Funding your studies

South African citizens, who are resident in the Western Cape and are registered at a Higher Education Institution in the Western Cape, unless otherwise stipulated by a particular donor.

1. Household income considered

The means test is the most important criteria for selection and is adjusted according to inflation each year.

• A total monthly income below R18 000 for a family with 2 children, this will increase by R2000 per child for up to four children   
• Combined annual income that is one cent above R350 000 up to R600 000 (missing middle).
• Priority is given to those in most financial need provided the merit criteria is met.

2. Social background:

Priority is given to candidates whose social background has impeded access to equal education especially those from rural areas and/or informal settlements.

3. Individual potential:

• Assessment of the character of an applicant helps to determine the ability to succeed, therefore applicants are required to motivate their bursary applications in writing. 
• The selection committee may use this information to assess the strength of character e.g. leadership potential and communication skills.

4. Educational background:

Candidates who have attended schools which are deemed to be ‘dysfunctional’ but have nevertheless, obtained a University entrance, will be given priority.

5. Academic potential:

Priority will be given to candidates whose results show above average ability in subjects relevant to their chosen course of study.

6. Saturday school (excellent attendance):

Priority is given to candidates who have excellent attendance and have shown commitment on the ASSET Learner Development Programme (Saturday School) and qualifying results at HEI’s.

South African citizens, refugees, and asylum seekers who fulfil the following criteria:

• Current HCI Foundation bursary recipients who are continuing their undergraduate studies in 2025 at a public university or university of technology in South Africa.
• New 2025 Honours and Post-graduate Diploma students at the listed institutions
• The gross family income should be less than R38 000 per month.
• Age 35 years or under on 30 September 2024.

• 65%+ Aggregate
• Minimum 65% in Accounting, Taxation and Auditing
• 2nd, 3rd and 4th academic year/ PGDA / CTA
• SA citizen
• 27 years old and younger

Must be registered for one of the following qualifications in the 2025 academic year:

• Final year of a four-year undergraduate degree in Fine Arts
• Honours degree in Fine Arts (following a three-year undergraduate degree in Fine Arts)
• Master’s degree in Fine Arts
• One-year Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts (following a three-year undergraduate diploma in Fine Arts)

• Provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree at a South African university
• Achieved an average pass mark of 70% in the June Grade 12/Matric examinations, with the final awarding of the bursary subject to final results
• Be younger than 30 years of age; and
• Be in financial need (unable to afford to attend university without a bursary).

• Provisional acceptance into an undergraduate degree in the field of economics
• Achieved an average pass mark of 70% in their current year of study, with a good command of English and Mathematics (70% and above)
• Be younger than 30 years of age; and
• Be in financial need (unable to afford to attend university without a bursary).

The main criteria used in the selection of successful applicants are financial need, academic potential and career-oriented study programmes.

• You should upload your FULL academic record as well as your fee statement for ALL study years.
• An application will only be considered if it has been completed properly and in full.
• Documents that accompany the application form must be uploaded and certified.
• SANSA or university testimonial forms must be completed by the supervisor and uploaded to the application form.

We are currently revising the bursary values which may change for 2025 and these will be communicated in due course. We fund the individual programmes as follow:

• Honours – one year @ R100 000
• Masters – two years @ R120 000
• Doctorate – three years @ R140 000 

Masters and doctoral bursars MUST reapply every year for continued funding.

Applicants may only hold a merit award and not a combination of bursaries that exceed the amounts above.

Should an applicant have another bursary of lessor amount, SANSA will consider providing a top-up bursary amount to the student provided the student meets the criteria mentioned above.

Support for continuing years is not guaranteed and will depend on satisfactory progress during the previous year.

Applicants must be South African citizens

Applicants must complete the relevant bursary application forms available from the website address: www.dalrrd.gov.za (Click on vacancies)

 Applicants who apply for fields of study that are not listed above will not be considered.

• The applicant must be a South African citizen or Permanent Residence
• Applying for qualifications specified in the advert only
• Students studying towards an academic qualification
• Learners in grade 12 to receive funding to study at Public/Private TVET College, Public/Private accredited University, accredited Diving School
• Passed grade 12 to receive funding to study at TVET College, Public/Private accredited University, accredited Diving School and Flying School
• Applicants must be youth at the time of submitting the application
• Total household income must be R350 000 or less per annum
• Registering for your first time at a public or private university for an undergraduate qualification or registered at a public TVET college for a National Certificate Vocational
• Previously disadvantaged with demonstrated potential with a minimum pass mark of 40%
• In possession of a valid Private Pilot License (PPL) when applying for Commercial Pilot Training
• In possession of a valid Commercial Pilot License when applying for Instructor’s or Instrument Rating
• In possession of valid Commercial Pilot License, Instructor’s and Instrument rating when applying for ATPL