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.