Who can apply for the CRET bursary?

South African citizens aged 16 to 27 with demonstrable financial need (household income below R650,000 per year) who are matriculants, unemployed youth, or undergraduates already enrolled at a recognised South African public institution. You must show proof of application or registration at a recognised institution.

What does the CRET bursary cover?

It is a full-cost bursary covering registration and tuition, textbooks and stationery, accommodation, meals, a monthly living allowance and transport where required. Beyond funding, CRET provides mentorship, soft-skills training, twice-yearly holiday work experience and psychosocial support.

When is the CRET application deadline?

Applications run annually with a firm deadline of 13 December, and no late applications are accepted. CRET is accepting applications for the 2026/2027 academic year; the previous 2025 cycle closed on 13 December 2024. Always confirm the current dates on the official foundation page.

Do I need a psychometric test to apply?

Yes. You must provide proof of completing a psychometric test that supports your chosen field of study, alongside a strong motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary. This helps CRET match you to a field where you can thrive.

Where do I find the official application link?

Use the official Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation CRET page at cyrilramaphosafoundation.org. Past cycles referenced an application portal via pluggedin.standardbank.co.za or Microsoft Forms, but the link changes each year, so the foundation page is the safest source for the current application.

General Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust / CRET; formerly Shanduka Foundation)

Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary

The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is a comprehensive bursary run by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation for academically capable South African youth from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. It covers the full cost of study across a range of disciplines at recognised public institutions and pairs funding with mentorship, holiday work experience, skills development and psychosocial support. CRET targets matriculants, unemployed youth and current undergraduates aged 16 to 27 with demonstrable financial need.

Amount:

Full-cost bursary (tuition, accommodation, meals, books and monthly allowance)

Deadline:

13 December 2026

Renewable:

Yes

Apply on Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust / CRET; formerly Shanduka Foundation)'s site

Eligible Fields of Study

Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust / CRET; formerly Shanduka Foundation) supports students in the following disciplines

Open to various disciplines (originally focused on business degrees, now supports students across multiple fields at recognised South African public institutions)

Business and Commerce

Science

Engineering

Humanities

Health Sciences

Eligibility Requirements

✓ South African citizen with a valid ID number
✓ Between 16 and 27 years of age
✓ Demonstrable financial need (household income below R650,000 per annum)
✓ Current matriculant/learner or unemployed youth, or undergraduate student already enrolled at a recognised South African public institution
✓ Proof of application or current registration at a recognised institution
✓ Strong motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
✓ Proof of completing a psychometric test supporting your chosen field of study

What's Included

✓ Registration and tuition fees
✓ Textbooks and study materials/stationery
✓ Accommodation
✓ Meals
✓ Monthly living/personal allowance
✓ Transport (where required)
✓ Structured mentorship and career guidance
✓ Soft skills training and skills development
✓ Intensive holiday work experience programmes (twice yearly)
✓ Psychological and social support

How to Apply

Steps to complete your Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust / CRET; formerly Shanduka Foundation) bursary application

1
Confirm you meet the age, citizenship and financial-need criteria
2
Visit the official Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation CRET page to access the current application link
3
Complete a psychometric test to support your chosen field of study
4
Complete the online application form for the relevant academic year
5
Write and attach a strong motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
6
Upload all required supporting documents
7
Submit your application before the 13 December deadline (no late applications are accepted)
8
Attend interviews or assessments if shortlisted

Required Documents

📄 Certified copy of your South African ID (or birth certificate)
📄 Certified latest academic results (Grade 11, matric certificate or university transcript)
📄 Proof of application or registration at a recognised South African public institution
📄 Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA letters, or an affidavit if unemployed)
📄 Motivational letter
📄 Proof of completing a psychometric test for your chosen field of study

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the CRET bursary?: South African citizens aged 16 to 27 with demonstrable financial need (household income below R650,000 per year) who are matriculants, unemployed youth, or undergraduates already enrolled at a recognised South African public institution. You must show proof of application or registration at a recognised institution.
What does the CRET bursary cover?: It is a full-cost bursary covering registration and tuition, textbooks and stationery, accommodation, meals, a monthly living allowance and transport where required. Beyond funding, CRET provides mentorship, soft-skills training, twice-yearly holiday work experience and psychosocial support.
When is the CRET application deadline?: Applications run annually with a firm deadline of 13 December, and no late applications are accepted. CRET is accepting applications for the 2026/2027 academic year; the previous 2025 cycle closed on 13 December 2024. Always confirm the current dates on the official foundation page.
Do I need a psychometric test to apply?: Yes. You must provide proof of completing a psychometric test that supports your chosen field of study, alongside a strong motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary. This helps CRET match you to a field where you can thrive.
Where do I find the official application link?: Use the official Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation CRET page at cyrilramaphosafoundation.org. Past cycles referenced an application portal via pluggedin.standardbank.co.za or Microsoft Forms, but the link changes each year, so the foundation page is the safest source for the current application.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 13 December 2026

Apply on Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust / CRET; formerly Shanduka Foundation)'s official site

Need help? Contact Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust / CRET; formerly Shanduka Foundation):

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 011 592 6560

Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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