SIOC‑CDT Bursary 2026 – Your Chance to Study for Free
Sishen Iron Ore Company’s Community Development Trust (SIOC‑CDT) is looking for bright students in a few South African towns to win a scholarship for the year 2026. The bursary will cover many costs at a public university, a technical college or a TVET institution. If you are from one of the listed communities in the Northern Cape or Limpopo, are a South African citizen, and need some financial help to keep going with your studies, you can apply before the deadline on 25 November 2025 at noon.
About the Trust
SIOC‑CDT was set up in 2006 by the Sishen Iron Ore Company, which is part of Kumba Iron Ore. The Trust’s goal is to help the people who live near the company’s mining sites. Since it started, it has given out many bursaries to students so they can study at university and then bring new skills back to their own homes.
What Subjects are Covered?
The bursary is open to any course, but the Trust likes to support a few key areas:
- Agriculture – work with farmers, plan food production, protect the environment.
- Business & Economics – accounting, statistics, project management and more.
- Education – teaching maths, science, languages, or helping students with special needs.
- Engineering & Science – civil, electrical, architecture, geology, town planning.
- Health Sciences – medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy.
- IT – computer science, software, data, web development.
- Law – a law degree (LLB).
- Tourism – hospitality, cultural heritage, eco‑tourism.
What Will the Bursary Pay For?
If you win, you will get money for:
- Course registration and tuition fees
- Living costs (room and board)
- Books, study materials, and a laptop
- A monthly allowance to help with everyday expenses
- Special equipment if you have a disability
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you need to meet these simple rules:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be younger than 35 on the closing date.
- Come from one of these communities:
- Northern Cape – Gamagara, Ga‑Segonyana, Tsantsabane, Joe Morolong
- Limpopo – Thabazimbi
- Be in Matric (2025) or have finished it.
- Plan to study full‑time or part‑time in 2026.
- Have been accepted or have a provisional offer from a public university, university of technology, TVET or FET college in South Africa.
- Have a recent average of at least 65 % in your results.
- Your household earns less than R600 000 a year before taxes.
- You need financial support.
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
1. Online (the easiest way)
Click this link to start your application:
Apply online for the SIOC‑CDT Bursary 2026
This form will walk you through each part of the application and let you upload the required documents.
2. Paper Form (if you prefer)
Download the PDF form here:
Download the SIOC‑CDT Bursary Application Form 2026
Print it out, fill it in carefully and send it to one of the offices below:
- SIOC‑CDT Office Park – corner of Hendrick Van Eck and Ian Flemming Road, Kathu 8446
- Thabazimbi Hub – 11 Jourdan Street, Mollies Building, Thabazimbi 0380
What Documents Do You Need?
All documents must be copies that are no older than three months and should be certified. Gather the following:
- ID copy
- Matric mid‑year or final results (if you are still in Matric) or your Matric certificate (if finished)
- Recent results from any tertiary study you’re doing now
- Proof that you have an offer from a university or college
- Your parents’ or guardians’ latest payslips or an affidavit if they are not working, plus their recent bank statements (three months)
- A document that proves where you live (utility bill, letter from a landlord or an affidavit)
- A medical note confirming a disability, if applicable
Missing any of these will mean your application can’t be processed.
What Happens After You Submit?
If your application looks good, you’ll be called in for an interview. If you don’t hear from the Trust, it usually means your application didn’t make the final cut. Make sure you send everything on time and keep a copy of your submission.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
This bursary could cover everything you need to study at a South African university or college in 2026. It gives you a chance to finish your degree without the worry of paying fees, rent, or supplies. Don’t miss the deadline on 25 November 2025. If you meet the criteria, fill out the online form today or print the PDF and send it in. Good luck!