Students for a Better Future (Andreas and Susan Struengmann Foundation)

Students for a Better Future (SBF) is a Cape Town scholarship programme sponsored by the Andreas and Susan Struengmann Foundation. SBF supports academically talented learners from low-income homes on a journey from Grade 6 to their first job.

Registered name

Students for a Better Future (Andreas and Susan Struengmann Foundation)

Type

Scholarship programme (private foundation)

Fields funded

High school scholarships from Grade 7 preparation to university and first job

Website

studentsforabetterfuture.co.za

A promise made in the Eastern Cape

Dr Andreas Struengmann and his wife Susan were inspired to support education in South Africa after seeing the lack of resources in schools while working in the Eastern Cape. They committed to improving access to quality education if they became successful. The foundation, established in 2007 according to a provider record checked in August 2026, has also opened Disa Primary School in Hout Bay with the Western Cape Education Department and funded a UCT chair in child and adolescent mental health through the Sue Struengmann Initiative.

Starting in Grade 6

SBF starts earlier than most programmes, aiming to give high-potential children resilience, skills and confidence before high school. From thousands of applications, 60 scholars join each year. Scholars complete a seven-month preparatory programme and are then placed at one of SBF’s 14 partner schools, with holistic support. SBF’s first intake went to nine partner schools, and SBF later committed to support scholars through university.

The best SBF scholars can join a three-year power skills and placement programme, and some become peer leaders. SBF says its graduates work at organisations such as PwC and Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr.

A thorough selection process

SBF screens all applications on the same criteria, with financial need and academic performance first. Applicants then write an entrance exam in English and Mathematics at an age-appropriate level, and top performers complete online tests of psychosocial and academic ability. SBF social workers visit applicants’ homes to understand families and choose the right school. The final stage, the Explorers Gateway, tests creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and resilience through hands-on activities.

SBF has embedded psychosocial and parent support in its approach and advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at partner schools.

Timing

Recruitment begins in July each year. Applications for learners entering Grade 8 in 2028 closed on 12 August 2026, and late applications are not accepted.

How families can research SBF

Parents of children in Grade 5 should follow SBF’s social media for the 2027 call and prepare school reports and income documents early.

See the Allan Gray Orbis high school scholarship.