The financial burden of historical student debt continues to impact thousands of South African graduates every year. Many young people complete their studies but are unable to graduate or receive their qualifications because of outstanding fees. To address this challenge, the Absa CSI Trust has introduced the CSI Trust Debt Relief initiative for the 2025/2026 cycle. This intervention aims to clear historical student debt for eligible graduates and support their transition into employment opportunities.
Working in partnership with the Feenix Trust, the Absa CSI Trust provides financial assistance, student support, employment pathways, and long-term empowerment for graduates in STEM and future-focused fields.
Applications are now open, and all submissions must be made before 1 December 2025.
About the Absa CSI Trust Debt Relief Initiative
The CSI Trust Debt Relief initiative is designed for graduates who have completed their academic programmes at public universities but cannot graduate due to unpaid historical debt. Without qualifications, many graduates are locked out of job markets, internships, and further study opportunities.
This programme aims to:
- Clear historical student debt
- Enable graduates to receive their certificates
- Remove barriers to employment
- Provide career transition support through the Youth Employment Services (YES) partnership
- Strengthen South Africa’s pipeline of skilled young professionals
The Feenix Trust has been appointed to manage the debt clearance process and provide additional support services to participants.
Eligibility Criteria for CSI Trust Debt Relief
To qualify for the Absa CSI Trust Debt Relief for Graduates 2025/2026, applicants must meet all the criteria listed below:
1. South African Citizenship
Only South African citizens may apply.
2. Studied at a Selected Public University
You must have studied at one of the designated public universities in South Africa.
3. Combined Household Income of R700 000 or Less
Your family income must not exceed R700 000 per year.
4. Completed Studies but Not Graduated
Applicants must have finished their degree or diploma but are unable to graduate because of unpaid historical debt.
5. Unemployed and Not Studying Further
You must currently be unemployed and not registered for any further studies.
6. Qualification in Priority Fields
Only graduates in the following fields will be considered:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Digital Economy-related qualifications
- Green Economy-related qualifications
These are critical growth sectors in South Africa and globally.
Application Deadline
All applications for the CSI Trust Debt Relief must be submitted by 1 December 2025.
Early applications are encouraged to allow time for verification and processing.
Additional Feenix Support for Graduates
Alongside the Absa CSI Trust Debt Relief intervention, Feenix provides a range of services dedicated to helping young people access education and succeed academically and professionally.
Feenix’s mission is to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from thriving. They support students through crowdfunding opportunities, bursary management, and holistic development programmes.
- Crowdfunding for Students
Feenix offers a secure crowdfunding platform where students can raise funds for their studies. Through storytelling and active engagement, students can appeal to donor communities and take part in their own financial journey.
2. Bursary Management Services
Feenix partners with organisations to design and administer customised bursary programmes aligned with corporate social investment (CSI) objectives. This system allows businesses to invest in education and contribute to sustainable youth development.
3. Wraparound Support Services
To support students beyond financial assistance, Feenix provides holistic development tools such as:
- Financial literacy programmes (through Blackbullion SA)
- Personal development workshops
- Professional mastery and employment-readiness training
- Career skills development
These services prepare students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally.
Related: Exxaro Bursaries 2026
Why the CSI Trust Debt Relief Matters
Many graduates face stalled careers because they cannot obtain their qualifications. The CSI Trust Debt Relief initiative helps remove these barriers by:
- Unlocking graduation opportunities
- Empowering graduates to seek employment
- Encouraging participation in high-growth STEM fields
- Supporting economic growth through skills development
- Providing employment opportunities through YES
This initiative goes beyond financial assistance — it creates a pathway to independence, employability, and long-term success.
If historical student debt is preventing you from graduating and starting your career, the Absa CSI Trust Debt Relief for Graduates 2025/2026 is a valuable opportunity. With debt clearance, employment support, and wraparound student services, this intervention is designed to unlock your future.
Submit your application before 1 December 2025 and take your next step towards economic participation and professional growth.