JB Marks Bursary South Afri2025 | online Application

The John Beaver Marks Trust Fund entirely covers the educational expenses of undergraduate and graduate students (NUM members and their dependents). The program not only offers funding but also has numerous opportunities to excel in their career.

Planning to prepare for the JB Marks bursary 2025? Don’t know anything about its eligibility criteria, document requirements, and application process? Keep reading this guide and make the most of preparing ahead of time.

About the Bursary

Each year, the JB Marks Bursary fund opens up a bursary program for 200 qualified undergraduate students and 50 postgraduate students. The bursary is exclusive to the paid-up NUM members (current, retired, disabled, deceased, or retrenched) and dependents in their families. Typically, the funding is provided for tertiary and higher education students enrolled in universities or FET colleges.

However, in rare cases, the bursary may also cover the education expenses for Grade 10-12 students. The funding amount covers registration fees, tuition fees, accommodation allowance, meals, extra lessons, prescribed textbooks, and capacity-building program expenses. The Trust also offers compensation for additional critical funds if applicable.

JB Marks Bursary Eligibility Criteria

You must fulfill a few requirements to become eligible for the JB Marks bursary program.

For Undergraduate Students

• The candidate must be a NUM member. Or he/ she should be dependent on a NUM member. It can be their spouses and children.
• The candidate must be studying toward an undergraduate qualification.
• The candidate must be studying at an accredited and recognized public tertiary institution in South Africa. The bursary funding applies to the University, University of Technology, or College. It does not apply to students studying at private institutions.
• The candidate must not be currently receiving any other sort of funding.

For Postgraduate Students

• The candidate must be a NUM member. He/ she must not be funded by the trust.
• The candidate must have graduated recently (not later than two years) from a recognized and accredited university.
• The candidate must be studying a critical field of study. The bursary committee usually evaluates it.
• The bursary will be terminated in the following cases.
• If the student dropped off the course of study within six months of enrollment.
• If the student is receiving or receiving another funding, aid, or bursary.

JB Marks Bursary Application Process

Applying to the JB Marks bursary is straightforward. Here is how both undergraduate and graduate students can apply for the JB Marks fund.

For Undergraduate Students

• First, go to the JB Marks bursary application portal.
• Next, download the application form from the website.
• Fill out the form. Usually, they require personal details and academic records.
• Double-check everything, and once satisfied, gather all the documents required for the application. A list of documents is mentioned below.
• Upload all the documents with the application form, and you are done.

The applications are closed currently, and they usually open in July. In two to three months, you get your bursary results.

For Graduate Students

• The application for graduate students is pretty similar.
• You have to go to the official website and locate the Apply button.
• Fill out the application form and gather all the documents listed below.
• Submit the form along with the documents.

Please note that the applications sent through email will be rejected. Only successful applicants will be sent a confirmation acceptance letter at the regional office. If you do not hear from the JB Marks Trust Fund, consider your application unsuccessful.

Documents Required for the Bursary

Along with the application form, you are required to submit clear copies of the following documents. In case any item is missing, the application will be disqualified from the list of applicants.

• A South African national ID document (certified copy).
• Most recent academic records, including your Matric results and tertiary results (certified copy). Do submit the degree certificate and transcripts.
• NUM member ID document (certified copy).
• NUM member’s latest payslips.
• Proof of acceptance from your current institution. It should be on the institution’s letterhead.
• Proof of dependency if the applicant’s surname is different from the NUM member. It should include an abridged birth certificate, clinic immunization card, magistrate guardianship letter, medical aid beneficiary certificate, or marriage certificate.

These documents are applicable to undergraduate and graduate students. The applications are now closed.

Just to give you an idea, the postgraduates usually submit the following documents in addition to the above-listed.

• A motivational letter stating the academic records and why you need the bursary.
• An acceptance letter from the university for postgraduate studies.
• Quotas of student statement of account and fees.
• Latest academic record, including the degree certificate and transcripts.

What Does the JB Marks Bursary Cover?

The JB Marks Trust bursary covers the registration fees, tuition fees, examination fees, accommodation, meals, and prescribed textbooks. Moreover, it also offers exchange student programs and capacity-building sessions for students. The Professional Development Office under the JB Marks Bursary covers the following perks to ensure the quality results from the program.

• Twenty hours of extra tuition fee. It applies to two modules per year and is available by request.
• Any other expense that is not covered by the tuition fees. The student should assess whether it is critical for the course and request an additional grant.
• Academic mentoring.
• The authorities may permit the change of university or the course within the university. For this, the applicant should contact the Professional Development Office.
• An exit workshop for graduating students. Please note that it does not mean the end of your degree funding.
• Award ceremony for students receiving the bursary who have completed graduation.
• If you are an undergraduate bursary holder who wants to pursue graduate studies in a critical field, you should contact the office to fund the studies.

JB Marks Contact Details

If you have bursary-related queries, contact the JB Marks Education Fund Trust directly.

• Telephone: +27 11 492 0601
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Fax: +27 11 492 0953
• Postal Address: PO Box 2425 Johannesburg 2001

About the Bursary Provider – National Union of Mineworkers

Established in 1997, the JB Marks Education Trust Fund is supervised by the National Union of Mineworkers, also known as NUM. It aims to address the scarcity of construction, mining, and energy sectors. The Fund also strives to empower the NUM members and their dependents who are currently studying towards a qualification in these fields.

The trust was named after a South African leader and activist, John Beaver Marks, who believed in empowerment for workers through education. Since the Trust was established, it has covered the educational expenses of the members and has funded over 1000 bursars with an investment of R280 million.

The JB Mark Trust Fund is an excellent opportunity for NUM members and their dependents to fund their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Unlike other popular bursaries, it incorporates academic programs, additional funding, and exchange programs, providing students with the opportunity to build their resumes.

I hope this guide has been helpful for anyone preparing for the JB Marks bursary program 2025.