SIOC-CDT Bursaries 2027: Your Guide to Funding Your Studies

Published October 7, 2026

SIOC Community Development Trust Bursaries 2027: Apply for Funding

The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) is offering bursaries for the 2027 academic year to students from specific communities in South Africa. This opportunity is for learners and students pursuing post-matric studies at public higher education institutions.

About the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme

The SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme aims to support students from selected beneficiary communities who wish to further their education after Grade 12. The bursary is specifically for those studying at public universities or colleges in South Africa. It is important for applicants to reside in or originate from one of the designated SIOC-CDT communities to qualify.

About SIOC Community Development Trust

The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) is a non-profit organisation focused on improving the lives of communities in South Africa. It operates in areas historically linked to mining, aiming to create sustainable development and opportunities. The trust invests in education, health, and economic development initiatives to uplift these communities.

Priority Fields of Study

SIOC-CDT has identified several key study areas for the 2027 bursary programme. These fields are considered important for the development of the beneficiary communities and the country.

Agriculture

Veterinary Science
Livestock Product Analyst
Environmental Officer
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural Engineer
Food Technologists
Food Technicians

Health and Clinical-Related Sciences

MBChB (Medicine)
Pharmacy
Dentistry
Advanced EMS (Emergency Medical Services)
Nursing
Chemical Sciences
Biological Sciences
Medical Laboratory Sciences
Biochemistry

Education

FET Mathematics
BEd FET Physical Science
BEd Natural Sciences
Economic and Management Science
BEd Foundation Phase
BEd Language
BEd Special Needs

Law

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Tourism

Hospitality Management
Arts and Culture Heritage
Eco-Tourism Management

Business Management and Economics

Accounting
Economics
Auditing and Tax
Actuarial Science
Statistics and Mathematics
Project Management

Engineering and Sciences

Quantity Surveying
Civil Engineering
Architecture
Geology
Electrical Engineering
Town Planning
Environmental Health

Information Technology

Computer Sciences and Communication
Software Development
Data Science / Analytics
Web Design and Development

What the SIOC-CDT Bursary Covers

Successful applicants can expect the bursary to cover various educational expenses. This financial support is designed to ease the burden of tertiary education costs for students and their families.

The bursary may include:

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Accommodation costs
Prescribed study material
A laptop (provided once-off)
A monthly stipend for living expenses
Assistive devices for students with disabilities

Programme Duration and Location

The bursary is awarded for the duration of the chosen study programme at a public higher education institution. The specified locations for applicants are the communities of Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane, and Thabazimbi in South Africa.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Reside in and/or originate from one of the listed SIOC-CDT beneficiary communities.
Be no older than 35 years by the closing date.
Have been accepted or provisionally accepted at a relevant public higher education institution for 2027.
Demonstrate financial need for undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
Come from a household with a combined gross annual income not exceeding R600,000.
Have achieved an NSC average of at least 65%.

Competencies Required

While not explicitly listed as formal requirements, applicants who demonstrate certain qualities are more likely to be successful. These include a strong willingness to learn, academic commitment, and a clear understanding of their chosen field of study. Applicants should also be able to manage their finances responsibly, given the stipend provided.

Who Should Apply?

This bursary is ideal for ambitious South African students from the specified beneficiary communities who are passionate about their chosen fields of study. If you have a strong academic record, a desire to pursue higher education, and face financial challenges, this bursary could be a valuable opportunity. It is particularly suited for those who want to contribute to the development of their communities through their future careers.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit a comprehensive set of documents with their application. Ensure all copies are certified and recent.

Certified copy of South African ID.
Certified copy of latest Matric results.
Mid-year Grade 12 results, if applicable.
Latest university or academic results for students applying from second year onwards.
Certified final NSC results if Matric was completed before 2026.
Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance at a higher education institution.
Proof of application to a recognised public higher education institution, if applicable.
Recent proof of residence (not older than three months).
Proof of income for parents or guardians (e.g., recent payslips, sworn affidavit if unemployed).
SASSA grant recipient certificate, if applicable.
Recent three months’ bank statements.
Medical certificate confirming the type of disability, if applicable.

How to Apply

Applicants have two options for submitting their bursary applications: online or manually.

Online Application

Complete the official SIOC-CDT online bursary application form. You will need to upload all the required supporting documents.

Click here to apply for the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme 2027

Manual Application

Alternatively, you can download and complete a manual application form. Submit the completed form by hand at one of the following offices:

Kathu Office:
SIOC-CDT Office Park Block A, Ground Floor
Corner Hendrick Van Eck and Ian Flemming Road
Kathu 8446

Thabazimbi Office:
SIOC-CDT Thabazimbi Business Hub
11 Jourdain Street Mollies Building
Thabazimbi 0380

Important Notes

Please keep the following in mind when applying:

Meeting the bursary criteria does not guarantee admission to a university or college.
Applicants must still meet the admission requirements of their chosen institution and qualification.
Application, shortlisting, or provisional selection does not guarantee that a bursary will be awarded.
Submit your applications well before the closing date to avoid any last-minute issues.

Closing Date

The closing date for the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme 2027 is Monday, 30 November 2026 at 12:00 midday.

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