Many South Africans who’ve suffered work‑related injuries or diseases are often left with permanent disabilities, without income or prospects. The Compensation Fund Vocational Rehab Bursary Scheme is a powerful opportunity to rebuild your future. This article explains what it is, who qualifies, what it covers, how to apply, and tips to succeed in securing this bursary.
Requirements
To qualify for the Compensation Fund Vocational Rehab Bursary Scheme, you must meet the following conditions:
Groups That May Apply
- Unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disability (Working-age):
- You must have a permanent disablement due to a work-related injury or disease.
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You must be unemployed at the time of applying.
- You must have an acceptance letter from a recognised TVET, CET, or Higher Education Institution (HEI) for full-time study (part-time allowed only in special disability cases).
- Dependents of COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement, and dependents of fatally injured employees:
- You must be between the ages of 17 and 35.
- You must provide proof that you are a dependent (e.g., parent/guardian documents or death certificates) of the injured or deceased employee.
Additional Requirements
- Fully completed bursary application form.
- COID pension number or claim number.
- Certified copies of your ID and that of parents/guardians.
- Proof of acceptance from a recognised post-school public institution (TVET, CET, or HEI).
- Medical verification or certification of disability (final medical report or documents from a healthcare provider or disability office).
- All students must be enrolled full-time unless an exception applies for disability.
Incomplete applications or missing documents may lead to disqualification.
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary covers the following:
- Tuition fees: All course-related academic costs.
- Prescribed study materials: Required books and resources.
- Accommodation: Assistance with student housing if applicable.
- Monthly stipend: A financial allowance to cover personal and academic needs.
The bursary is renewable each year, for the duration of your course, depending on academic performance and availability of funding.
If you don’t hear from the Compensation Fund within two months after applying, consider your application unsuccessful.
What Programmes Can You Study?
The bursary supports programmes that help you reintegrate into the workplace or start your own business.
Recommended programmes include, but are not limited to:
- Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Mechatronics)
- Information Technology (Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science)
- Health and Clinical Sciences
- Teaching (Early Childhood Development, Mathematics, Science, ICT)
- Accounting, Financial Management, Economics
- Digital Skills (Marketing, Graphic Design, Film, Animation)
- Artisan and trade qualifications (e.g., plumbing, welding, automotive)
- Vocational training programmes for students with a General Education Certificate (GEC)
If you have difficulty accessing institutions because of your previous education level, you can request to be placed in a vocational skills programme.
Recommended for you: Bursary Application Checklist: Documents You Must Have
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Compensation Fund Vocational Rehab Bursary Scheme:
Step 1: Get the Application Form
- Download the form from the Department of Employment and Labour website, or
- Visit your nearest Provincial Labour Centre to collect the form.
Step 2: Fill Out the Form
- Complete all sections accurately.
- Make sure your handwriting is clear (if handwritten).
- Use black ink and block letters.
Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
You will need:
- Certified copy of your ID.
- Certified copy of your parent’s/guardian’s ID or death certificate (if you are a dependent).
- Proof of residence.
- COID claim or pension number.
- Proof of acceptance from a public TVET, CET, or HEI.
- Medical report or disability verification.
- Academic results or latest school report (if applicable).
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Choose one of the following submission options:
- Post Office/Courier
Address it to:
Sub–Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Employment and Labour, Compensation Fund
Private Bag X955
Pretoria, 0001 - Hand Delivery (Sept – Dec 2025)
167 Thabo Sehume Street
Delta Heights Building, Pretoria - Hand Delivery (From Jan 2026)
Compensation House
Corner Hamilton and Soutpansberg Road
Prinshof, Pretoria - Email Submission
Send it to: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
Step 5: Follow Up
- Keep copies of all documents.
- Keep proof of submission (e.g., email receipt, delivery slip).
- If you don’t hear anything within two months, your application was likely unsuccessful.
Also check: Common Mistakes Students Make When Applying for Bursaries
The Compensation Fund Vocational Rehab Bursary Scheme is a rare opportunity to uplift lives affected by workplace injuries and disease. Whether you’re a former worker with a permanent disability or a child of someone who lost their life on the job, this bursary gives you the chance to learn, grow, and thrive again.