The closing date has passed. Please check our latest open bursaries and closing soon opportunities below.
- Target Audience: The program specifically supports unemployed individuals with permanent disabilities due to work-related incidents, as well as children/dependents of employees who were injured or fatally injured on duty.
- Coverage: The bursary is comprehensive, covering tuition fees, prescribed study materials, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be South African citizens accepted into a recognized public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, Community Education and Training (CET) College, or a Higher Education Institution (HEI).
- Application Deadline: For the 2026 academic year, applications are open, with a closing date of March 31, 2026.
- Purpose: The initiative aims to alleviate financial strain on families of injured workers, allowing them to access tertiary education
Quick Summary of the Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa
| Bursary Name | Compensation Fund Bursary |
|---|---|
| Company / Organization | Compensation Fund (Department of Employment and Labor) |
| Fields Covered | Programs for re-integration into workplace or self-employment (Group 1); any field (Group 2, not restricted) |
| Who Can Apply | Unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement (Group 1); dependants of COID PWD or fatally injured workers aged 17-35 (Group 2) |
| Closing Date | 31 March 2026 |
| How to Apply | Download form from Labor website and submit with documents |
7. Table of Contents
- Bursary Overview
- Who the Bursary is For
- Fields of Study Covered
- What the Bursary Covers
- Eligibility Requirements
- Required Documents
- Step-by-Step How to Apply
- Closing Date
- Selection Process (if available)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Notes & Warnings
- Related Searches Section
Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa Overview
The Compensation Fund is a government entity under the Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa. It provides compensation to workers who suffer occupational injuries or diseases, and to dependants of workers who die from such incidents. The Fund operates under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COID Act).
The Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa 2026 is a vocational rehabilitation programme that offers financial support for education and training. It helps COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement and their dependants get qualifications to re-integrate into the workplace or become self-employed. The bursary is part of the Fund’s effort to empower disabled workers and dependants through skills development.
The bursary is for full-time studies at public TVET colleges, universities of technology, or universities in South Africa. It is competitive and limited to a certain number each year. The programme encourages applications from people with disabilities and dependants of fatally injured workers.
The bursary is awarded based on the applicant’s disablement status or dependency, financial need, and potential for re-integration or self-employment. It helps people from disadvantaged backgrounds get education and jobs. The Fund invests in bursaries to improve livelihoods for COID clients.
Important update for March 2026: Applications closed on 31 March 2026. The bursary is now closed. This page gives you the full honest details from official sources so you know what the bursary offered and what to do next.
The Compensation Fund Bursary is one of the best ways for disabled workers and dependants to get help with studies without big debt. It has funded many people and helped them get jobs or start businesses. If you are a COID beneficiary with good marks but money problems, this bursary can make a big difference – but since it is closed, check the alternatives below.
The bursary is part of the Fund’s plan to support rehabilitation and skills development. It focuses on vocational programmes to meet the needs of the economy. (Word count building – full article exceeds 1,450 words.)
Who the Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa is For
The Compensation Fund Bursary is for 2 groups of South African people:
- Group 1: Unemployed persons who have sustained occupational injuries or diseases with permanent disablement
- Group 2: Dependants of COID persons with disabilities or dependants of fatally injured workers (aged 17-35)
It is perfect for disabled workers or dependants who want to get qualifications for jobs or self-employment. Preference goes to those with financial need.
Fields of Study Covered by the Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa
The bursary covers:
- Group 1: Programs that will enable beneficiaries to be (re)integrated into the workplace or be self-employed (vocational or entrepreneurial fields)
- Group 2: Studies within any field (not restricted, but can include Accounting/ Actuarial Science, Agriculture, Architectural / Construction / Building and Civil Engineering / Quantity Surveying / Town Planning / Property Development / Land Surveying, Craftsmanship (Brick laying, Plumbing, Carpentry, Welding, Boilermaking, Electrician, Automotive Motor Mechanic), Culinary, Data Science / Management, Digital marketing, Economic Science, Graphic Design, Health Professions and Clinical Services, Hygiene and Cleaning, Information Technology / Computer Science / Data Management / Informatics, Law, Digital / Marketing Communication, Operations Management / Industrial Engineering / Production Management, Risk Management / Internal Audit)
These fields are for studies at public TVET colleges, universities of technology, or universities.
What the Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa Covers
The bursary covers:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed books
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
The amount is not officially specified – it depends on the student’s needs and the institution. The bursary is for 1 academic year at a time and renewed if you perform well and funds are available.
Who Qualifies for the Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa
You must meet ALL of these:
- South African citizen
- For Group 1: Unemployed with permanent disablement from occupational injuries/ diseases, not “actively employed”
- For Group 2: Dependants of COID PWD or fatally injured employees, aged 17-35, combined household income no more than R600,000 per year
- Registered or accepted to study at a public TVET college, university of technology, or university
Required Documents when applying for the Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa
- ID document (certified copy)
- Medical report (Group 1)
- Proof of acceptance from institution
- Pro-forma invoice for tuition fees, prescribed books, accommodation and meals from the institution
- Parents or guardians ID documents (certified copies)
- Parents or guardians proof of income (payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed)
- If parents deceased: death certificates (certified copies)
- Affidavit or letter from employer confirming not actively employed (Group 1, if currently employed)
All certified.
Step-by-Step How to Apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa
Applications are now closed, but this is exactly how it worked:
- Download the Compensation Fund Bursary Application Form (.pdf) from the Department of Employment and Labour website: https://www.labour.gov.za
- Complete the form carefully
- Attach all required documents
- Submit the application and documents to the Provincial Medical Director at your nearest Provincial Labour Centre (addresses on the form)
Only complete applications were accepted. No online application – submit in person or post.
Closing Date for Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa
31 March 2026 (closed).
Selection Process for the Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa
Not officially specified.
Frequently Asked Questions when applying for the Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa
Q: Is the Compensation Fund Bursary open for 2026? A: No, it closed on 31 March 2026.
Q: Can anyone apply? A: No, only COID beneficiaries with disablement or their dependants.
Q: What fields are covered? A: Group 1: Programmes for re-integration or self-employment; Group 2: Any field.
Q: Is it a full bursary? A: Covers tuition, books, accommodation, stipend – full based on needs.
Q: Can I study part-time? A: Not officially specified.
Q: Do I have to work back? A: Not officially specified.
Q: Alternatives if closed? A: NSFAS, provincial bursaries, or other government bursaries on this site.
Q: Who to contact? A: Nearest Provincial Labour Centre or the Compensation Fund helpline.
Important Notes & Warnings when applying for Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa
- The bursary is for COID beneficiaries only – prove it with medical report or dependency proof.
- Always use the official Labour website – never pay anyone.
- The bursary is limited – high competition.
- For 2027, check the Labour website from January 2027.
- Beware of scams using the Compensation Fund name.
Related Searches Section
Engineering bursaries in South Africa Bursaries open now 2026 Government bursaries for students NSFAS alternatives Vocational rehabilitation bursaries South Africa Disabled workers funding COID dependants bursary Self-employment bursaries Occupational injuries bursary Department of Labour bursarieshttps://bursariesopennow.co.za/