Compensation Fund (COID) has opened a bursary program for 2026 academic year and all interested applicants should apply before the deadline below:
The mission of the Compensation Fund is to provide efficient, quality, client-centric and accessible Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) services; sustain financial viability; and be an organisation that takes care of the needs of its staff to ensure effective service delivery.
ENDING DATE: This Bursary will end on Phase 1: 30 November 2026.
Phase 2: 29 January 2026.
LOCATION: South Africa
Compensation Fund (COID) Bursary 2026 will be awarded to 2 groups of people, for studies towards the following qualifications:
1) Group 1: unemployed people, who are permanently disabled after suffering occupational injuries or diseases, and COID pensioners – can apply for studies towards the following fields (to increase chances of re-entry into the labour market):
- Carpentry
- Dressmaking
- Electrical
- Horticulture & Landscaping
- Plumbing
- Poultry Farming
- Traditional & Hydroponic Vegetable Cultivation and Agro-processing
- Upholstery and Furniture Making
- Welding
- Other Vocational Training
2) Group 2: dependants of COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) pensioners, or dependants of COID people who are permanently disabled after suffering occupational injuries or diseases – can apply for studies in:
- Accounting Science
- Accounting: BCom (Honours)
- Actuarial Science
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Control
- Agriculture
- Analytical Chemistry
- Animation
- Architecture
- Aviation
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Brand Communication or Management
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Clinical Psychology
- Computer Science, System Development and Informatics/ Information Technology (specialising in Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Computer Networks, Cyber Security, Data Engineering, Data Science & Analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, Robotics, Software Engineering)
- Construction Management
- CTA
- Culinary
- Data Science
- Design and Development Engineering
- Design Graphic (Communication) Design
- Digital Design
- Digital Marketing
- Economic Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Environmental Health
- Film and Production
- Financial Mathematics
- Food and Beverage
- Forensic Science
- Geo-Informatics
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Health and related clinical science (Advanced Paramedic, Audiology, Dentistry, MBCHB, Medical Orthotics, Medical Science, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Oncology, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Prosthetics, Radiography, Urology, Vascular Technology)
- Hospitality
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial Psychology
- Marine
- Maritime Studies
- Mathematical Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Microbiology
- Operations Management
- Production and Process Engineering
- Production Management
- Quality Assurance and Regulatory
- Quality Control and Planning
- Quantity Surveying
- Risk Management
- Risk Management and Forensic Science
- Statistics
- Supply Chain Management
- Teaching (Early Childhood Development, Information Communications Technology, Mathematics, Science)
- Town Planning
- Water Science and Technology
- Apprenticeship full programme (available to candidates who ended mainstream schooling in Grade 9, with a General Education Certificate (GEC) and potential to succeed in the programme – candidates must submit pre-entry assessment outcomes)
BURSARY REQUIREMENTS:
All Applicants must at least meet the requirements of a group:
1) Group 1:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be currently unemployed
- You must be of working age
- You must have acquired a permanent disability due to occupational injuries or diseases
- You must be studying intend on studying within one of the aforementioned fields of study (full-time if not disabled, part-time if disabled)
- You must have been accepted or preliminary accepted to study at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, Community Education and Training (CET) or Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- You must intend to improve your skills to return to the work force or become self-employed
2) Group 2:
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must be between 17 and 25 years old
- You must be a dependant of a COID pension or a dependants of COID people who are permanently disabled after suffering occupational injuries or diseases
- You must be studying intend on studying within one of the aforementioned fields of study (full-time if not disabled, part-time if disabled)
- You must have been accepted or preliminary accepted to study at a Public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College or Higher Education Institution (HEI)
BURSARY COVERAGE:
This bursary covers for the following expenses: tuition fees, prescribed study materials, accommodation and a monthly stipend.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Download and apply for this bursary with the application form below:
Remember to attach the following documents wen applying:
1) Group 1:
- ID document (certified copy)
- COID pension number or COID claim number
- Latest academic transcript, if currently studying
- Proof of acceptance or preliminary acceptance from an approved institute
- Tuition fees quotation (on institutions letterhead)
- Prescribed Learning Resources quotation, if available (on institutions letterhead)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of disability, if applicable (verification by a Health Care Professional or Disability Support Office)
2) Group 2:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Applicants unabridged birth certificate (certified copy)
- Parents/ guardians ID documents (certified copy)/ death certificates if deceased (certified copy)
- COID pension number or COID claim number
- Matric June results, if currrently in Matric
- Latest academic transcript, if currently studying
- Proof of acceptance or preliminary acceptance from an approved institute
- Tuition fees quotation (on institutions letterhead)
- Prescribed Learning Resources quotation, if available (on institutions letterhead)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of disability, if applicable (verification by a Health Care Professional or Disability Support Office)
- Pre-entry assessment (if applying for the apprenticeship programme)
- Proof of income (latest payslip if employed: certified copy, affidavit if unemployed or an informal worker, proof of SASSA grant if applicable, proof pension if applicable, or other proof of income)
Applications must be submitted in one of the following ways:
1) Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
2) Hand delivery:
Compensation Fund Head Building
167 Thabo Sehume & Madiba Street
Delta Heights Building
Pretoria
0002
3) Post/ Courier:
The Sub – Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Employment and Labour
Compensation Fund
Private Bag x 955
Pretoria
0001
(Please note: emailed and faxed applications will NOT be accepted).
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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.