Apply Now for the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund 2025/2026
If you’re a student who wants to study at a university, TVET college, or a university of technology but can’t afford the fees, the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund (VEBF) is a chance to get that support. This bursary is part of the Community Development team at Communicare NPC and is focused on the City of Cape Town Metro. It helps people who come from families that don’t have a lot of money and who show they can do well in school. The main goal is to make sure that more people can move up in life by getting a good education.
What the Bursary Covers
The VEBF can give you up to R45,000 in total. That money is broken down into two parts:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition | R40,000 |
| Books and study materials | R5,000 |
You can use the bursary for:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and other academic supplies
- Exam fees (if needed)
What it does not cover:
- Laptops, tablets, or other electronic gadgets
- Stationery like pens and notebooks
- Any previous study fees or loan payments
Who Can Apply
The bursary is open to anyone who meets these simple rules:
- Age between 19 and 50
- Working or looking for work
- Either a Grade 12 student, a graduate who already finished high school, or someone already studying at a tertiary level
- Intends to study for an undergraduate degree or an artisan qualification
- Has a household income below R400,000 per year
- Lives in the City of Cape Town Metro, with a preference for people who rent a home through Communicare
You can also study part‑time if that works better for you. The bursary is especially interested in subjects that are needed right now in South Africa, such as nursing, engineering, IT, and other high‑demand skills.
➡️ Want to see the official list of those in‑demand skills? Download the Scarce Skills List here.
What You’ll Need to Do if You Win
If your application is successful, you’ll have to meet a few responsibilities:
- Finish 100 hours of community service or work on a project that Vulamathuba assigns to you.
- After you finish your course, you’ll need to give back a portion of the bursary by working in a Communicare program or with a partner organisation.
- The bursary can be extended, but only if the VEBF decides to do so.
- If you fall behind on your studies, the bursary may be paused.
- If you stop your studies before finishing, the bursary might turn into a loan that you will have to pay back.
Key Dates You Should Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | Friday, 12 December 2025 |
| First round of award announcements | 13 February 2026 |
If you don’t hear from us within two months after the deadline, please assume that you were not selected.
How to Apply
You can choose the method that works best for you.
1. Download the PDF Form
- Click on this link to get the application form: Download the Bursary Application Form 2026.
2. Apply Online
- Fill out the online application here: Apply Online for the Bursary Fund 2025/2026.
Make sure you fill out every part of the form carefully. Missing information can delay the process or even stop your application from being considered.
Need Help?
If you have questions about the bursary, the application form, or anything else, you can reach out to us:
- Email: applications@vulamathuba.org.za
- Phone: 021 421 6008
- Contact person: Sivuyisiwe Johannes
We’re happy to help you through the steps and answer any questions you might have.
Quick Social Media Versions
If you want to share this opportunity on social media, feel free to use the following templates:
- Facebook: “Looking for a way to fund your studies? The Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund can give you up to R45,000 for tuition and books. Apply before 12 December 2025! Learn more and apply here: https://www.studentroom.co.za/vulamathuba-empumelelo-bursary-fund-2026-apply-now/”
- X (Twitter): “Want to study without the money stress? The Vulamathuba Bursary covers tuition, books, and more. Apply by 12 Dec 2025. Full details: https://www.studentroom.co.za/vulamathuba-empumelelo-bursary-fund-2026-apply-now/”
- LinkedIn: “Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund is now open for 2025/2026. This is a chance for students in Cape Town to receive up to R45,000 for education. Apply before the deadline: 12 December 2025.”
Just let us know if you’d like a short WhatsApp status or a feature image for Google Discover. We can create those for you.
This is a great chance to step into a brighter future with financial support and a community that cares. Don’t wait—apply before the 12th of December and start your path to a better tomorrow.