KZN Office of the Premier Discretionary Bursary
The KZN Office of the Premier Discretionary Bursary is a provincial scheme that helps deserving young people from KwaZulu-Natal fund their tertiary studies, with priority given to indigent, orphaned and vulnerable youth who have academic potential but lack financial resources. Funding supports studies in fields and priority areas that add value to the Province, and applications are handled through the Office of the Premier's online eBursary platform. The specific bursary amount and coverage are not published on the official source, and the Office does not advertise the bursary in the media, so applicants should confirm the current cycle directly with the bursary office.
Eligible Fields of Study
KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier (Youth Chief Directorate; administered via the KZN OTP eBursary platform) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Deserving youth from KwaZulu-Natal (priority to indigent/orphaned and vulnerable youth with academic potential but lacking financial resources)
- ✓ Either currently studying at a South African tertiary institution, OR have completed matric and been admitted to study at a South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Demonstrated financial need (lacking the financial resources to fund tertiary studies)
- ✓ Applicants are referred to the bursary office through relevant channels
- ✓ Successful bursars must sign a contract committing to complete their studies (funds are recouped on failure to complete)
What's Included
- ✓ Discretionary bursary funding towards tertiary studies (specific amount and coverage not published on the official source)
- ✓ Support targeted at indigent, orphaned and vulnerable youth with academic potential
- ✓ Funding for fields and priority areas that add value to the KwaZulu-Natal Province
Work Commitment
No mandatory work-back service obligation is published. Successful bursars must sign a contract committing to complete their studies, and the bursary funds are recouped if the student fails to complete the qualification.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier (Youth Chief Directorate; administered via the KZN OTP eBursary platform) bursary application
- 1
Confirm the current application cycle directly with the Office of the Premier bursary office, as the bursary is not advertised in the media
- 2
Ensure you are referred to the bursary office through the relevant channels
- 3
Register and apply on the KZN OTP eBursary platform at https://kznotpbursaries.azurewebsites.net/ during the application window (typically January to March each year)
- 4
Complete the online application in full and upload all required supporting documents
- 5
If successful, sign the bursary contract committing to complete your studies
- 6
Confirm the current cycle with the office, as the eBursary homepage may still display a dated banner from a previous application year
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of South African ID
- 📄 Certified copy of Matric (Grade 12) certificate
- 📄 Proof of admission or registration at a South African tertiary institution
- 📄 Latest academic record or results (for students already studying)
- 📄 Proof of household income / proof of financial need
- 📄 Supporting documentation relating to indigent, orphaned or vulnerable status (where applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for the KZN Office of the Premier Discretionary Bursary?
- It is aimed at deserving youth from KwaZulu-Natal, with priority given to indigent, orphaned and vulnerable young people who have academic potential but lack the financial resources to fund their studies. You must either be currently studying at a South African tertiary institution, or have completed matric and been admitted to study at a South African tertiary institution. Applicants are referred to the bursary office through the relevant channels.
- How much funding does the bursary provide and which fields are covered?
- This is a discretionary bursary towards tertiary studies, and the specific amount and coverage are not published on the official source. Funding supports fields and priority areas that add value to the KwaZulu-Natal Province, though the exact list of qualifying fields is not published.
- How and when do I apply?
- Applications are made through the Office of the Premier's online eBursary platform at https://kznotpbursaries.azurewebsites.net/. Applications are accepted from January to March each year. Because the Office of the Premier does not advertise the bursary in the media, and the eBursary homepage may still show a dated banner from a previous year, you should confirm the current cycle directly with the bursary office on 033 341 3300.
- Is this the same as the other KZN provincial bursaries?
- No. This is the Office of the Premier's own discretionary scheme run via the OTP eBursary platform. It is distinct from the separately-administered KZN line-department bursaries (such as the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, Provincial Treasury and Human Settlements) and from the teaching-focused Provincial Education Department bursary.
Ready to apply?
Applications close on 31 March 2026
Apply on KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier (Youth Chief Directorate; administered via the KZN OTP eBursary platform)'s official siteNeed help? Contact KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier (Youth Chief Directorate; administered via the KZN OTP eBursary platform):
Phone: 033 341 3300
Information verified 2026-06-22. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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