The Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF) 2025
Pursuing higher education can be financially challenging for many students. Recognising this, the Athlone Institute Trust (AIT) offers the Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF) to support deserving students in achieving their academic goals. This article provides an in-depth look at the AIBPROF bursary for 2025, covering the bursary provider's background, fields covered, bursary coverage, eligibility requirements, application process, required documentation, closing date, and contact details.
About the Bursary Provider – Athlone Institute Trust (AIT)
Established in 1926, the Athlone Institute Trust (AIT) was founded by residents of the Paarl area who recognised the need for higher educational facilities for coloured students. In 1998, the Bursary Project Committee was formed, which was later renamed in 2006 to the Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF). Since its inception, AIBPROF has assisted over 1,500 students with their tertiary studies. In 2020 alone, AIT awarded R600,000 in bursaries and bursary loans to 42 students pursuing various qualifications.
Fields Covered by the Bursary
The AIBPROF bursary is available to students pursuing studies in any field, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. This inclusivity ensures that students from diverse academic disciplines can benefit from the financial support offered by the fund.
This bursary is specifically aimed at students who either reside in Paarl or Mbekweni (Western Cape) or are active parishioners of one of the five member churches under the AIT. These churches include St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Immanuel UR Church, Bethel United Congregational Church (UCC), Holy Trinity Anglican Church, and Zions Uniting Reformed Church.
Bursary Coverage
The bursary provides partial coverage for registration and tuition fees. The exact amount awarded is determined by the AIT based on available funds and the specific needs of the applicant. It's important to note that while the bursary offers significant financial assistance, it may not cover all educational expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria. Please note that failure to meet all the requirements will result in your application not being considered:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be a permanent resident of Paarl or Mbekweni or a parishioner at one of the five member churches of the Athlone Institute Trust (AIT).
- You must be a member of one of the AIT member churches or any recognised religious institution in Paarl or Mbekweni.
- You must have completed Matric and obtained a Matric certificate.
- You must demonstrate financial need.
- You must have a strong academic record.
- You must be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate programme, either full-time or part-time, for the current year.
- You must be studying at a tertiary institution (TVET College, University, or University of Technology) that is accredited by the Council for Higher Education.
- If you are currently studying, you must have successfully passed your previous year of study.
- You must be willing to participate in community service in the Paarl or Mbekweni area.
- You must be willing to take part in the mentoring programme.
How to Apply (Online Application)
Applications for the AIBPROF bursary must be submitted online. Follow these steps to apply:
1. Access the Application Portal: Visit the AIBPROF Bursary Application 2025 page to begin your application.Click here to apply.
2. Application Guide: It's advisable to read the AIBPROF Online Bursary Application Step-by-Step Guide before starting the application to ensure a smooth process.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required fields accurately. When prompted about how you heard about the AIBPROF bursary, enter "www.savarsitystudent.co.za".
4. Upload Supporting Documents: Ensure all necessary documents are scanned and ready for upload in the required format.
5. Review and Submit: Double-check all information and documents before submitting to avoid any errors that could delay the processing of your application.
Documentation Required
Applicants must submit the following documents along with their completed application form:
- Certified copy of your South African ID.
- Certified proof of registration at a recognised tertiary institution.
- Certified proof of payment for the current year’s registration fees.
- Proof of residence.
- Certified copies of recent payslips from parents, guardians, spouse, or yourself (if employed) or sworn affidavits if they are unemployed.
- For first-year tertiary students: Certified copy of Matric results.
- For senior or postgraduate students: Certified copy of a full academic record.
- Student Account Information Form (to be completed by the tertiary institution). [Download here.].
- Official Testimonial from your Religious Leader.[Download here.].
- Declaration of Submitted Information.[Download here.].
Ensure that all documents are clear, up to date, and correctly certified to avoid delays in processing your application.
Closing Date
The application deadline for the AIBPROF bursary is 28 February 2025. Late applications will not be considered, so it's crucial to submit all required materials before this date.
Contact Details
For any queries or further information regarding the bursary programme, applicants can contact the Athlone Institute directly:
-Contact Person: Ernest
- Telephone: 072 360 3710
- Email: admin@athlonebursary.co.za
It's recommended to reach out during business hours for prompt assistance.
The AIBPROF bursary offers a valuable opportunity for students from Paarl, Mbekweni, or affiliated churches to receive financial support for their tertiary education. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the application process diligently, applicants can enhance their chances of securing this bursary to further their academic and professional aspirations.