Nova Pioneer is a pan-African network of schools providing a world-class education at an accessible cost. Our students learn by debating, solving real-world problems, and building innovations rather than simply memorising facts as is too often the case in traditional education.

The impact of our model is clear: many parents report that their children have been transformed within a few months in our schools and our students regularly exceed expectations for their age, including winning business plan competitions against university graduates and outperforming peers from around the world on rigorous assessments. 

Providing Equal Opportunity

We created the Nova Pioneer Foundation to provide talented, aspirational young people with access to our schools regardless of their financial backgrounds. While our fees are far below those of similar quality schools, there are still many families in our focus countries that cannot afford our education model. To date, the scholarship fund has supported dozens of young people to receive a transformational education at our schools. 

As part of our commitment to making education accessible to all, we are excited to announce the Nova Pioneer Foundation’s new partial Need-based Bursary Programme, in addition to the expansion of their Academic Scholarships Programme. 

Needs-based Bursary Programme

This programme aims to help families who aspire to join the Nova Pioneer Schools community in South Africa but face financial constraints in affording the school fees. By offering bursaries that cover up to 50% of annual tuition, the Foundation aims to support eligible students from Grade 1 to Grade 10 in the 2025 academic year at the various Nova Pioneer campuses in Johannesburg.

The bursary programme is designed to empower deserving students who demonstrate a genuine need for financial support. We understand that education is a key driver of progress and development, and we are committed to identifying and supporting talented students who may not have the financial means to pursue their educational aspirations. 

Academic Scholarship Programme

The Nova Pioneer Foundation has also expanded their Academic Scholarship Programme, available to students in Grade 6 to A-levels in the 2025 academic year. Recipients of current Academic Scholarships have been among the highest performing members of our community and are set to become true leaders and innovators of their countries. 

Apply for a scholarship and bursary online, indicating your interest in the ‘Are you applying for a scholarship or bursary?’ drop down on the form.

Through these programmes, the Foundation aims to contribute towards shaping the African century by nurturing the next generation of leaders and innovators who will make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.