Q
What is the process to apply?
To apply to become a Siyandisa Achiever, you must first register on the Siyandisa Application Portal (go to Register/Login at the top of the website) and then create a Profile for yourself. Once your Profile has been approved by us, you will be able to apply. However, remember that to apply, you must meet our Eligibility Criteria as set out on the Apply pages on our website. Please review these carefully before you apply.
Q
If I register, will I automatically qualify?
No. By registering on our Application Portal you gain access to exclusive news and information about upcoming opportunities, including applying to become a Siyandisa Achiever. However, you will need to meet our Eligibility Criteria in order to qualify. Importantly though, even if you meet our Eligibility Criteria, it does not guarantee that you will be nominated to become a Siyandisa Achiever. That decision remains in the discretion of the Management Team and is subject to available positions, number of applications received and the quality of applicants.
Q
When do applications for 2025 open?
Applications for 2025 open on 18 November 2024 and will close on 18 December 2024. To apply you must first register by going to clicking on Register/Login at the top of our website and then completing your Profile. Navigate to the Applications area where you will find the Application process for Siyandisa Achievers 2025.
Q
What happens if my grades dipped below 80%?
The Siyandisa Achievers Programme is about academic excellence. Accordingly, it is a stated requirement for selection that applicants must be in Grade 11 when they apply and must have achieved an average of above 80% in their Grade 11 year at the point when they apply. If your marks have dipped substantially below 80%, you will not qualify for consideration. If your marks have just dipped below 80% average eg. 79.5% on average, then you can consider applying, but understand that candidates with better averages will be given preference in our consideration.
Q
Can I apply if I am not a South African citizen?
No. Unfortunately, it is a stated requirement of the Programme that applicants must be South African citizens (learners) in Grade 11 studying at a South African Quintile 1 to 3 school.
Q
Does the Programme include academic bursaries?
The Siyandisa Achievers Programme is not a scholarship or bursary programme. For more information on our Programme, please visit the Explore pages on our website. We do however from time-to-time obtain ad hoc funding in respect of specific Achievers or for general bursaries which are then placed within our Achiever cohorts and is not available generally for public application.
Q
My parents aren’t rich, but we are not poor either. Can I still apply?
One of our Eligibility Criteria is that you must be a learner in Grade 11 at a Quintile 1 to 3 South African public school. We do not apply a means test to the parents or guardians of our applicants but rather align our Programme with the assessed Quintile levels of our South African schools which is based on socio-economic levels of public schools and their communities.
Q
Can I apply if I am already in Grade 12?
No. Unfortunately, to apply you have to be in Grade 11 when you apply. This is because our Programme incorporates specific support elements aimed at Grade 12 Achievers who are already in the Programme during their Grade 12 year.
Q
Why do you need photos of me?
The headshot photo that you must submit, should your application be successful, will be used for your formal website profile and other marketing of our new Siyandisa Achievers. It is therefore very important that you follow our headshot example document (we provide when you apply) to ensure that we have a good quality headshot to use.
Q
What will I get if I become an Achiever?
Should you be elected to become a Siyandisa Achiever, you will form part of a very unique Programme built around making you the best you can be! By becoming an Achiever you will gain access to all our Programme Content (view the Explore pages on our website for more information) for the duration of your Grade 12 year as well as your tertiary studies. After completing your tertiary studies and commencing employment, as an Alumni you will still continue to have access to certain resources and support under our Programme.