Vodacom External Bursaries for 2025 (STEM)
Vodacom, a leading mobile
communication company in South Africa, is once again extending its commitment
to fostering education and innovation through its prestigious external
bursaries for 2025. These bursaries, designed to assist academically talented but
financially constrained students, offer a comprehensive package to ensure
recipients can focus on their studies without worrying about financial hurdles.
About Vodacom
Vodacom was established in 1994,
initially as a joint venture between Telkom, the South African
telecommunications giant, and Vodafone, a British multinational
telecommunications company. Over the years, Vodacom has evolved into a
prominent provider of mobile and fixed telecommunication services in South
Africa and across the African continent. The company has consistently
prioritized innovation, customer service, and community development,
contributing significantly to the socio-economic advancement of the regions it
serves.
Vodacom's extensive network coverage
and investment in cutting-edge technology have cemented its position as a
leader in the telecommunications industry. The company has expanded its
services to include mobile money solutions, connecting millions of users to
financial services. Vodacom's commitment to sustainability and corporate social
responsibility is evident in its numerous initiatives aimed at improving
digital literacy and bridging the digital divide. As a major player in the
African market, Vodacom continues to drive growth and innovation, fostering a
more connected and inclusive future.
About the Bursary Program
Vodacom’s external bursary program is
an academic merit bursary aimed at full-time first-year, second-year, or
third-year students pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) fields. Recognizing that many promising students may lack
the necessary resources to further their education, Vodacom's initiative seeks
to bridge this gap by offering extensive financial and developmental support.
The program not only covers tuition
fees but also provides allowances for textbooks, accommodation, and meals,
ensuring that recipients can focus fully on their studies. Additionally,
bursary beneficiaries gain access to mentorship and internship opportunities,
fostering both academic and professional growth.
Key Offerings
Accommodation Support:
·
Full
university accommodation is provided to bursary recipients, ensuring a
conducive living environment that supports academic success.
·
For
those preferring private accommodation, a capped amount is offered, allowing
flexibility while maintaining financial support.
Tuition and Fees:
·
The
bursary covers full registration and tuition fees, eliminating one of the most
significant financial burdens for students.
·
An
allocation for textbooks is also included, ensuring that students have access
to essential learning materials.
Meal Allowance:
·
A
meal allowance is provided, ensuring that students have access to nutritious
food, which is vital for maintaining health and concentration during their
studies.
Additional Benefits
Technological Support:
·
Each
bursary recipient is provided with a laptop and a cellphone, crucial tools for
modern education and communication.
·
These
devices ensure that students are equipped to participate in online learning and
stay connected with academic resources.
Orientation and Workshops:
·
New
students accepted into the program are invited to an orientation workshop,
helping them acclimate to their new environment and network with peers and
mentors.
·
This
workshop also provides essential information about the university and the
support services available.
Workplace Exposure:
·
The
structured Vacation Work Programme offers workplace exposure, allowing students
to gain practical experience and insights into their chosen fields.
·
This
experience is invaluable for understanding real-world applications of their
academic studies.
Work Readiness Training:
·
In
their final year, bursary holders receive work readiness skills training,
preparing them for the transition from academic life to the professional world.
·
This
training covers essential skills such as resume writing, interview techniques,
and professional etiquette.
Wellness Programme:
·
Full
access to the Wellness Programme (ICAS) services is provided, supporting
students' mental and emotional well-being.
·
These
services include counselling, stress management, and other resources to help
students maintain a healthy balance.
Programme Requirements
To qualify for the Vodacom bursary
program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
·
Citizenship:
Must be a South African citizen by birth.
·
Study
Commitment: Must undertake full-time undergraduate studies at a South African
tertiary institution.
·
Must
pass Grade 12 with exemption, achieving 70% or higher across all subjects.
·
Must
have a minimum average of 65% if already in the first year of tertiary
education or higher.
·
Accreditation:
May apply if already in the first year (or higher) of study at an accredited
South African tertiary institution, provided all other criteria are met.
How to Apply
Closing Date
Applications close on the 31st
of August 2024, for the 2025 study year.
Application Process
Applying for the Vodacom bursary
involves a straightforward, two-step process:
Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
Before applying, candidates must
ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria listed above. This ensures that
only those who genuinely qualify for the bursary proceed with their
application, streamlining the process for both applicants and the selection
committee.
Step 2: Submit Application
Once eligibility is confirmed,
candidates must register and submit their application. Upon submission,
applicants will receive a confirmation email. Vodacom's Bursary Management team
will then carefully review the applications, providing feedback throughout the
process. It's crucial to note that applications for the 2025 intake will close
on August 31, 2024, so prospective applicants should ensure they submit
their applications well before this deadline.
Vodacom's external bursary program is
a ray of light for many aspiring students in South Africa, particularly those
pursuing STEM fields. By alleviating financial burdens and providing
comprehensive support, Vodacom not only invests in individual futures but also
contributes to the broader goal of national development through education. The
program’s holistic approach, covering accommodation, tuition, and additional
benefits like technological tools and wellness support, exemplifies Vodacom's
commitment to fostering a new generation of innovators and leaders.
For more information and to apply,
prospective applicants should visit the Vodacom bursary application portal and
ensure they meet all the necessary criteria before the closing date. With this
initiative, Vodacom continues to pave the way for educational excellence and
innovation in South Africa.
