Want free tuition, accommodation and a monthly stipend to study in South Africa? The Compensation Fund Bursary 2026 is open for applications until 31 March 2026. It offers a life‑changing chance for people who have lost a job because of work‑related injuries or disease, and for their families.
What the Bursary Is About
The Department of Employment and Labour’s Compensation Fund pays out to workers who suffer permanent disability from job injuries, or to families when an employee dies. To help these people rebuild their lives, the Fund now offers a bursary program that pays for tuition, study materials, accommodation and a stipend for one academic year. If you do well, the bursary can be renewed each year.
Who Can Apply?
Group 1 – COID Beneficiaries with Permanent Disablement
- South African citizens who are unemployed and of working age.
- Hold a COID pension or claim number.
- Plan to study (or are already studying) in one of the approved fields.
- Accepted at a recognised TVET, CET or higher‑education institution.
- Want to improve skills for a job or start a business.
Group 2 – Dependants of COID Beneficiaries
- South African citizens aged 17–35.
- Dependants of a COID beneficiary with permanent disablement or of a fatally injured employee.
- Accepted at a recognised TVET, CET or higher‑education institution.
- Studying or planning to study in one of the listed fields (other qualifications may also be considered).
What You’ll Get
- Full tuition fees covered.
- Quotations for prescribed learning resources.
- Accommodation allowance.
- Monthly stipend.
All benefits are granted for one academic year and can be renewed if you maintain satisfactory grades and funds are available.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Download the application form. CF External Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)
- Gather your documents. See the table below for the exact list required for each group.
- Fill out the form. Use plain language, double‑check details, and keep everything legible.
- Send your application.
- By email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za – subject line “COID Bursary 2026”.
- By hand: Compensation House, Cnr. Hamilton and Soutpansberg Road, Prinshof, Pretoria.
- After the closing date, wait for a reply. If nothing arrives in two months, the application was likely not shortlisted.
Required Documents – Group 1
- Certified copy of ID.
- COID pension or claim number.
- Latest academic transcript (if studying).
- Proof of acceptance from the institution.
- Tuition fee quotation.
- Learning resources quotation (if available).
- Proof of residence.
- Proof of disability from a health professional or Disability Support Office.
Required Documents – Group 2
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified copy of the COID beneficiary’s ID or unabridged birth certificate.
- Parent/guardian IDs or death certificates (if applicable).
- COID pension or claim number.
- Matric June results (if in matric).
- Latest academic transcript (if studying).
- Proof of acceptance from the institution.
- Tuition fee quotation.
- Learning resources quotation (if available).
- Proof of residence.
- Proof of disability (if applicable).
- Pre‑entry assessment (for apprenticeship applicants).
- Proof of income – payslip, affidavit, SASSA proof, pension proof, etc.
Practical Tips to Boost Your Application
- Apply early. Submit well before 31 March to avoid last‑minute glitches.
- Double‑check every page. A missing signature or a photocopy in the wrong format can cost you.
- Keep copies of everything. Save PDF versions and print hard copies for reference.
- Show your motivation. Include a brief statement explaining why you need the bursary and how you plan to use it.
- Ask for confirmation. After sending, send a polite email asking for receipt confirmation.
Ready to Change Your Future?
If you meet the criteria, don’t wait. The Compensation Fund Bursary 2026 could fund your studies and give you a springboard into a new career or entrepreneurship. Gather the required documents, fill in the form, and send it in before 31 March 2026. Good luck, and remember – a well‑prepared application is your first step toward a brighter tomorrow.
