Who can apply for the ASSET Bursary?

Applications are open to South African citizens resident in the Western Cape who are from a financially disadvantaged community. You must be in Grade 12 intending to enter higher education, or already pursuing a first undergraduate qualification, and you must meet the entry requirements of your chosen institution.

What does the ASSET bursary cover and do I have to pay it back?

Awards are variable and cover a percentage or portion of the cost of tuition, registration and books rather than the full cost of study. The bursary does not need to be repaid; instead, graduates join the ASSET Alumni Association and are encouraged to give back to support future students.

Which institutions and courses are eligible?

Study must be at a public University or University of Technology in the Western Cape. Private institutions and TVET/FET colleges are not eligible. Any accredited field of study at undergraduate level (degree, diploma or higher certificate) can be supported, but only for a first undergraduate qualification.

When do applications open and close?

Applications open on 1 July and close on 30 September each year. Submit your completed form with certified supporting documents to 5 Long Street, Mowbray, 7700. The Bursary Selection Committee meets in mid-February and outcomes are communicated by the end of February.

General

ASSET Bursary Programme

Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) (administered in-house by the ASSET Bursary Programme, Mowbray, Western Cape)

The ASSET Bursary Programme is a long-running, partial-cost bursary that helps academically able but financially disadvantaged Western Cape students access higher education. Each award covers a portion of tuition, registration and book costs at a public university or university of technology in the Western Cape and does not need to be repaid. Run by the non-profit Association for Educational Transformation, the programme supports roughly 500 students a year and invites graduates to give back through its Alumni Association.

Amount: Variable awards; each bursary covers a percentage/portion of the cost of tuition, registration and books (does not need to be repaid)
Deadline: To be announced
Renewable: Yes

2027 applications not yet open

Visit official site

Eligible Fields of Study

Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) (administered in-house by the ASSET Bursary Programme, Mowbray, Western Cape) supports students in the following disciplines

Any accredited field of study (undergraduate degree, diploma or higher certificate)

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen
✓ Resident in the Western Cape
✓ Currently in Grade 12 (intending to enter higher education) OR pursuing a first undergraduate qualification
✓ Must meet the chosen institution's entry requirements
✓ Study must be at a public University or University of Technology in the Western Cape (not private institutions or TVET/FET colleges)
✓ From a financially disadvantaged community (demonstrated financial need)
✓ Must register/enrol at an eligible public Western Cape institution

What's Included

✓ Partial coverage of tuition fees
✓ Registration fees
✓ Books/study materials
✓ No repayment required (graduates join the ASSET Alumni Association and are encouraged to give back)

Work Commitment

No formal work-back obligation; graduates are encouraged to give back through the ASSET Alumni Association.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) (administered in-house by the ASSET Bursary Programme, Mowbray, Western Cape) bursary application

1
Obtain the ASSET bursary application form from 1 July (online via the ASSET website or from the Mowbray office)
2
Complete the application form in full
3
Gather and certify all required supporting documents
4
Submit your completed application with certified documents to the ASSET Bursary Programme, 5 Long Street, Mowbray, 7700, before the 30 September closing date
5
The Bursary Selection Committee meets in mid-February to assess applications
6
Outcomes are communicated to applicants by the end of February

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of your South African ID
📄 Certified copy of your latest academic results (Grade 12 results or most recent university/college transcript)
📄 Proof of acceptance or registration at a public Western Cape university or university of technology
📄 Proof of household income / financial need (payslips, SASSA letters or an affidavit if unemployed)
📄 Completed ASSET bursary application form

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the ASSET Bursary?: Applications are open to South African citizens resident in the Western Cape who are from a financially disadvantaged community. You must be in Grade 12 intending to enter higher education, or already pursuing a first undergraduate qualification, and you must meet the entry requirements of your chosen institution.
What does the ASSET bursary cover and do I have to pay it back?: Awards are variable and cover a percentage or portion of the cost of tuition, registration and books rather than the full cost of study. The bursary does not need to be repaid; instead, graduates join the ASSET Alumni Association and are encouraged to give back to support future students.
Which institutions and courses are eligible?: Study must be at a public University or University of Technology in the Western Cape. Private institutions and TVET/FET colleges are not eligible. Any accredited field of study at undergraduate level (degree, diploma or higher certificate) can be supported, but only for a first undergraduate qualification.
When do applications open and close?: Applications open on 1 July and close on 30 September each year. Submit your completed form with certified supporting documents to 5 Long Street, Mowbray, 7700. The Bursary Selection Committee meets in mid-February and outcomes are communicated by the end of February.

When do 2027 applications open?

Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) (administered in-house by the ASSET Bursary Programme, Mowbray, Western Cape) has not yet announced dates for the 2027 intake.

The last recorded window closed on 30 September 2025. Treat that as a guide to timing only — confirm the 2027 dates with Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) (administered in-house by the ASSET Bursary Programme, Mowbray, Western Cape) before you rely on them.

Check Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) (administered in-house by the ASSET Bursary Programme, Mowbray, Western Cape)'s official site

Need help? Contact Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) (administered in-house by the ASSET Bursary Programme, Mowbray, Western Cape):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +27 (0)21 685 1025

Information verified 2025-09-30. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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