Bursaries and Scholarships
A bursary is a form of financial assistance given to a student for further study or training. Bursaries may differ in terms of an amount of money and duration. Students are selected according to various criteria set by donors, which could include academic merit and financial need. Some bursaries require that students sign a contract to enter the employment of the donor after graduation.
The scholarship amount is normally based on outstanding academic achievement. Scholarships do not normally require the recipient to repay the scholarship and usually, have no employment conditions attached.
Tips: How to apply for a Bursary/Scholarship
- Read the Bursary Brochure and find the bursaries that suit your needs.
- Check the closing dates for applications.
- Apply directly to the person/company specified.
- Apply for more than one bursary and make sure that you meet the requirements.
- Explore other ways of financing your studies in the event of the bursary application being unsuccessful.
Find Bursaries in South Africa (portals)
Specific bursaries at CUT
CUT ACADEMIC MERIT BURSARIES FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
Such bursaries are for candidates who are pursuing further studies for the first time after Grade 12 and who are enrolled as full-time students for a diploma or degree course/ at CUT. The amount allocated is calculated on the basis of the six highest symbols achieved by the candidate in the final Grade 12 examination. The criteria and amounts of these awards are reviewed on an annual basis.
ACADEMIC RECRUITMENT BURSARIES (FOR FIRST-TIME ENTRANTS)
These bursaries are additional to the normal academic bursaries. First-year students who qualify will automatically be considered for such a bursary. The following categories are available:
CATEGORY A
Each A symbol on HG – R1 000.00 Each A symbol on SG – R600.00
CATEGORY B
A bursary of R1 000.00 will be awarded to a student who achieved an A symbol (HG or SG) in the final Grade 12 examination and who is enrolled for a course in Engineering or Health and Environmental Sciences.
CATEGORY C
Top-ten bursaries (awarded to the ten best first-year entrants). To be considered for such a bursary, a minimum of 42 points on the CUT scoring scale, calculated on the basis of the candidate’s six best subjects, is required.
CUT LEADERSHIP BURSARIES FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
At least 27 points on the CUT scoring scale in the final Grade 12 examination is an additional requirement. The following applicants may qualify for such bursaries:
- Head boy / girl of a high school
- Chairperson of the representative council of learners of a high school
- Deputy head boy / girl of a high school
- Vice-chairperson of the representative council of learners of a high school
- Head boy / girl of a high-school hostel
- Winner of a national subject Olympiad
- Winner of a national expo
- Member of the “Presidentverkenners” or Springbok Scouts
SPORT RECRUITMENT BURSARIES
Sport bursaries are awarded to promising sportsmen and sportswomen according to merit. Such bursaries are only awarded to individuals who participate in a league sport in the name of CUT (refer to the list of sports along with the names of the sport managers). Only achievements at the provincial level and higher are taken into account. Application forms are available from Operational Sport and the closing date is 31 October each year. Development bursaries are also available, and a maximum of three candidates may be nominated by the respective sports trainers / club managers. Please note: Candidates must apply on an annual basis. For more information on sport recruitment bursaries (first-year students only) and sport bursaries (all students), please contact Operational Sport.
DEANS AWARDS INCENTIVE VOUCHER
For more information on the Deans’ Awards Incentive Vouchers available to first-year students, please contact the Dean of the relevant academic faculty. In cases where a bursary covering the full tuition and/or accommodation fees has already been granted to a prospective student, the letter in which notification to that effect is provided must be included in the registration document. Notwithstanding any other terms, no student shall be exempted from accountability for the payment of any amounts owing to CUT.
FUNZA LUSHAKA – MERIT BURSARY
This is a merit bursary awarded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to deserving Teacher Education students registered for the following BEd (FET) Specialisation programmes:
- BEd Languages, majoring in African Languages, namely Setswana, Sesotho and Xhosa, with English as a compulsory major;
- BEd Natural Sciences;
- BEd Computer Science, majoring in Computer Studies (IT) and Computer Applications Technology;
- BEd Technology, majoring in Technology (Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Technology), Accounting, Economics
- PGCE;
- BSc, BCom, BA, BTech
Students are expected to apply online at the DHET website. The bursary is presently worth R48 000.00 per annum, and allocations are subject to the availability of funds http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za/
Study Loans
A study loan is money borrowed, which must be repaid upon completion of studies. Loans are available from banks and institutions like Eduloan.
Feenix Student Fundraising Platform
Feenix is an online fundraising platform that connects students to their communities to fundraise towards their outstanding debt.
If a student would like to use the platform, they must make sure they:
- are a South African citizen/asylum seeker/permanent resident/refugee
- have a combined annual household income under R600 000
- are a registered student or have historical debt.
Visit www.feenix.org to start your fundraising journey.
Eduloan
For more information on EDULOAN, visit https://www.eduloan.co.za.
Financial Aid
Financial aid assist students with educational expenses and may include tuition and fees, accommodation, books and/or supplies, and transportation. There are different types of financial aid including grants, scholarships, work study and loans. Some aid may be repaid and some may not have the expectation.
National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a public entity reporting to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It provides financial assistance in the form of study bursaries to qualifying students who plan to study at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and public universities. Visit our NSFAS webpage for information.
Available on CUT's Student Portal, the transport allowance form
Finance enquiries can be done e-mail.
