SAILI provides maths and science scholarships to talented learners. SAILI places talented learners in academically successful schools. Our Cape Town partner schools are: Bergvliet, Claremont, Rylands, Spine Rd, South Peninsula, Pinelands, Milnerton, The Settlers and Bellville.  Our Worcester partner is: Worcester Gimnasium.

SAILI is open for applications in August-September each year.  Initial application forms are available from applysaili@gmail.com  Only Grade 6 learners may apply.

The application form is available here.

Who can apply?

Families must have income under R12 000 / month BEFORE deductions to be eligible.  We do not consider debt or number of dependents in this initial application.  We do not ever take families with income over R12 000.  Proof of income is not required at the initial stage however it is required later.  Income from both parents is considered unless a parent is unknown or deceased.  Divorced parents must both provide proof of income.  Any other adults contributing to household expenses must also provide proof of income.

Learners must have a code 6 or 7 for their English (Home Language or First Additional) and Maths.  Please send the term 2, Grade 6 report and learner’s birth certificate with the Initial Application.

Does race matter?

SAILI does support refugees, foreign nationals and White South Africans. However, the majority of our recipients are from South African previously disadvantage backgrounds. This is because some of our funders will only invest in young people of color.

What does the scholarship cover?

A SAILI scholarship will cover full fees at schools costing less than R10 000/year. At more expensive schools SAILI will contribute a portion of the fees and  families will be able to apply for fee exemption for the remainder. Additionally, SAILI may contribute to school uniform, stationery and textbooks, depending on individual family need.   SAILI provides quarterly educational outings and workshops with a focus on career guidance, maths and science.

How does SAILI select learners?

Our selection process involves a maths test based on Grade 6 maths content.  This test is written at the end of Grade 6.  Learners must score at least 80% to proceed to the next round of testing.   The second test is written early in Grade 7.  It is a more general test including opportunities for applicants to tell us about themselves and their families.

Families are required to provide proof of income at this time.

If a learner is offered a scholarship they still must gain a place at a SAILI school by completing the school’s application process.  SAILI signs an agreement with the family once there is a firm offer of a high school place.

Applications for high school 2021 close at the end of term 3, 2019.