SIOC Community Development Trust Bursaries 2027: Apply With Matric

The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to students from specific beneficiary communities. This opportunity is for those pursuing post-matric studies at public higher education institutions.

Application Closing Date: 30 November 2026 at 12:00 midday
Location: Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane and Thabazimbi, South Africa
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Monthly stipend included
Minimum Qualification: NSC average of at least 65%
Opportunity Type: Bursary

About the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme

The SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme aims to support students from selected communities. It helps them fund their post-matric education at public universities or colleges. The bursary is specifically for residents of or individuals originating from the following communities: Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane, and Thabazimbi. Applicants must meet this community requirement to be considered.

This bursary focuses on enabling students to achieve their academic goals. It provides financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The programme supports those who demonstrate financial need and come from households with a combined gross annual income not exceeding R600,000.

About SIOC-CDT

The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) is a non-profit organisation. It focuses on improving the lives of people in communities affected by mining operations. The trust invests in various development initiatives, including education, health, and infrastructure.

SIOC-CDT plays a vital role in empowering communities by providing access to opportunities. Their bursary programme is a key part of their commitment to education and skills development. This helps uplift beneficiaries and foster future leaders.

Priority Fields of Study

SIOC-CDT has identified several priority study areas for the 2027 bursary intake. These fields are considered important for community development and economic growth.

Agriculture:

• Veterinary Science
• Livestock Product Analyst
• Environmental Officer
• Agricultural Economist
• Agricultural Engineer
• Food Technologists
• Food Technicians

Health and Clinical-Related Sciences:

• MBChB
• Pharmacy
• Dentistry
• Advanced EMS
• Nursing
• Chemical Sciences
• Biological Sciences
• Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Biochemistry

Education:

• FET Mathematics
• BEd FET Physical Science
• BEd Natural Sciences
• Economic and Management Science
• BEd Foundation Phase
• BEd Language
• BEd Special Needs

Law:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Tourism:

• Hospitality Management
• Arts and Culture Heritage
• Eco-Tourism Management

Business Management and Economics:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Auditing and Tax
• Actuarial Science
• Statistics and Mathematics
• Project Management

Engineering and Sciences:

• Quantity Surveying
• Civil Engineering
• Architecture
• Geology
• Electrical Engineering
• Town Planning
• Environmental Health

Information Technology:

• Computer Sciences and Communication
• Software Development
• Data Science / Analytics
• Web Design and Development

What the SIOC-CDT Bursary Covers

Successful applicants can expect the bursary to cover several essential costs associated with their studies. This financial support aims to reduce the burden on students and their families.

The bursary may include:

• Registration fees
• Tuition fees
• Accommodation costs
• Prescribed study material
• A laptop (once-off donation)
• A monthly stipend
• Assistive devices for students with disabilities

This comprehensive coverage helps students focus on their academic performance.

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is intended for the 2027 academic year. The specific duration of the bursary support will depend on the length of the chosen course of study.

The bursary is open to applicants residing in or originating from the following South African communities: Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane, and Thabazimbi. Applicants must meet this residency requirement to be eligible.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Reside in and/or originate from one of the listed SIOC-CDT beneficiary communities (Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane, Thabazimbi).
• Be no older than 35 years old by the closing date of 30 November 2026.
• Have been accepted or provisionally accepted at a recognised public higher education institution for 2027.
• Demonstrate financial need for undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
• Come from a household with a combined gross annual income not exceeding R600,000.
• Have achieved an NSC average of at least 65%.
• People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, certain personal attributes can strengthen an application. These include a strong willingness to learn and a commitment to academic success. Applicants should also demonstrate resilience and a proactive approach to their studies.

A genuine desire to contribute to their community after graduation is also a valuable trait. This aligns with the trust’s mission of community development.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for students from the specified beneficiary communities who are passionate about pursuing higher education. If you are a resident of Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane, or Thabazimbi, and you have a strong academic record with a minimum of 65% in your NSC, this is an opportunity to consider.

It is particularly suited for individuals who require financial assistance to fund their studies. If you have secured or are seeking acceptance into a public higher education institution for 2027 and meet the income threshold, you are encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive set of documents with their application. Ensure all copies are certified.

• Certified copy of South African ID.
• Certified copy of latest Matric results.
• Mid-year Grade 12 results, if applicable.
• Latest university or academic results for current students.
• Certified final NSC results if Matric was completed before 2026.
• Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance at a higher education institution.
• Proof of application to a recognised public higher education institution, if applicable.
• Recent proof of residence (not older than three months).
• Proof of income for parents or guardians (e.g., recent payslips).
• Sworn affidavit if a parent or guardian is unemployed.
• SASSA grant recipient certificate, if applicable.
• Recent three months’ bank statements.
• Medical certificate confirming disability, if applicable.

How to Apply

Applicants have two options for submitting their bursary application: online or manually.

Online Application

Complete the official SIOC-CDT online bursary application form. You will need to upload all the required supporting documents.

Click here to apply for the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme 2027

Manual Application

Alternatively, you can complete a manual application form. Submit the completed form and all supporting documents by hand at one of the following offices:

Kathu:
SIOC-CDT Office Park Block A, Ground Floor
Corner Hendrick Van Eck and Ian Flemming Road
Kathu 8446

Thabazimbi:
SIOC-CDT Thabazimbi Business Hub
11 Jourdain Street Mollies Building
Thabazimbi 0380

Important Notes

Please keep the following points in mind when applying:

• Meeting the bursary criteria does not guarantee admission to a university or college.
• Applicants must still meet the admission requirements of their chosen institution and qualification.
• Application, shortlisting, or provisional selection does not guarantee that a bursary will be awarded.
• Submit your applications before the closing date to avoid disappointment.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme 2027 applications is Monday, 30 November 2026, at 12:00 midday.

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