ASSET Bursary Programme
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.
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
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.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 30 September 2025
Apply on Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) (administered in-house by the ASSET Bursary Programme, Mowbray, Western Cape)'s official siteNeed 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 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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