SIOC Community Development Trust invites eligible students to apply for the 2026 Bursary Programme. The closing date for applications is 25 November 2025.
About the Bursary
The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC‑CDT) is working hard to give young people in South Africa a better chance to finish school and get a job. They’re opening the 2026 Bursary Programme, which is a special scholarship that pays for many of the costs that make college expensive. It is aimed at students from these communities: Gamagara, Ga‑Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane, and Thabazimbi.
If you’re a student who needs help paying for university, this could be the golden chance you’ve been waiting for.
Who Can Apply?
You must check the following before you start your application:
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| South African citizen | You have to be a South African and live in or come from one of the five communities. |
| Age 35 or younger | The programme is for people up to 35 years old when you apply. |
| Accepted to a public university | You need a confirmed spot for the 2026 academic year at a public higher‑education institution. |
| Financial need | You should have trouble paying for college. The programme focuses on under‑graduate students, but post‑graduates can apply too. |
| People with disabilities | We strongly encourage students with disabilities to apply – you will get extra support. |
What Subjects Can You Study?
SIOC‑CDT likes to fund areas that help South Africa grow. Below are the fields that can be covered:
- Agriculture & Veterinary – Agricultural Engineer, Veterinarian, Food Technologist, etc.
- Health & Clinical – MBChB, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, Lab Sciences, etc.
- Education – Teaching degrees in maths, science, languages, special needs, etc.
- Law – LLB (Bachelor of Laws).
- Tourism & Culture – Hospitality, Eco‑Tourism, Arts and Heritage.
- Business & Economics – Accounting, Auditing, Economics, Statistics, etc.
- Engineering & Built Environment – Civil, Electrical, Architecture, Environmental Health.
- ICT & Digital Sciences – Computer Science, Data Science, Web Design, IT.
What Does the Bursary Pay For?
If you get the scholarship, you’ll receive a full set of support to keep your education on track:
- Tuition and registration fees
- Accommodation (room and board)
- All required textbooks and study materials
- A laptop
- A monthly stipend to cover living costs
- Assistive devices if you have a disability
How to Apply
You’ll need to fill out the application form and gather the following documents:
| Document | Why it’s needed |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of your South African ID | Proof of identity |
| Proof of residence (no older than 3 months) | Shows where you live |
| Latest academic results (Grade 12 or university) | Shows your academic performance |
| Proof of university acceptance | Confirms you’re ready to enroll |
| Proof of parent/guardian income (payslip, unemployment affidavit, or SASSA grant) | Demonstrates financial need |
| NSC certificate (if matric was completed before 2025) | Needed for older students |
| Medical certificate if you have a disability | For special support |
Send all the finished forms and copies to the SIOC‑CDT Bursary Office before the deadline on 25 November 2025.
Why Apply?
The bursary is more than money; it’s a chance to invest in yourself and the community. By focusing on high‑impact fields, the Trust helps young people build careers that support families and the economy. If you care about a brighter future and meet these requirements, this bursary could change your life.
Deadline: 25 November 2025
Want more help? Check out the “Youth Tools Hub” on the SIOC website for useful tips and resources.
