The Compensation Fund Bursaries 2024
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In South Africa, access to quality education remains a critical issue, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Recognizing this challenge, the Compensation Fund has established a bursary program aimed at providing financial assistance to deserving students across the country. The Compensation Fund Bursary stands as a ray of opportunity for many young South Africans, offering them the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.
The Compensation Fund is a vital
entity within the South African Department of Employment and Labour,
responsible for compensating workers who are injured or disabled in the line of
duty. Beyond its primary function, the Compensation Fund also plays a pivotal
role in supporting education through its bursary program.
The primary objective of the
Compensation Fund Bursary is to alleviate financial barriers that hinder
deserving students from accessing higher education. By providing financial
assistance, the program aims to empower students to pursue their academic aspirations
without the burden of worrying about tuition fees, accommodation, or other
related expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
Bursaries will be granted to two
distinct categories of individuals:
Group 1: Individuals who are unemployed and
are beneficiaries of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases
(COID) scheme, experiencing permanent disability due to occupational injuries
or diseases. These bursaries will encompass educational pursuits aimed at
facilitating the reintegration of beneficiaries into the workforce or enabling
them to establish their own businesses.
Group 2: Dependents of COID beneficiaries
facing permanent disability and dependents of deceased employees (aged between
17 and 35 years). Bursaries will finance studies in various fields, including
but not limited to those listed below:
1. Accounting Science
2. Actuarial Science
3. Aeronautical Engineering/ Aerospace
Control/ Aviation
4. Agriculture
5. Architecture
6. Culinary Arts
7. Data Science
8. Economics
9 Engineering (including Chemical,
Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Design and Development, Production
and Process)
10. Environmental Health
11. Financial Mathematics
12. Graphic Design/ Digital Marketing/
Brand Communication or Management/ Digital Design/ Film and Production/
Animation
13. Health Sciences
14. Information Technology / Computer
Science (with specializations in Informatics/ System Development/ Artificial
Intelligence/ Machine Learning/ Data Science & Analytics/ Data Engineering/
Cyber Security/ Cloud Computing/ Internet of Things (IoT)/ Quantum Computing/
Robotics/ Software Engineering/ Computer Networks)
15. Mathematical Science/ Statistics
16. Risk Management and Forensic Science
17. Teaching (Mathematics, Science,
Information Communications Technology, and Early Childhood Development)
18. Apprenticeship Qualifications (for
candidates who exited the mainstream schooling system at Grade 9, possess a
General Education Certificate (GEC), and demonstrate potential for success in
this program)
Additional qualifications may also be
considered for bursary support. This list is not exhaustive.
Minimum Requirements to be met by group 1:
·
Must
be a citizen of South Africa
·
Must
be an unemployed individual benefiting from COID with a permanent disability
(PWD)
·
Must
be enrolled in or intending to pursue studies in designated fields.
·
Must
have been admitted to a recognized TVET College, CET College, or HEI
Minimum Requirements to be met by group 2:
·
Must
be a South African citizen aged between 17 and 35.
·
Must
be a dependent of either a COID beneficiary with a permanent disability or an
employee who has suffered fatal injuries.
·
Must
be enrolled in or have been accepted to study in specified fields.
Recipients of the Compensation Fund
Bursary enjoy a range of benefits, including:
·
The
bursary covers tuition fees, accommodation, and sometimes additional living
expenses, depending on the specific terms of the award.
·
Beyond
financial assistance, the bursary opens doors to academic and personal growth
opportunities that may have otherwise been inaccessible.
The application process for the Compensation Fund Bursary typically involves the following steps:
Submission of Documents
Applicants are required to submit
various documents, including proof of identity, academic transcripts, proof of
income, and sometimes letters of recommendation. Documents required are
different for both groups, it is essential to read and understand the application
form so that you know which documents are required from you specifically.
Completion of Application Forms
Candidates must complete application forms provided by the Compensation Fund, providing accurate and detailed information. Click here to download the application form.
Documents Required:
·
Certified
copy of ID document
·
COID
pension/claim number
·
Academic
transcripts from your institution with your latest results
·
Proof
of acceptance from an accredited institution
·
Quotations
for tuition fees and learning resources.
·
Proof
of residence
·
Proof
of disability (if relevant)
·
Pre-entry
assessment (if applying for the apprenticeship program)
·
Proof
of income (such as the latest payslip, affidavit for unemployment, SASSA grant
confirmation, pension statement, or other income documentation)
How to submit?
You can submit your application through three channels (choose whichever method is most convenient for you). Click here to download the application form.
1. Email: Send your application to (CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za)
with the subject line "COID Bursary 2024".
2. Hand Delivery: Drop off your
application at the Compensation Fund Head Building, located at 167 Thabo Sehume
& Madiba Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria, 0002
3. Post/Courier: Alternatively, you can
mail your application to the following address.
The Sub-Directorate: Vocational
Rehabilitation,
Department of Employment and Labour,
Compensation Fund,
Private Bag x 955,
Pretoria, 0001.
Closing date:
March 31, 2024.
Please ensure that you include all
necessary documents to prevent disqualification. Applications received after
the closing date will not be considered. It's crucial to submit your complete
application before the specified deadline to ensure your eligibility for the
bursary.
Impact
The impact of the Compensation Fund
Bursary extends far beyond individual beneficiaries. By investing in education,
the program contributes to the development of a skilled workforce, fosters
economic growth, and promotes social equity. Moreover, bursary recipients often
become role models and agents of change within their communities, inspiring
future generations to pursue education and strive for excellence.
In a country where access to
education remains a pressing issue, initiatives like the Compensation Fund
Bursary play a crucial role in levelling the playing field and empowering South
African youth. By providing financial assistance and support, the bursary
enables students to overcome financial barriers and pursue their academic
aspirations. As a result, it not only transforms individual lives but also
contributes to the socioeconomic development of the nation as a whole.
