The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) has announced its bursary programme for the 2027 academic year, aimed at supporting learners and students from selected Northern Cape communities who want to pursue studies at public higher education institutions in South Africa.
About the Bursary
The SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme covers a comprehensive range of study-related expenses, including tuition and registration fees, accommodation costs, prescribed study materials, a laptop, a monthly stipend, and assistive devices for students with disabilities. It aims to enable beneficiaries to obtain post-matric qualifications leading to sustainable careers.
Who Can Apply?
- Applicants must originate from or currently reside in one of the following beneficiary communities: Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane, or Thabazimbi.
- Applicants must be 35 years or younger by the closing date.
- Applicants must be accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised South African public higher education institution (such as a university or TVET college) for the 2027 academic year.
- Applicants need to demonstrate financial need, with a combined household gross annual income not exceeding R600,000.
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) grade 12 average of at least 65% is required.
- Students with disabilities are actively encouraged to apply and will receive support including assistive devices.
Priority Fields of Study
The bursary focusses on key areas aligned with regional and sectoral development, including:
- Agriculture: Veterinary, Environmental Officers, Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology, and related fields.
- Health Sciences: Medicine (MBChB), Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Biochemistry.
- Education: Specialisations such as FET Mathematics, Physical Science, Foundation Phase, Language, and Special Needs Education.
- Law: Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
- Tourism: Hospitality Management, Arts and Culture Heritage, and Eco-Tourism Management.
- Business and Economics: Accounting, Auditing, Economics, Actuarial Science, Statistics, and Project Management.
- Engineering and Sciences: Quantity Surveying, Civil, Electrical Engineering, Architecture, Geology, Town Planning.
- Information Technology: Computer Science, Software Development, Data Science, Web Design and Development.
Application Requirements
Applicants need to prepare and submit the following documents alongside the application form:
- Certified copy of South African ID document.
- Certified copy of most recent academic results (final NSC if completed matric before 2026, or mid-year results for current Grade 12s, or latest university results for continuing students).
- Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance at a recognised public higher education institution, or proof of application.
- Recent proof of residence (not older than three months).
- Proof of household income, such as payslips or sworn affidavits for unemployed guardians.
- SASSA grant receipt certificate, if applicable.
- Recent bank statements covering last three months.
- Medical certificate confirming disability type (if applicable).
Where and When
The bursary is available for study in South African public higher education institutions from 2027. The closing date for applications is Monday, 30 November 2026 at 12:00 midday. Applicants are strongly advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
How to Apply
There are two ways to apply for the SIOC-CDT bursary:
- Online Application: Complete the application form and submit all required documents through the official online portal available here.
- Manual Application: Obtain the application form from the official source, complete it, and submit by hand at one of the SIOC-CDT offices located in Kathu or Thabazimbi:
- Kathu Office: SIOC-CDT Office Park, Block A, Ground Floor, Corner Hendrick Van Eck and Ian Flemming Road, Kathu, 8446
- Thabazimbi Office: SIOC-CDT Thabazimbi Business Hub, 11 Jourdain Street, Mollies Building, Thabazimbi, 0380
Important Considerations
Meeting the bursary criteria does not automatically guarantee funding. Applicants should carefully assess whether their chosen field aligns with their career interests and long-term goals, rather than selecting a study area solely based on bursary availability.
Prospective students are encouraged to research qualification options, admission criteria, and career prospects thoroughly. Resources such as career and university exploration tools can be beneficial for making informed decisions.
It is also advisable to apply for multiple bursaries and funding sources to increase chances of financial support.
