Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) invites qualified students to apply for its 2026 Health Sciences Bursary. The closing date for applications is 31 December 2025.
What is the UYDF Bursary 2026?
If you live in a rural part of KwaZulu‑Natal and want to study a health‑related subject like nursing, physiotherapy, or radiography, this bursary could be the chance you’ve been looking for. The UYDF helps students from small towns get into public universities and finish their degrees with extra support.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | UYDF Bursary 2026 |
| Provider | Umthombo Youth Development Foundation |
| Study Areas | Audiology, Dentistry, Dental Therapy, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Radiography/Ultrasonography, Speech & Language Therapy |
| Eligible Districts | uMkhanyakude, Zululand, and King Cetshwayo (KZN) |
| Who Can Apply | Rural students who have NSFAS funding and need a top‑up |
| Benefits | Extra money, mentorship, work experience, life‑skills workshops |
| Closing Date | 31 December 2025 |
| Apply Online | Use the UYDF Bursary Application Form 2026 |
About the Umthombo Youth Development Foundation
The UYDF is a non‑profit in South Africa that wants to fix the lack of doctors, nurses, and other health workers in rural areas. It does this by:
- Giving bursaries (money to help pay tuition)
- Offering mentors who guide students through school and life
- Showing students real work at local hospitals
Because the UYDF focuses on rural communities, many young people who would otherwise stay in their village are able to become health professionals and bring better care back home.
Which Courses can You Study?
You can choose from these health‑science programmes at any public South African university (UNISA is not included):
- Audiology
- Dentistry
- Dental Therapy
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography / Ultrasonography
- Speech and Language Therapy
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The bursary is a top‑up for students who already have NSFAS support. It adds:
- Extra money to cover costs that NSFAS does not pay
- Academic and social mentorship to help you stay on track
- Hands‑on experience in a rural hospital before you graduate
- Workshops that teach you how to behave in a professional setting and build confidence
If you are shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a Zoom interview between January and February 2026.
Eligibility – Who Should Apply?
1. Where You Live
You must be from one of these KwaZulu‑Natal districts:
- uMkhanyakude – Bethesda, Hlabisa, Manguzi, Mosvold, Mseleni
- Zululand – Benedictine, Ceza, Itshelejuba, Nkonjeni, Vryheid
- King Cetshwayo – Catherine Booth, Ekombe, KwaMagwaza, Mbongolwane, Nkandla
2. School Background
- You must be in matric (final year of high school) or have finished matric at a Quintile 1‑3 rural school that does not charge tuition.
3. Academic Requirements
- You must be studying or planning to study a health‑science subject.
- You must have been accepted into a public university (except UNISA).
- You will be starting your first or second year in 2026.
- Your goal is a first‑degree (bachelor’s) award.
4. Financial Requirements
- You must already have NSFAS funding or proof that you applied and were accepted for 2026.
5. Commitment After Graduation
- You need to agree to work for at least two years at one of the participating rural hospitals after you finish your degree.
How to Apply
Fill Out the Online Form
Click the link below to start your application.
👉 https://in-contact.org/rsvp?site=20&id=1&type=FGather Your Documents
Upload clear, certified copies of:- ID or passport
- Matric June results or certificate
- Full academic record if you are already studying
- Proof of university application or acceptance
- Latest university fee statement
- Proof of NSFAS application or acceptance
Missing documents may cause your application to be rejected.
Check Helpful Resources
Before submitting, read the application guide and FAQs on our website to make sure you have everything ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the UYDF Bursary pay for all tuition and fees?
No. It provides extra money to fill gaps that NSFAS does not cover, plus mentoring and work experience.Can students from other provinces apply?
No. Only students from the listed KwaZulu‑Natal rural districts are eligible.Will final‑year students be accepted?
No. The bursary is only for first‑ and second‑year students for 2026.Can UNISA students apply?
No. The bursary is for public universities other than UNISA.Is there a work‑back requirement after graduation?
Yes. You must work for at least two years in a designated rural hospital after you finish.
Contact for More Information
- Name: Cebile Zungu
- Phone: 031 765 5774 (office hours)
- Email: Cebile@umthomboyouth.org.za
Don’t forget: The last day to submit your application is 31 December 2025. Start now, gather your papers, and apply for a future where you help your community and earn a rewarding career in health.
