The Letsatsi Borutho Trust has opened applications for its 2027 bursary programme, offering full study funding to South Africans who live within 50 kilometres of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant near Kimberley in the Northern Cape. The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals and learning materials at TVET colleges, universities of technology and universities. The advertised closing date for 2027 applications is 19 August 2026 at 12:00 midday, so start your application now.
About the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust is a community trust that owns shares in the Droogfontein Solar Power plant, one of the renewable energy projects built under South Africa’s independent power producer programme. The Trust exists to channel the benefits of that investment back into the communities surrounding the plant, and education funding is one of its flagship programmes.
The Trust believes everyone in its communities should have an opportunity to reach their dreams, and it backs that up by paying for tertiary studies for local youth. The bursaries are professionally administered by StudyTrust, one of South Africa’s oldest bursary management organisations, which has awarded more than 30,000 bursaries and scholarships worth over R1 billion in its 50-plus years of operation. That means applicants also get access to StudyTrust’s student support and mentorship structures.
What the Bursary Covers
- Tertiary institution tuition fees, registration fees and examination fees
- Accommodation in a tertiary residence or equivalent
- Meals
- Learning materials, including textbooks and stationery
- The value of each bursary is determined on an individual basis according to your study costs
Who Can Apply
- South African citizens
- Individuals who reside within a 50km radius of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant outside Kimberley
- Individuals who have been accepted at any recognised public or private South African tertiary institution, including TVET colleges, universities of technology and universities
- Students working towards NQF Level 6 technical and skills training programmes (such as plumbing and bricklaying), national diplomas and degree programmes
- Those who completed their NSC or NTC in previous years may also apply
- Applicants must demonstrate financial need, and selection considers your Grade 12 or latest academic results
Required Documents
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copy of your Grade 12 results (prelim or final) or your highest grade passed, plus latest academic results if you are already studying
- Proof of acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Proof of household income or supporting documents demonstrating financial need
- Proof of residence within the 50km radius of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant
- Only applications completed correctly, in full and with all supporting documents will be considered
RELATED: Implats Refineries Bursary 2027: Fully Funded, Closes 31 August
How to Apply
- Read the instructions on StudyTrust’s Bursary Applications page before you begin.
- Complete the application on StudyTrust’s online application platform.
- Gather and attach all required supporting documents.
- Submit the completed application to b.ndlovu@studytrust.org.za or hand it in at the Tlhokomelo Centre, 776 corner of Lecholo and Matanzima roads, Kimberley.
- Apply before 19 August 2026 to be safe. StudyTrust’s general application season runs from 1 June to 30 September, but the Trust’s 2027 bursary advert lists 19 August 2026 at 12:00 midday as the closing date.
Apply at StudyTrust (Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary Programme)
Closing Date
The advertised closing date for the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary 2027 is 19 August 2026 at 12:00 midday. No late applications will be accepted.
Why This Bursary Matters
Opportunities that target the Northern Cape are rare, and young people in communities around Kimberley often miss out on national bursaries that favour big-city applicants. This programme flips that: it exists only for residents within 50km of the Droogfontein plant, which dramatically improves your odds compared to national schemes. It also funds practical NQF Level 6 skills training like plumbing and bricklaying, not just university degrees, which makes it accessible to young people who want a trade rather than an academic path. Renewable energy community trusts like Letsatsi Borutho are one of the quiet success stories of South Africa’s energy transition, and this is your share of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
I live in Kimberley. Do I qualify?
You qualify if your home is within a 50km radius of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant, which covers Kimberley and surrounding communities. You will need proof of residence.
Can I use the bursary at a TVET college?
Yes. The bursary covers study at any recognised public or private South African tertiary institution, including TVET colleges, universities of technology and academic universities.
I finished Matric a few years ago. Can I still apply?
Yes. Those who completed their NSC or NTC in previous years are welcome to apply, provided they meet the residence and financial need criteria.
How much money will I get?
The value is determined on an individual basis and can cover tuition, registration, exams, accommodation, meals and learning materials, depending on your circumstances and study costs.
Applying for this opportunity?
Make sure your application stands out with these free tools:
