SASLHA Bursary

For students in South Africa who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with communication and hearing challenges, the SASLHA Bursary offers vital financial support. This bursary is administered by the South African Speech‑Language and Hearing Association (SASLHA) and is designed to assist students who are studying towards professional qualifications in Speech‑Language Pathology or Audiology. Its aim is to help committed, academically promising students overcome financial barriers so they can complete their training and contribute meaningfully to healthcare and community well‑being.

SASLHA is a leading professional body in South Africa that promotes the interests and development of speech‑language therapists and audiologists. Through the Myrtle L Aron Bursary Fund, the association helps eligible students continue with their studies and develop into future practitioners within these important fields.

Who Can Apply for the SASLHA Bursary?

To qualify for this bursary, applicants must meet a number of conditions. You must be a SASLHA student member, though student membership is free and can be obtained if you are not already registered.

You must have successfully completed Matric and be officially enrolled in a recognised South African university. The bursary is specifically for students who are studying for a degree in Speech‑Language Pathology or Audiology. Only students who have completed at least their second year of study and are entering their third or fourth year in the new academic cycle are eligible to apply.

In addition to academic progress, candidates must demonstrate strong academic performance and financial need. It is important that applicants do not change their field of study after submitting the application, as doing so can lead to cancellation of the bursary award.

What the Bursary Supports

The SASLHA Bursary helps students with the costs associated with their university studies. While the precise value and coverage can vary, recipients commonly receive assistance that can include tuition fees, study materials, travel costs, or living expenses to ease the financial burden of pursuing a degree in speech‑language therapy or audiology.

Beyond financial support, this bursary also provides encouragement for students to remain focused on their goals and to complete their qualifications so they can enter sectors of healthcare that are in constant demand. Professionals in these fields help individuals with communication, language development, hearing loss and related disorders, making this bursary an investment in both individual futures and broader community health.

How to Apply and Required Documents

The application process for the SASLHA Bursary is conducted online, and students must carefully prepare all required documents before submission. Typical documentation includes a certified copy of your South African identity document, your Matric certificate and academic transcript showing your completed modules or grades, and a testimonial from a clinical supervisor or academic mentor confirming your academic potential and commitment to the field.

Applicants are also required to submit three months of recent personal bank statements and a short video recording, lasting no more than two minutes, in which they explain who they are, why they believe they deserve the bursary, and how they plan to contribute to the profession in the future. All certificates and documents must be certified, and an affidavit confirming authenticity of the documents is usually needed as part of the application.

Closing Date and Important Notes

For the 2026 academic year, the closing date to submit your bursary application was 16 February 2026. It is crucial to apply before the deadline, as late or incomplete applications are not accepted.

Once the application is submitted and the closing date has passed, the association reviews all submissions and contacts successful applicants directly. If you do not receive feedback after a reasonable period, it may mean your application was not chosen, and you can consider reapplying in future cycles or looking for other funding opportunities.

Why This Bursary Matters

The SASLHA Bursary plays a significant role in helping South African students achieve success in specialised healthcare professions that have a real and lasting impact on people’s lives. Speech‑language therapists and audiologists play essential roles in supporting individuals with communication and hearing challenges, whether through helping children develop language skills, assisting adults who have suffered trauma or stroke, or fitting hearing devices for people with hearing impairments. By enabling students to complete their studies without overwhelming financial pressure, the bursary strengthens both the professions and the quality of care available in communities across the country.