SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary

The SIOC-CDT Bursary South Africa 2026 is a comprehensive funding programme aimed at supporting learners and students from specific mining-community regions, enabling them to pursue higher-education studies with reduced financial burden.

About SIOC-CDT

The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) was established in 2006 by Sishen Iron Ore Company (Pty) Ltd (SIOC), a subsidiary of Kumba Iron Ore (Pty) Ltd. It focuses on investment in education, skills development, enterprise development and social welfare within its beneficiary communities in the Northern Cape and Limpopo provinces.

Purpose of the Bursary

The purpose of the SIOC-CDT Bursary is to:

• Provide financial assistance to South African citizens from SIOC-CDT beneficiary communities who are academically capable but require funding to continue their tertiary education.
• Support full-time or part-time study for undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications at recognised higher-education institutions.
• Prioritise fields that address critical skills shortages and align with the trust’s mandate in community and economic development.

Fields of Study Covered

While all fields are eligible, preference is given to study programmes in:

• Agriculture (e.g., Veterinary Science, Agricultural Engineer, Food Technology)
• Engineering & Sciences (e.g., Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Geology, Environmental Health)
• Health & Clinical Sciences (e.g., MBChB, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Lab Sciences)
• Education (e.g., BEd FET Maths, Science, Languages, Special Needs)
• Business Management & Economics (e.g., Accounting, Actuarial Science, Project Management)
• Information Technology (e.g., Software Development, Data Science)
• Law (LLB)
• Tourism (Hospitality Management, Arts & Culture)

Funded Items

Recipients of the bursary may receive support for:

• Tuition and registration fees paid directly to the higher-education institution
• Prescribed study materials and textbooks
• Accommodation and living-cost allowances, where applicable
• A laptop to support academic work
• Monthly stipend for living expenses
• Assistive devices and tailored support for students living with disabilities
• The bursary is subject to renewal each year based on academic performance and compliance with the bursary agreement.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the SIOC-CDT Bursary 2026 applicants must:

• Be South African citizens.
• Be 35 years or younger by the closing date.
• Reside in or originate from one of the beneficiary communities: Gamagara LM, Ga-Segonyana LM, Joe Morolong LM, Tsantsabane LM (Northern Cape) or Thabazimbi LM (Limpopo).
• Be in Matric (Grade 12) or have completed Matric, or already registered at a recognised university/TVET college for the 2026 academic year.
• Hold provisional or actual acceptance at a recognised public higher-education institution (for the year of study).
• Demonstrate academic ability (minimum average of approximately 65 % in recent results).
• Come from a household with combined gross annual income less than approximately R600,000 (before deductions).
• Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and will receive additional support.

Required Documents

Applicants must attach certified copies of:

• South African ID document.
• Latest academic results (Grade 12 mid-year/prelim, final Matric certificate, or latest tertiary transcript).
• Proof of acceptance or provisional admission at a recognised public higher-education institution.
• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or affidavit not older than three months).
• Proof of parents’/guardians’ income (payslips, SASSA letters or affidavit if unemployed).
• Bank statements (three months) for parent(s)/guardian(s) if employed.
• Motivation letter explaining field choice, career goals and financial need.
• Medical certificate or proof of disability, if applicable.

How to Apply

1. Complete the application either online via the SIOC-CDT bursary portal or manual submission using the downloadable application form.
2. Gather all required supporting documents (certified) and ensure they are legible and current.
3. Submit the application and documents by the closing date to the specified addresses (online or hand-deliver to SIOC-CDT offices in Kathu or Thabazimbi).
4. Ensure the subject line and application method follow the specified instructions; incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
5. Short-listed candidates may be invited for interviews; only successful applicants will receive confirmation.

Closing Date and Notification

The closing date for the 2026 bursary intake is 25 November 2025 at 12:00 midday. Applicants who have not received confirmation of being shortlisted by the end of January 2026 should consider their application unsuccessful.

Why This Bursary Matters

The SIOC-CDT Bursary is more than financial assistance—it’s an investment into youth from mining-region communities who may otherwise struggle to fund higher education. It supports not only individual development but also contributes to the socio-economic upliftment of the region by expanding access to high-demand skills and nurturing future professionals.

Tips for Applicants

• Begin preparing early: collect certified documents well ahead of the deadline.
• Ensure your academic record meets or exceeds the minimum average requirement (approx. 65%).
• Clearly articulate your study field choice, how it relates to your background and future goals in your motivation letter.
• Verify proof of residence and income documentation are accurate and recent.
• Submit the application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
• Keep copies of everything submitted and stay contact-ready for communication from SIOC-CDT.

Conclusion

If you are a South African citizen from one of the SIOC-CDT beneficiary communities, under 35 years old, and planning or already studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification, the SIOC-CDT Bursary South Africa 2026 offers a robust funding opportunity. With coverage of tuition, materials, laptop, stipends and more, it’s a chance to focus fully on your studies and future career. Prepare your application now and apply by 25 November 2025 to maximise your chances of success.