Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) Bursary

The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) Bursary is designed to empower students from rural KwaZulu-Natal communities to pursue careers in healthcare. This bursary supports students with top-up funding on NSFAS allowances, mentorship, and practical exposure, helping them succeed academically while preparing to serve in underserved hospitals after graduation.

Fields of Study Covered

The UYDF Bursary is open to students pursuing Health Science degrees, including:

• Audiology
• Dentistry
• Dental Therapy
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Radiography: Ultrasonography
• Speech and Language Therapy

Applicants must come from Umkhanyakude, Zululand, and King Cetshwayo districts in KwaZulu-Natal, and must have received NSFAS financial support or applied for it.

What the Bursary Covers & Programme Benefits

The bursary provides:

• Top-up of NSFAS allowances and support for costs not covered by NSFAS
• Academic and social mentoring to help students overcome challenges
• Work exposure at rural hospitals to gain practical experience
• Participation in Student Lifeskills Workshops for personal and professional development

Shortlisted candidates are required to attend a Zoom interview between January and February 2026.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Must be from Umkhanyakude, Zululand, or King Cetshwayo districts and the catchment areas of specific hospitals in these districts
• Must currently be in Matric or have completed Matric at a Quintile 1–3, non-fee paying rural school
• Must be studying or intend to study one of the Health Science qualifications listed above
• Must have been accepted to a recognised public university in South Africa (excluding UNISA)
• Must be entering their 1st or 2nd year of study in 2026
• Must be studying towards their first degree
• Must have NSFAS funding or have applied for it for 2026
• Must be prepared to work at one of the designated hospitals for at least two years after graduation

Preference will be given to matriculants from rural schools in the specified districts.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online via the UYDF Bursary Application Form 2026.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide clear, certified copies of the following:

• ID document or passport
• Matric June results or Matric certificate
• Full academic record and a letter from the department stating the current year of study (if applicable)
• Proof of application or acceptance at a tertiary institution
• Latest university fee statement (if applicable)
• Proof of NSFAS application or acceptance

Incomplete submissions may result in disqualification.

Final Thoughts

The UYDF Bursary is a unique opportunity for rural students in KwaZulu-Natal to pursue healthcare careers while receiving financial support, mentorship, and practical experience. By preparing students to work in underserved hospitals, the bursary strengthens local healthcare systems and contributes to the sustainable development of the region.

For any queries, contact Cebile Zungu at 031 765 5774 or [email protected] (office hours only).