Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET): Bursaries 2025
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is a highly regarded organisation in South Africa, dedicated to promoting education and empowering young individuals through financial assistance. The CRET bursary programme stands out not only for its support in covering educational costs but also for its holistic approach to personal and professional development. If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education in 2025, the CRET bursary might be the perfect opportunity for you.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursaries 2025, covering details about the bursary provider, the fields of study supported, what the bursary covers, eligibility criteria, the application process, required documents, the closing date, and contact information.
About the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust
In 1996, Cyril Ramaphosa started supporting a select group of deserving students by offering bursaries to help them pursue university education, funded through the proceeds of his public speaking engagements. This initiative later evolved into the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) in 2000.
Now, 27 years after awarding his first bursary, Mr. Ramaphosa's vision has grown into an impressive and expanding legacy, with a distinguished group of CRET-supported graduates who have successfully realized their ambitions of becoming highly qualified professionals.
Fields of Study Covered
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is now accepting applications for its bursary support programme for the 2025 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded to undergraduate students in the following fields:
- Commerce and Finance
- Education
- Engineering
- Sciences (excluding MBChB)
- Technology
- Training in scarce or critical skills (such as Boiler Making, Welding, Plumbing, OHS, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Green Technology, Entrepreneurship, etc.)
The CRET bursary aims to provide funding to students who may be overlooked by other bursary schemes. The programme focuses on the overall needs and potential of candidates, supporting students who, with adequate assistance, nurturing, and mentoring, have the potential to become future leaders.
What the Bursary Covers
CRET is a bursary programme that addresses the comprehensive needs and potential of each student, with each bursary being specifically tailored to meet those needs. This usually includes, but is not limited to, tuition, accommodation, books, stationery, and a personal allowance stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria to be eligible (please note that failure to fulfil all requirements will result in your application being disqualified):
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must possess a valid South African ID number.
- You must be aged between 16 and 27 years.
- You must currently be in Matric or have already completed Matric.
- You must be studying or planning to study towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields of study.
- You must be enrolled or have applied to study at a recognised and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa (such as a University, University of Technology, TVET College, or another accredited learning institution).
- You must demonstrate financial need, with a total household income not exceeding R650,000 per year.
How to Apply
The application process for the CRET Bursary is straightforward but requires attention to detail to ensure all requirements are met. Follow these steps to apply:
1. Visit the Official Website: Access the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust’s official website to download the application form. The form is typically available as a PDF document.
2. Read the Guidelines: Carefully review the instructions provided on the application form to understand what is expected.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill in all sections of the form accurately. Ensure that your responses are honest and comprehensive. Click here to apply.
4. Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather all required documentation (see the list below).
5. Submit the Application: Email your completed application form and supporting documents to the designated CRET email address. Alternatively, you may submit your application via post if specified.
Documents Required
Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide clear copies of the following supporting documents. It is crucial to ensure that all these documents are prepared in advance, as the submission of these items is mandatory. Any missing documents may result in the disqualification of your application. The required documents are as follows:
1. A certified copy of your ID document.
2. A certified copy of your most recent academic record.
3. Proof of acceptance into a tertiary institution for 2025, presented on the official letterhead of the institution.
4. A motivational letter that clearly supports your application (please refer to our tips on writing an effective motivational letter for your bursary application).
5. Proof of your parents' or guardians' household income. This could include recent payslips if they are employed, an affidavit if unemployed, or proof of pension or social grant, if applicable.
6. A document confirming your home address.
7. Proof that you have completed a psychometric test that aligns with your chosen field of study. Applicants may download and complete the free psychometric evaluation test, and submit the results along with their supporting documents.
Closing Date
Applications for the CRET 2025 Bursary are now open. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline of 13th December 2024.
Contact Details
For further enquiries about the CRET bursary programme or the application process, you can reach out to the organisation using the following contact details:
- Email: info@cyrilramaphosa.org
- Phone: +27 (0)11 592 6560
- Postal Address:
CRF House
18 Acacia Road
Chislehurston
Sandton
- Website: Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation Website
Applicants are encouraged to contact CRET well in advance of the closing date for clarification or additional support.
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary offers a life-changing opportunity for young South Africans to access higher education and achieve their dreams. By providing financial support and fostering personal development, CRET empowers students to contribute meaningfully to the country's future. If you meet the eligibility criteria, do not hesitate to apply for this prestigious bursary.
Make sure to submit a complete and well-prepared application before the deadline to maximise your chances of being selected. Education is a powerful tool for transformation, and CRET is committed to ensuring that it is accessible to deserving individuals.
