S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)
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The NSTF Brilliants Programme recognises at least 18 first-year students studying in the science, medicine and engineering fields. A young man and woman are chosen from each of the 9 provinces. These students must have received top marks in mathematics and physical science in the National Senior Certificate Examinations (grade 12) of the previous year. They are identified by the national Department of Basic Education, and selected by the NSTF.
The 2026 Brilliants students are:
Clarendon Girls High School (HS) MBChB (Medicine) University of Stellenbosch (SU)
Motherwell HS BEng (Mechanical Engineering) University of Cape Town (UCT)
Hoërskool Jim Fouché MBChB (Medicine) University of the Free State (UFS)
Teto Secondary School (SS) BSc (Computer Science, Data Science and Statistics) UCT
Diepsloot Secondary No 2 MBChB (Medicine) UCT
Parktown Girls High School MBChB (Medicine) Witwatersrand (Wits)
Buhle Park SS MBChB (Medicine) UCT
Mpilisweni SS BEng (Mechatronics Engineering) SU
Sidelile HS MBChB (Medicine) UCT
Verulam SS BEng (Electrical Engineering) University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Hoërskool Noorderland MBChB (Medicine) UCT
Merensky Agricultural Academy BScAgric (Applied Plant and Soil Sciences) University of Pretoria (UP)
Mamolemane SS BEng (Electrical Engineering) University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Elangwane SS BEng (Mechatronics Engineering) UCT
Zikodze SS BEng (Electrical Engineering) Wits
Hoërskool Upington BEng (Industrial Engineering) SU
Baitiredi Technical & Commercial HS BEng (Electrical Engineering) UCT
Hoër Volkskool BSc (Biological Sciences with Microbiology and Biochemistry) University of North-West (NWU)
Setswakgosing HS MBChB (Medicine) UCT
DF Malan High School MBChB (Medicine) SU
Hoërskool Durbanville BSc (Biodiversity and Ecology) SU
Rondebosch Boys’ HS BEng (Mechatronics Engineering) SU
Past Brilliants Awardees
The aims of the Brilliants Programme
Inspire and motivate
Through a speakers’ programme (workshop) and tour of science related sites and facilities:
Recognition
Bursaries
The reason for the Brilliants Programme
Top results in Grade 12 do not guarantee success. Many school leavers and even graduates struggle to find appropriate work and direction in their lives. This is a concern for SET industries, professionals and for the NSTF. In particular, the NSTF tries to encourage students to complete their studies in science or engineering as far as they possibly can (preferably up to PhD level). The NSTF also tries to motivate students to find their way into one of the many interesting and fulfilling positions in the National System of Innovation (which includes scientific research, engineering and industry).
How the Brilliants awardees are chosen
Valuable programme
The Brilliants programme (previously called the Education Recognition Programme) has proven to be a valuable project. Many deserving previously-disadvantaged students have been inspired and motivated, as well as often helped to obtain bursaries.
Why the NSTF runs the Brilliants programme
Make your organisation part of the Brilliants Programme
If you would like to participate in the workshop to inspire and give advice to bright young people, or offer a tour of your facilities, contact the NSTF office at enquiries@nstf.org.za.
NSTF Brilliants Programme
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
The NSTF welcomes collaboration with other organisations, such as those that have been
partnering with the programme for many years:
S.E.T. for socio-economic growth
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