The Canon Collins Educational and Legal Assistance Trust has been awarding scholarships for postgraduate studies since 1981. The Trust supports development in southern Africa by awarding scholarships for postgraduate studies, to students with strong academic records.
The Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary, established in 2007, is a non-profit initiative formed by a group of professionals who aim to provide access to higher education. The bursary is funded by individuals, and is run by the UK-based Canon Collins office, as well as a committee of supporters.
ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED & COVERAGE VALUE
The Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary will be awarding 2 bursaries, to the value of R6 000, to cover outstanding student debt for undergraduate students.
Previously, the Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary would cover the registration fees for 1st-year students, but due to the South African government’s response to the funding of Higher Education (NSFAS), the Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary has decided to instead pay off student debt.
Learners who have completed their undergraduate or Honours studies, but have their degree certificate or academic records withheld due to outstanding debt, can apply for this debt relief bursary (up to a maximum of R6 000). The bursary will only cover debt for students who have studied in the following fields:
- Arts (including: Drama / Performance Studies, Digital Arts, Fine Arts / Visual Arts, Film and Television Studies, History of Art, Music)
- Education
- Gender Studies
- Languages and Literature
- Media Studies
MORE ABOUT THE BURSARY PROGRAMME – SELECTION
Successful candidates will be notified by 30 April 2021 – if you do not receive any feedback then you have not been successful (please do NOT email to enquire about the outcome of your application).
Bursary awards will be paid directly to the University. Successful candidates will be required to submit a short biography and profile photo to be presented in Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary reports, they will also be required to submit a copy of their degree certificate within 1 month after their debt is paid off.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
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):
- Must be a national of an African country or have refugee status in an African country
- Must have completed an undergraduate or Honours degree (Not MA or PhD qualification), in one of the aforementioned fields of study
- Must have studied at a public university in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape or Limpopo
- Must have outstanding student debt of no more than R6 000
- Must have missed a minimum of 1 graduation due to outstanding debt
- Must not have NSFAS debt or other scholarship debts
- Must demonstrate academic merit
- Must demonstrate financial need
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE BURSARY
Download and complete the Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary Application Form (.pdf)
Please note the following when filling in your application form:
1) Do NOT write in capital letters.
2) Attach your application form and all the below supporting documents in 1 email.
3) Complete all the sections of the application form.
4) Pay attention to grammar and presentation.
5) Read the Canon Collins Thekgo Bursary Guidelines (.pdf) before applying.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application be disregarded):
- ID document/ Passport (certified copy)
- Transcripts of academic results of completed degree
- Latest university fees statement showing outstanding debt (on university letterhead)
- Proof of graduation missed due to outstanding debt
- Proof of financial need (3 months bank statements / affidavit or statement of oath confirming financial difficulties)
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
- Certificates showing your commitment to your field of study
- Reference letter from someone in the academic department indicating your academic merit and the completion of all modules (this can be submitted after being shortlisted)
Applications must be submitted electronically via email to: [email protected]
(Insert the words “Thekgo Bursary Application – Your Full Name” in the email subject line).
CLOSING DATE
15 March.
(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 Canon Collins directly:
Tel: +44 020 3770 5395
E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]