The Knysna Rotary Club is looking for local students who want to study at university. If you live in Knysna and plan to start or continue an undergraduate degree in 2026, you can apply for a bursary that will help pay part of your tuition. This is a great way to reduce the amount of money you need to raise from other sources.
What the bursary is for
The bursary covers a range of subjects that the Rotary Club thinks will benefit the community. You can use the money for courses in:
- Accounting
- Ambulance training
- Architecture drawing
- Business management
- Education / teaching
- Engineering
- Firefighting
- Journalism
- Law
- Marketing
- Media and communication
- Medicine
- Nature conservation
- Nursing and caring
- Social work
The award is not a full scholarship. It is a partial payment that can be up to R30 000, but you will need another source of funding to cover the rest of your fees. The club started this program in 1982 and still funds it with money raised at events like the Rotary Golf Weekend and the old Rotary Cycle Tour.
How the money is paid
The payment is split into two parts.
- Half of the bursary is sent to your university after your application has been checked.
- The second half is given only after you pass your mid‑year exams or finish the first half of your course.
Because the bursary is a partial award, you must prove that you have additional funds—whether from family, a part‑time job or other scholarships.
Who can apply?
- You must have lived in Knysna for at least five years.
- You are either in your final year of high school (Matric 2025) or already have a Matric certificate.
- Your main goal is to study a university course listed above—postgraduate funding is not available.
- Your average mark must be at least 50 %.
- You must show that you have another source of money to cover the rest of your fees.
People who can show clear plans for their study and career, good school results, leadership or community work, good communication skills, and who know a bit about Rotary or current events, will be seen as stronger candidates.
Documents you need to send
When you fill out the form, attach clear copies of the following:
- Certified South African ID
- A passport‑size photo
- Your latest Matric results if you are still in high school
- Your Matric certificate if you already finished
- The most recent results from any tertiary study you are currently doing
- For those who have already applied in a previous year, your 2025 mid‑year tertiary results
If you win the bursary, you might be asked to send more paperwork, such as final high‑school results, end‑of‑year university results, proof that you registered for 2026, your student number, and your bank account details.
How to apply
- Download the application form from the Rotary website and pick the language you prefer (English or Afrikaans).
- Fill out the form carefully.
- Email your completed application and all supporting documents to hgtom57@gmail.com.
- Use the subject line “Knysna Rotary Bursary 2026” so your email can be found easily.
When you need to apply
The last day to send your application is 14 November 2025. After that date, the club will not accept any more applications.
What happens after you apply
The club will review all applications and pick a shortlist. Those students will be invited to a full interview. It’s a good idea to volunteer or help with Rotary fundraising if you want to stand out.
Renewing the bursary
The money is valid for one academic year only. If you keep going into another year, you’ll have to re‑apply.
Why this matters
This bursary can give you a break in the cost of your education. It also lets you stay in your hometown and contribute to Knysna’s future. If you meet the requirements and can show you’re serious about your studies, this is a chance worth taking.
Apply early, put your best foot forward, and let the Rotary Club help you reach your university goals.