **ID document or birth certificate**
- Your **June 2025 and final results** (certified copy)
- Your **June 2026 results** for Grade 9, 10, or 11 (certified copy)
- **Certificates of achievement** at school (certified copy)
- A **Curriculum Vitae**
- Parents' or guardians' **proof of household income**:
- If employed: latest payslips, a letter from the employer and a sworn statement, or a tax return statement showing income
- If self-employed: latest financial statements
- If unemployed: sworn affidavits
- If deceased: a death certificate
- If divorced: a divorce certificate
- If separated: a sworn statement from one parent
## How to Apply
Applications for the Investec High School Bursary must be submitted online through the administrator's website. Follow these steps to apply successfully:
1. Gather all your required documents and save clear, certified copies so you can upload them easily.
2. Read the bursary administrator's instructions page carefully before you begin, as it explains the process in detail.
3. Visit the online application portal for the Investec High School Bursary.
4. Complete the online application form accurately, providing all requested personal and academic details.
5. When asked how you heard about the bursary, enter the referral information as requested on the form.
6. Upload all your supporting documents, making sure each file is clear and complete.
7. Review your entire application to confirm there are no errors or missing information.
8. Submit your application before the closing date.
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, so it is wise to apply well in advance. Note that selection takes place between December 2026 and March 2027, and the administrator will communicate with your school or with you by email on behalf of Investec. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.
## Tips for Success
A strong bursary application is well prepared, complete, and honest. The following tips can help you give yourself the best chance with the Investec High School Bursary.
- **Confirm your subjects and marks.** You must study Pure Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and English, and achieve at least 70% in Mathematics, English, and all other subjects. Check that you meet these before applying.
- **Make sure your school qualifies.** The programme has detailed requirements for the school you attend. If you are unsure, ask a teacher or your principal whether your school meets the performance criteria.
- **Prepare proof of income carefully.** Financial need is central to selection, so make sure your family's income documents are recent, clear, and appropriate to their employment situation.
- **Gather your results.** You will need several sets of results, including June 2025, final results, and June 2026 results. Collect these early so they are ready to upload.
- **Include certificates of achievement.** Any awards or recognition you have received can strengthen your application, so include them where possible.
- **Write a clear CV.** Even at high school level, a neat CV that lists your achievements, activities, and responsibilities helps present you well.
- **Apply early.** Online systems can become busy near the deadline. Submitting early helps you avoid last-minute technical problems.
- **Get documents certified in advance.** Certified copies take time to arrange, so plan ahead and visit a police station, post office, or Commissioner of Oaths.
- **Proofread your application.** Errors and missing fields create a poor impression. Review everything before submitting, or ask a parent or teacher to check it for you.
- **Be truthful.** Provide only accurate information. Dishonesty can lead to disqualification and damage your reputation.
Because the bursary is competitive, a complete, honest, and well-presented application that clearly shows your potential and financial need will give you the best chance of success.
## Career Prospects
The Investec High School Bursary is focused on supporting learners during their high school years, but its real value lies in the doors it opens for the future. By helping talented students achieve strong results in subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and English, the programme prepares them for a wide range of further study and career options.
Students who excel in **Mathematics and Physical Science** are well positioned to pursue university degrees in fields such as engineering, the sciences, actuarial science, computer science, medicine, and many others. These subjects are gateways to some of the most in-demand and well-paid careers, and strong high school results are essential for gaining entry to these competitive programmes.
Learners who do well in **Accounting** may go on to study towards careers in accounting, finance, economics, and business. These fields offer stable and rewarding work and are central to the functioning of every organisation and the broader economy.
Strong skills in **English** support success across all fields of study, as the ability to read, write, and communicate clearly is valuable in every career. Good English results also help students cope with the demands of university, where much of the work involves reading and writing.
By keeping learners in strong-performing schools and supporting them through to Matric, the bursary increases their chances of qualifying for university entrance. This is a crucial step, as university access can transform a young person's prospects and lift their whole family.
Because the programme is run by a respected financial services group, recipients also gain a connection to an organisation that values education and development. While the bursary itself is for high school, the foundation it builds can lead to opportunities for further support, mentorship, or career pathways in the future.
Ultimately, the careers available to recipients depend on the choices they make after Matric, but the bursary gives them the best possible start. By ensuring that talented learners from disadvantaged backgrounds can stay in good schools and achieve strong results, the programme helps them build the academic foundation needed to pursue their dreams, whether in science, engineering, finance, or any other field that requires a solid school education.
## Frequently Asked Questions
## Who can apply for the Investec High School Bursary?
South African citizens entering Grade 10, Grade 11, or Grade 12 in 2027, mainly from township and rural schools, who study Pure Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and English and meet the academic and financial criteria, may apply.
## What does the bursary cover?
The bursary funds the remainder of the recipient's high school studies, supporting learners through to Matric.
## What marks do I need?
You need at least 70% for Mathematics, 70% for English, and 70% for all other subjects, along with strong potential in Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, and English.
## Does my school need to qualify too?
Yes. Your school must meet performance criteria, including a high Matric pass rate, a high proportion of students qualifying for university entrance, and strong results in Pure Mathematics and English.
## When is the closing date?
Applications close on **30 September 2026**. Late applications will not be accepted.
## How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the administrator's website. You will need to complete the form and upload your supporting documents.
## Will I have to change schools?
No. Recipients continue studying at their current school rather than moving to a different one.
## When does selection happen?
Selection takes place between December 2026 and March 2027, with communication handled by the administrator on behalf of Investec.
## Is a bursary guaranteed if I meet the requirements?
No. The award is competitive, and there are only a limited number of bursaries available, so meeting the requirements does not guarantee funding.
Applications Closing
Applications close on 30 September 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so apply early to make sure your application is considered.