Absa’s 2025 Graduate Debt Relief Programme – Your Chance to Get Your Certificate and Start a Career
If you finished a university degree but still can’t pick up your diploma because your student loans are unpaid, Absa’s new program could be the solution you’ve been looking for. This isn’t just a free‑cash offer; it’s a chance to clear old debts, get the paper you earned, and find a job through the Youth Employment Service. The program is aimed at recent graduates who studied at a few South African universities and are now stuck because of money owed to their institution.
Who can join?
You must meet every requirement below to be eligible:
- South African citizen
- Finished a degree in STEM, Digital Economy, or Green Economy
- No longer enrolled in any course
- Studied at one of these schools:
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
- Unpaid fees are blocking your graduation
- Currently unemployed
- Household income is under R700 000 a year
If you meet all these points, you’re in the right place.
What you’ll get
- All your old university debt is cleared.
- You’ll finally receive your diploma and can show it to employers.
- The program works with the Youth Employment Service (YES) to help you find work that matches your field.
- Once you’re debt‑free, you can focus on your career without the worry of a hanging balance.
The Feenix Trust runs the program, handling the paperwork and making sure the debt is taken care of.
Documents you need to submit
Bring recent copies (no more than six months old) of:
- Your South African ID
- A letter confirming you finished your degree or proof of registration that shows your qualification is complete
- A filled‑out EEA1 form (PDF). In the form, write your full name under “Name of Employee” and put your student number under “Employee workplace number.”
These documents should be clear and certified.
How to apply
- Go to the online application page:
Apply to the Absa Debt Relief Programme - When the question “How did you hear about this programme?” pops up, type in www.zabursaries.co.za.
Make sure you finish the application before the deadline on 1 December 2025. Anything after that won’t be taken into account.
Why this matters for you
You’re not just clearing a balance. You’re opening doors to:
- Jobs that pay well and help you grow
- Financial security without the pressure of a big debt
- Official recognition of your hard work with a real diploma
- Placements that help you start a professional life
If your past debt is keeping you from a fresh start, this program lets you step out of that shadow. It’s a chance to reclaim what you earned and move forward with confidence.
Ready to take the next step?
Visit the application link and fill out the form before 1 December. This could be the most important move you make this year. Good luck!