Bursary

Umthombo Youth Development Foundation Bursaries 2026: Apply Today

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Dream of a career in health science and still worry about the cost?
The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) is offering a special bursary for students in South Africa’s KwaZulu‑Natal province. This program is for people who already get some help from NSFAS but need a little extra money to finish their studies. The bursary is not a job, but it gives you the support you need to become a nurse, dentist, physiotherapist, or another health science professional, and it guarantees that you will work for two years in a rural hospital after you graduate.

What the Bursary Looks Like

  • Deadline: 31 December 2025
  • Area: Umkhanyakude, Zululand and King Cetshwayo districts in KwaZulu‑Natal
  • How it helps: In addition to NSFAS, UYDF will top up the remaining fees.
  • Extra perks: Mentoring, practical experience in rural hospitals, workshops on life skills, and a Zoom interview for the shortlisted applicants (January–February 2026).

Who Is UYDF?

UYDF is a non‑profit that believes young people from rural areas deserve a chance to study health science. It offers scholarships, one‑to‑one guidance, and hands‑on learning in local hospitals. The goal is to bring more trained health workers to places that need them most.

Which Degrees Are Covered?

If you’re planning to study any of these health science programs, you could be a candidate:

  • Audiology
  • Dentistry
  • Dental Therapy
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Physiotherapy
  • Radiography / Ultrasonography
  • Speech and Language Therapy

All of these are available at public universities (except UNISA).

Who Can Apply?

You have to meet every requirement below:

  1. Live in one of the districts listed

    • Umkhanyakude: Bethesda, Hlabisa, Manguzi, Mosvold, Mseleni
    • Zululand: Benedictine, Ceza, Itshelejuba, Nkonjeni, Vryheid
    • King Cetshwayo: Catherine Booth, Ekombe, KwaMagwaza, Mbongolwane, Nkandla

  2. Come from a rural school that is in Quintile 1 to 3 (non‑fee‑paying)

    • If you just finished Matric, that’s fine.
    • If you’re still in school, you still need to be a Matric student.

  3. Plan to study one of the listed health science degrees

    • Or you are already studying one.

  4. Be accepted into a public university in South Africa (UNISA is not allowed)

  5. Be starting your first or second year in 2026

  6. Have NSFAS funding or be approved for it for 2026

  7. Promise to work for two years at a listed hospital after you graduate

Tip: Students who are just finishing Matric will get a little extra priority.

How to Apply

  1. Fill out the application form – click on the link below to open the online form.
    👉 Apply for the UYDF Bursary 2026

  2. Tell us where you heard about the bursary – type “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the “How did you hear about us?” field.

  3. Upload the required documents (certified copies)

    • ID or passport
    • Matric results or certificate (if you’re still a student)
    • Your academic record and confirmation of the study year (if already enrolled)
    • Proof of university acceptance or application
    • Latest fee statement (if you’re a current student)
    • Proof that you have applied to or have been accepted by NSFAS

Missing documents will mean your application is not considered.

What Happens After You Apply?

If your application gets through the first check, you’ll be invited to a Zoom interview during January or February 2026. After that, you’ll receive a scholarship package that covers your tuition and some extra expenses. You’ll also join a program that includes workshops on everyday life skills, one‑on‑one mentorship, and real hospital experience to help you feel ready for the world of health care.

Need More Info?

  • Contact person: Cebile Zungu
  • Phone: 031 765 5774
  • Email: Cebile@umthomboyouth.org.za

Please call or email only during office hours.

Why This Matters

Health care is a field where people can make a real difference in their communities. UYDF’s bursary helps break the financial barrier that many rural students face. If you want to become a doctor, dentist, nurse, or other health worker and you’re from one of the districts mentioned, this is a great chance to start your journey. Apply before the deadline, gather your documents, and take the first step toward a bright future in health science.

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