Department of Higher Education Bursaries
The Department of Higher Education has bursaries available for candidates, who want to succeed in life.
Is this who you are?
Their vision and mission are to provide training, as well as a stable education to candidates who want to study further. They aid in distributing qualified skilled workers, into the workforce within South Africa. They specialize in scarce skill sets and providing needy, yet talented individuals with the opportunity to complete their studies. They believe in teamwork, individuality, and that there is a future for all.
They also assist in alleviating the social inequalities within South Africa. This includes providing education for all ages, race, gender or even those with disabilities. They have three types of bursaries available, namely, a full bursary, partial bursary, and a work-back bursary. These bursaries have funding for tuition, accommodation, prescribed books and more.
These bursary opportunities have different funding available. There are only a number of available bursaries yearly, and each has its own conditions of acceptance.
Department of Higher Education Bursaries Available
If you are planning to study into one of the following directions, a bursary from this Department is just what you need.
They have the following fields available and more:
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Economics
- Architecture
- Accounting
- Medical Care
- Construction Management
- Corporate Governance
- Town Planning & Regional Planning
- Quality Surveying
- Public Finance
- Asset Management
- Public Policy
- Supply Chain
- Business Administration
Bursary Requirements
If you are currently still in grade 12 or studying at an institute of higher learning in one of the fields mentioned, you may apply for a bursary with the department.
To qualify for any of these bursaries, candidates must adhere to the following:
- Grade 12 level of education
- Must provide proof of residence
- Must be proficient in English
- Must be a South African citizen
- Possess a valid South African ID
- Proof of parent or guardian income
- Certified copy of ID document of parent or guardian
- Proof of disability if any, from a registered doctor
- Must provide proof of the need for financial aid
Candidates must also provide proof of acceptance at an institute of higher learning. Candidates from a previously disadvantaged background will be given preference.
The Department will send an e-mail to those candidates who have made it to the short-list unless a phone number has been supplied, then candidates will receive an sms. Candidates will be evaluated in accordance to academic performance and their need.
Candidates must apply to their provincial Department. Candidates must also be willing to enter into a work agreement upon completion of their studies, this is if there are available openings within their field of expertise. Candidates must pass all their courses with a minimum of 50% success, any failed subjects must be re-taken at their own expense.
Bursary Application
Online application process for bursaries is only made available once applications open.
Each province has their own bursaries available, and candidates are urged to apply accordingly. Here is what the application looks like and what will be asked of candidates.
Please include your latest school results and certified copy of your ID, Curriculum Vitae as well as all other documentation as is indicated.
Candidates can obtain applications from their individual Departments of Higher Education within their province. If candidates are in need of any general information surrounding these bursaries, they may send an e-mail to: [email protected] or search on the website here.
It is highly recommended to carefully read the information provided prior to the application. Then also, carefully consider your answers before entering them into the application form. Answer all questions truthfully and precise. Ensure all documentation is certified, and attached before submitting your application.
Closing Date
Normal closing date for applications will differ in accordance to each province. Candidates are thus urged to find out what these dates are, from their Department of Higher Education within their province.
It is advisable for candidates to also supply a cover letter with their application, here included ought to be their desires, interests, additional skills or education, reasons why they deserve the bursary, as well as any references from parents, teachers and people of interest.