Department of Employment and Labour invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for their 2026 External Bursary Programme vacancies. The closing date for applications is 31 March 2026.
What is the 2026 External Bursary Programme?
The Department of Employment and Labour, through the Compensation Fund, is looking for people who have lost their jobs because of workplace injury or disease. This bursary will help them get an education and start a new life. It covers:
- Tuition at a TVET, CET or university
- Books and study materials
- Rent or a place to live while studying
- A regular monthly allowance
The bursary can be renewed each year as long as you keep good grades and money is still available.
Who can apply?
| Group | Age or condition | What you need to show |
|---|---|---|
| COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement | Working‑age (15‑64) | COID pension/claim number, proof of disability |
| Dependents of COID beneficiaries | Same as above | ID and proof your relative is disabled |
| Dependents of workers who died from a job injury | 17 – 35 years | Parent’s ID or death certificate, proof of acceptance at a school |
You must already have a place at a public TVET college, a CET college or an HEI.
What courses can you take?
The bursary is meant for training that will let you:
- Get back to a job, or
- Start your own small business.
If a university degree is too far away, you can try a vocational skills programme offered by the Compensation Fund.
What documents do you need?
- The completed bursary application form
- COID pension/claim number
- Certified copy of your ID
- Proof of acceptance at a TVET, CET or HEI
- For dependents: parent/guardian ID or death certificate
- A medical report confirming your physical disability (if you have one)
- Proof that you will study full‑time (unless you have a disability that requires fewer hours)
How to apply?
Get the form
- Download it from the Department’s website: www.labour.gov.za
- Or grab one at your nearest Provincial Labour Centre.
Fill everything out – make sure all the attachments match.
Send it in – you can choose any of the methods below.
- Post or Courier – send to
Sub‑Sub‑Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation, Compensation Fund, P.O. Box X955, Pretoria, 0001.
- Hand‑delivery (before December 2025) – 167 Thabo Sehume Street, Delta Heights, Pretoria.
- Hand‑delivery (from January 2026) – Compensation House, corner Hamilton & Soutpansberg Rd, Prinshof, Pretoria.
- Email – CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
- Post or Courier – send to
Wait for a reply. The Department will let you know if you’re accepted and when you can start.
Helpful links for your journey
Free SEDA bursaries you can still apply for this year – https://www.seta-sa.co.za/seta-bursaries-you-can-still-apply-for-this-year/
Find extra scholarships that fit your profile.Fast‑track your career with SEDA funded courses – https://www.seta-sa.co.za/fast-track-your-career-with-these-seta-funded-courses/
See courses that give you skills in a few months.SEDA programs that practically guarantee you a job – https://www.seta-sa.co.za/these-seta-programs-practically-guarantee-you-a-job/
Learn which training programs have the best employment outcomes.How to get paid while you study with SEDA – https://www.seta-sa.co.za/how-to-get-paid-while-you-study-with-seta/
Everything you need to know about earning while studying.
Need help?
Call or text the Compensation Fund support team:
- Phone: 012 319 9264 / 012 319 5774 / 012 319 9124
- Toll‑free: 0800 321 322 / 0860 10 5350
- SMS: 44967
They can guide you through the application and answer any questions.
The 2026 External Bursary Programme is more than money—it’s a chance to rebuild a future after a bad accident. If you or someone you know fits the profile, apply before the deadline to seize this opportunity.
Closing date: 31 March 2026.