Blind SA, originally known as the South African Blind Worker’s Organisation, was formed in 1946, with the purpose of helping the blind find meaningful careers.
While this is still one of the organization’s main goals, Blind SA has since gone on to place blind people in jobs, establish Braille Services, awarding bursaries, create a skills development service, and successfully lobbying and pursuing matters that concern the blind.
ABOUT THE BLIND SA BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
Blind SA is inviting blind and partially sighted students to apply for bursary funding. Bursaries are awarded twice each year, for full-time and part-time studies at tertiary institutions, to enable visually disabled students the same opportunities as their sighted peers.
Candidates will be selected based on 2 main criteria: merit and availability of funding.
Blind SA bursaries are made possible by donors who sponsor students at tertiary level around South Africa, from first year through to a postgraduate Masters degree.
MORE ABOUT THE BLIND SA BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE
Bursaries will be awarded to the value of R8 000 for full-time studies and R4 000 for part-time studies. Aside from financial aid, the bursary will also assist with special equipment, study material, and transport.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application and funding will be paid to successful students by 31 March and 31 August each year, after receipt of registration details and verification of criteria.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BLIND SA BURSARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be blind or partially sighted
- You must have completed Matric or an equivalent qualification
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 60% in Matric or equivalent qualification (if this is your first application)
- You must have passed a majority of your courses in the previous year or semester (if you are a previous bursary recipient)
- You must be enrolled or studying on a full-time or part-time basis
- You must be enrolled or studying at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BLIND SA BURSARY
Download and complete the Blind SA Bursary Application 2024 (.doc)
Note: the application form is available in braille on request.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- Most recent academic achievements
- Final examination results for the previous academic year (this must be submitted as soon as it is available and by NO LATER THAN 1 February or 1 July each year)
- Proof of registration and student number (certified copy)
- Detailed description of your course (including duration and fees)
- Eye condition form (signed and stamped by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist)
Applications must be submitted to the Blind SA Head Office, in either of the following ways:
– Email: [email protected]
(Insert the words “Blind SA Bursary Application 2024” in the email subject line).
– Post: Blind SA, Private Bag X9005, CROWN MINES, 2025
CLOSING DATE FOR THE BLIND SA BURSARY
31 January and 31 July (these 2 application windows are open each year).
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact Blind SA directly:
Contact person: Denise Frost
Email: [email protected]