Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary Programme

The Sibona Ilanga Trust, a community trust that holds shares in the De Aar Solar Power Plant on behalf of surrounding communities, is inviting applications for its 2027 bursary programme. The Trust believes that everyone within its communities should have the opportunity to reach their dreams, and this bursary is one of the primary ways it empowers individuals to advance through further education.

The bursary is open to prospective students who wish to study towards NQF Level 6 technical and skills training programmes (including plumbing, bricklaying, and similar trades), as well as national diploma and degree programmes at public or private TVET colleges, universities of technology, or academic universities. Applicants who completed their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Technical Certificate (NTC) in previous years are also welcome to apply.

The bursary is administered by StudyTrust, an educational trust and public benefit organisation with over 50 years of experience and more than R1 billion awarded in bursaries to over 30,000 students nationally.

Who Can Apply

• South African citizens
• Individuals residing within a 50-kilometre radius of the De Aar Solar Power Plant
• Individuals who have been accepted at any recognised public or private South African tertiary education or training institution
• Only fully completed application forms, submitted with the required supporting documents, will be considered

What the Bursary Covers

The value of the bursary is determined on an individual basis and may cover the following study-related costs:

• Tertiary institution tuition, registration, and examination fees
• Accommodation in a tertiary residence or equivalent
• Meals
• Learning materials, including textbooks and stationery

Selection Criteria

• Academic performance: Based on prelim or final Grade 12 results, latest academic results, or highest grade passed, for applicants wanting to study towards NQF Level 6 technical and skills training programmes, national diplomas, or degrees
• Financial need: Applicants must demonstrate insufficient financial resources to continue with tertiary education without support

How to Apply

Applications must be completed on StudyTrust’s online application platform for consideration in the next academic year. Hardcopy applications are also accepted and can be submitted to b.ndlovu@studytrust.org.za, or delivered in person to the Ethembeni Community Centre, 3 Friedlander Street, De Aar.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the instructions on StudyTrust’s Bursary Applications page before starting their application.

Application Season: 1 June to 30 September

Apply for the Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary Programme