KMF High School Scholarship 2028

About the Provider

The Kay Mason Foundation (KMF) is a leading South African educational trust established in 1999 with the mission of eliminating barriers to quality education that many young, underprivileged South Africans face. Based in the Western Cape, the foundation has spent over two decades identifying talented learners from disadvantaged communities and providing them with the support they need to access excellent schooling and reach their full potential.

KMF operates on the principle that every child deserves access to quality education regardless of their socio-economic background. The foundation recognises that talent is evenly distributed across all communities, but opportunity is not. By bridging this gap, KMF creates pathways for exceptional young learners to attend schools that will challenge and develop them academically, socially, and personally.

The foundation's approach is distinctly holistic. Rather than simply providing financial assistance, KMF has developed a comprehensive suite of programmes designed to support scholars across every dimension of their educational journey. This includes social support, academic assistance, financial aid, and emotional guidance — recognising that learners transitioning from under-resourced environments to high-performing schools need more than just money to succeed.

To date, a significant number of students have benefited from KMF's programmes and transformed their lives through access to quality education. Many KMF alumni have gone on to tertiary education and successful careers, demonstrating the long-term impact of early educational intervention.

The foundation's work is supported by a dedicated team of educators, mentors, and volunteers who are committed to nurturing the next generation of South African leaders. Their Saturday programmes, workshops, and ongoing support systems create a community of learning that extends well beyond the classroom.

About the Program

The KMF High School Scholarship Programme is a comprehensive educational initiative that identifies talented Grade 6 learners from disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape and places them at top South African high schools for their Grade 8 studies beginning in 2028. The programme goes far beyond simple financial assistance, providing a holistic support system designed to help scholars reach their full academic potential.

The scholarship covers partial costs of a scholar's education, with KMF partnering with parents to make quality education accessible. Funding extends to school fees, uniforms, textbooks, transport, tutoring, school camps, and extra-curricular activities. Additionally, scholars receive support workshops, psychometric testing, career guidance, and post-graduation support throughout their high school journey.

What makes the KMF programme unique is its rigorous multi-stage selection process that begins more than a year before scholars enter Grade 8. Candidates undergo academic assessments in June 2026, followed by final screening between July and August, a second assessment and academic workshop in September, presentations and interviews in October/November, and a camp in mid-December 2026. Scholarships are officially awarded early in 2027 for the 2028 school year.

During the selection phase, candidates are required to attend Saturday classes and assessments in Bellville. This commitment demonstrates the programme's investment in identifying learners who are not only academically capable but also dedicated and willing to put in extra effort. Participation in the Saturday programme does not guarantee a scholarship award — it forms part of the ongoing evaluation process.

Once awarded, scholars join the Senior Scholar Preparation Programme in 2027 and continue participating in Saturday classes, ensuring they are academically and socially prepared for the transition to high school. This preparation period is crucial for learners moving from under-resourced primary schools to well-established high schools where academic expectations may be significantly higher.

Bursary Benefits

• Partial school fees coverage at a top South African high school
• Uniform funding for the duration of the scholarship
• Textbook provision for all required subjects
• Transport assistance to and from school
• Tutoring support to help scholars maintain strong academic performance
• School camps and extra-curricular activity funding
• Support workshops addressing academic and personal development
• Psychometric testing to understand each scholar's strengths and learning style
• Career guidance throughout high school
• Post-graduation support to assist with tertiary education planning
• Placement at a top institution matched to the scholar's abilities and location

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must be between 10 and 13 years old in 2026
• You must be in Grade 6 in 2026
• You must be entering Grade 8 in 2028
• You must reside within the Western Cape (Cape Town, Southern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Helderberg Area, or within travelling distance of the KMF offices in Bellville)
• Your combined household gross income must not exceed R17 500 per month
• You must be able to commute to Bellville on Saturdays to attend classes during the selection and preparation phases
• You must demonstrate leadership potential, be hard-working, and be committed to your schooling

Required Documents

• Learner's birth certificate
• Parent or legal guardian's ID documents (or death certificate if deceased)
• Grade 5 Term 4 report
• Grade 6 Term 1 report
• Handwritten essay by the applicant about their family, living conditions, and community (must be in the applicant's own handwriting)
• Parent or legal guardian's 3 months bank statements
• Proof of income (varies by employment status):
  • If employed: 3 months salary slips, 3 years IRP5s, and copy of employment contract
  • If self-employed: 3 years tax returns and 3 years IRP5s if taking a salary
  • If unemployed: affidavit indicating duration and reason
  • If receiving SASSA grant: letter from SASSA confirming all grants received
  • If disabled/unable to work: proof of disability
  • If retrenched: retrenchment and UIF letter
  • If receiving pension: 3 months pension statements or salary slips or 3 years IRP5s
  • If receiving maintenance: court order as proof

How to Apply

1. Confirm that your child meets all eligibility requirements: South African citizen, aged 10-13 in 2026, currently in Grade 6, residing in the Western Cape (Cape Town, Southern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Helderberg, or within travelling distance of Bellville), and with a combined household gross income not exceeding R17 500 per month.
2. Scan and prepare all required supporting documents individually — each document must be uploaded separately.
3. Visit the official KMF High School Scholarship Application portal online.
4. Complete the online application form in full, ensuring all contact details are correct.
5. Upload all required documents: birth certificate, parent/guardian ID, Grade 5 Term 4 report, Grade 6 Term 1 report, handwritten essay by the applicant, 3 months bank statements, and proof of income documentation.
6. Ensure the applicant writes their own essay about their family, living conditions, and community in their own handwriting.
7. Double-check that no documents are missing — incomplete applications will be disqualified.
8. Submit the application before the closing date of 17 May 2026.
9. If selected for the first round, the candidate will be invited to academic assessments in June 2026. Ensure the candidate can attend Saturday classes in Bellville throughout the selection process.

Tips for Success

• Start gathering documents early — the income documentation requirements are extensive and may take time to collect, especially IRP5s and bank statements.
• Ensure the essay is genuinely written by your child — it must be in their own handwriting. The foundation uses this to assess the learner's communication skills and authenticity.
• Scan each document separately — the application system requires individual uploads for each document. Combining multiple documents into one file may cause issues.
• Confirm your child can commit to Saturday classes in Bellville throughout the selection process (June–December 2026). This is a non-negotiable requirement.
• Be completely transparent about household income — a full financial review will be conducted. Discrepancies between declared income and bank statements will raise concerns.
• Encourage your child to demonstrate leadership in their current school and community. The programme values initiative and commitment, not just academic marks.
• Check all contact details are correct on the application form. If KMF cannot reach you about assessments, your child's application will be disqualified.
• Do not miss any scheduled assessments or meetings once contacted. Missing a single session results in automatic disqualification.
• Prepare your child for the academic assessments in June 2026. While the programme values potential over current achievement, strong performance helps.
• Understand that this is a partnership — KMF does not cover 100% of costs. Be prepared to contribute financially alongside the scholarship support.

Career Prospects

While the KMF scholarship supports high school education rather than tertiary studies, the foundation it provides is invaluable for future career success. Scholars who complete their high school education at top institutions are significantly better positioned for university admission and career opportunities.

The programme's emphasis on leadership development, academic excellence, and personal growth prepares scholars for success in any field they choose to pursue. KMF alumni have gone on to study at leading South African universities and pursue careers across diverse sectors.

Key advantages for KMF scholars' future careers include:

• Strong academic foundation from attending a well-resourced high school with experienced teachers
• Leadership skills developed through the programme's workshops and extra-curricular activities
• Career guidance that helps scholars make informed decisions about subject choices and tertiary study options
• Post-graduation support that bridges the gap between high school and university
• Network of alumni and mentors who provide ongoing guidance and opportunities
• Confidence and resilience built through the programme's holistic support system

The KMF programme specifically aims to develop future leaders of South Africa. By providing quality education to talented learners from disadvantaged communities, the foundation creates pathways to careers in medicine, engineering, law, business, education, technology, and public service that might otherwise have been inaccessible.

Scholars also benefit from the social capital gained through attending well-established schools, including exposure to diverse peer groups, professional networks, and opportunities for internships and mentorship that these institutions typically offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age must my child be to apply?

Your child must be between 10 and 13 years old in 2026 and currently in Grade 6. The scholarship is for entry into Grade 8 in 2028, so there is a preparation year (2027) built into the programme.

Does the scholarship cover all school fees?

No. The KMF scholarship provides partial coverage of education costs. KMF partners with parents to make quality education affordable. The scholarship covers a portion of school fees, uniforms, textbooks, transport, tutoring, camps, and extra-curricular activities.

Do we need to live in the Western Cape?

Yes. Applicants must reside in Cape Town, the Southern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Helderberg Area, or within travelling distance of the KMF offices in Bellville. This is because candidates must attend Saturday classes in Bellville during the selection and preparation phases.

What is the income threshold?

The combined household gross income must not exceed R17 500 per month. A complete financial review will be conducted before candidates are considered for the programme.

What happens after I apply?

The selection process runs from June to December 2026. It includes academic assessments, screening, workshops, interviews, and a camp. Candidates must attend Saturday classes in Bellville throughout this period. Scholarships are officially awarded early in 2027.

Does attending Saturday classes guarantee a scholarship?

No. Participation in the Selection and Support Programme (Saturday classes) does not guarantee a scholarship award. It forms part of the ongoing evaluation process.

What if my child misses an assessment?

If you have received communication about an assessment or important meeting but your child misses it, the application will be disqualified. Attendance and commitment are essential.

Which schools will my child attend?

KMF matches scholars with top South African institutions based on their abilities, location, and the school's capacity. The specific school is determined during the selection process.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 17 May 2026 (extended deadline). Apply before this date to be considered for the 2028 intake.

About the Organization

Email: development@kmf.org.za Website: https://kmf.org.za/contact-us/