Unfortunately, very often, the issue of financing study becomes a serious obstacle for students in South Africa. However, there is a way out. Many universities around the world and non-profit organizations offer full scholarships or significant discounts on tuition to students who play football.
General information
Private and public schools represent the education system in South Africa. Approximately every tenth institution in the state is commercial. Education in them is paid; in state ones – the budget pays for students. In South Africa, the academic year starts in mid-January and ends in November or early December.
Every educational institution in South Africa determines its own requirements for applicants. The basic list includes a certificate or a diploma that confirms knowledge of the school curriculum; entrance exams, portfolio, and interview are considered additional. For foreign students, the obligatory passing of exams for knowledge of the English language will be added, since education in universities, unlike the school curriculum, takes place only on it. The requirements are the following:
- It is a test that is usually used for admission to educational institutions in Canada and the USA. The South African institutions also accept this certificate. You need to have at least 230 points.
- The IELTS test is considered the most popular confirmation of knowledge used throughout the world – score at least 7 points to be able to apply for the scholarship.
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University of Cape Town Scholarships
UCT is the best leading research university in the African continent. The university actively inspires its students to make scientific discoveries and outstanding achievements in learning, cares about improving the lives of its students and employees and also contributes to the promotion of a just and stable social order. The good news for foreign students is that the UCT offers an exchange program for students.
UCT has approximately 40 sports clubs with approximately 9,000 students and employees. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to continue playing the sport that you like or to try something new. If you are interested in football, athletics, archery, netball, rugby, or yachting, there is something for you.
With an excellent reputation in football, UCT attracts the best athletes to campus. If you have shown great results in football at the age-group level or national school, you may apply for the university sports scholarship.
University of Pretoria Sports Bursaries
University of Pretoria (UP) is a state higher educational institution that was founded in 1908. It is considered one of the largest universities in South Africa. The share of foreign students at the university is 10%. UP is included in the TOP-10 of the most popular universities in South Africa, and its leading directions are:
- Social Sciences and Management
- Arts and Humanities
- Life sciences and medicine.
The university has its own football club. The club views students as the main contributors to the core activities of the University of Pretoria. The club has developed special programs that involve students in well-organized and managed football competitions. The football program’s vision is to be a pioneer and flagship program that ensures the development of players, coaches, and managers who strive to become great performers.
To apply for a sports bursary, the following conditions should be noted:
- Scholarships are awarded only to registered full-time students who have been accepted for a planned course of study at the university.
- Scholarships can be awarded to an applicant for only one sport code, i.e., there is no double funding.
- Those who get a scholarship successfully should sign a written contract.
University of the Western Cape Sports Scholarships
The Western Cape University is making football and other sports a desirable experience for all students. The university also provides healthy competition among all students. Sports activities are available in football, athletics, basketball, water sports, cricket, chess, dancing, hockey, hiking, karate, netball, tennis, volleyball, and so on. If you are good at football, you can apply for sports scholarships at this university.
Nelson Mandela University Sports Scholarships
The university annually awards a number of sports scholarships to deserving students and high school graduates, aiming to improve the level of sports in the institution, as well as to ensure that the young sports stars continue their sports and academic careers in the Eastern Cape province.
You can apply for the scholarship by completing the application form and submitting it by the end of September each year. Successful applicants will be informed of the results of their application in the written form.
University of the Free State Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded annually to athletes who contribute to Kovsies’ reputation on the athletic field. Applications for these scholarships are closed on November 30 of the year preceding the study year.
Rhodes University Scholarships
The Rhodes University has a good reputation among the universities in South Africa, currently occupying fifth place in the national ranking (and 587th in the world list of the best educational institutions). Also, the institution statistically shows the best research results per academic employee. Of the more than 8000 students, 30% are postgraduate students. At this university, a student who plays football may apply for the Nicholas Iain Paumgarten Scholarship.
Nicholas Iain Paumgarten Scholarship
Eligibility:
- South African citizenship.
- Honors, HDAC, or Master of Accounting.
- Full-time attendance.
- Academic merit.
- Moreover, the Committee will consider applicants who actively participate in sports (football including), cultural and altruistic activities while maintaining academic performance that qualifies them for an Honors/HDAC or Master’s degree award.
Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University (SU) brings together an academic community of 29,000 students (including 4,000 international students from 100 countries) and 3,000 permanent employees (including 1,000 academics) on five campuses. A historic campus with perennial oak trees, a university town nestled in the Boland Mountains in the Western Cape wine-growing regions, creates a unique atmosphere that attracts both local and international students. On the main campus, cobblestone walkways wind between buildings – some of them were built in previous centuries, others just a few years old. Together with the picturesque beauty of the area, ultra-modern, environmentally-friendly equipment, and technologies, the university testifies to a solid academic foundation, the creation of an institute of excellence.
A number of special scholarships are available for those who are good at football or other sports. You can get more information about these scholarships at Maties Sport by calling 021 808 4642 or contacting them at [email protected].
With the advent of sports scholarships, students who are good at football have an excellent opportunity to study at one of the best universities in South Africa. Choose the most suitable one for you!