SIOC Community Development Trust Bursaries 2025

Are you a young South African student dreaming of furthering your education but facing financial challenges? The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursaries offer an incredible opportunity for students in beneficiary communities to access financial assistance for higher education. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these bursaries, including the application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, and important deadlines.

What is the SIOC Community Development Trust Bursary?

The SIOC-CDT Bursary Fund is an initiative aimed at empowering South African youth from specific communities by providing funding for post-matric studies. It supports students accepted into public higher education institutions for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields. By enabling access to education, the bursary helps students build sustainable futures and contribute to their communities.

Requirements for the SIOC-CDT Bursary

To qualify for the SIOC-CDT Bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Residency: Be a resident or originate from one of the SIOC-CDT beneficiary communities, including:
   • Gamagara
   • Ga-Segonyana
   • Joe Morolong
   • Tsantsabane
   • Thabazimbi
2. Age: Be under 35 years old by the closing date (17 January 2025).
3. Educational Status:
   • Be accepted or provisionally accepted at a public higher education institution for the 2025 academic year.
   • Preference is given to undergraduate students.
4. Financial Need:
   • Annual household income must not exceed R600,000.
5. Academic Performance: Submit academic results as proof of capability and readiness.
6. Encouragement for Disabled Applicants: Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Fields of Study Supported by the Bursary

The bursary funds studies in the following areas:

Agriculture:

• Veterinary Science
• Crops and Livestock Production
• Environmental Studies
• Agricultural Economics
• Food Technology

Health and Clinical Sciences:

• MBChB
• Pharmacy
• Dentistry
• Advanced EMS
• Nursing
• Biochemistry

Education:

• B.Ed. in Mathematics, Physical Science, and Natural Sciences
• Foundation Phase Education
• Language Education
• Special Needs Education

Business, Economics, and Law:

• Accounting
• Economics
• LLB (Law)
• Actuarial Science
• Statistics and Mathematics

Engineering and Sciences:

• Quantity Surveying
• Civil Engineering
• Geology
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Health

Information Technology:

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

Tourism and Hospitality:

• Hospitality Management
• Arts and Culture Heritage
• Ecotourism Management

What Does the Bursary Cover?

The SIOC-CDT Bursary is comprehensive, covering costs such as:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Study materials
• Living expenses (stipends may apply)

Read more: Understanding the Differences: Bursaries vs Scholarships in 2025

Benefits of the SIOC-CDT Bursary

1. Financial Relief: Covers major educational expenses, reducing the burden on families.
2. Community Development: Promotes education within SIOC-CDT communities, fostering growth.
3. Career Opportunities: Access to quality education improves employability in competitive industries.
4. Inclusivity: Encourages individuals with disabilities to pursue higher education.

Required Documents for Application

Applicants must submit the following supporting documents:

1. South African ID (certified copy).
2. Latest academic results (e.g., Grade 12 June or prelim results, university results for continuing students).
3. NSC certificate (if applicable).
4. Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance at a public institution.
5. Proof of residence (not older than 3 months).
6. Parent/guardian income proof (recent payslip, certified declaration of unemployment, or affidavit for absence of parents/guardians).
7. Bank statement (last 3 months).
8. Medical certificate (for applicants with disabilities).

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How to Apply

Step 1: Online Application

Applications must be submitted online via the provided portal:
SIOC-CDT Bursary Application Form 2025.

Step 2: Submission of Documents

Ensure that all required documents are uploaded correctly during the application process.

Step 3: Monitor Application Status

Keep track of your application by visiting the portal regularly.

Important Deadline:

• The application window closes on 17 January 2025 at 12:00 PM.

Additional Notes

• Applicants who submitted during the first application window do not need to reapply; their applications will still be considered.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be processed, so ensure all requirements are met before submission.

Related: Gauteng City Region Academy Bursaries 2025

The SIOC Community Development Trust Bursaries offer a life-changing opportunity for students from SIOC-CDT beneficiary communities to pursue higher education without the financial burden. By focusing on fields that drive societal and economic development, this bursary not only supports individual growth but also contributes to the upliftment of communities in South Africa.