Quick Summary OF Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship

7. Table of Contents

• Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship 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
  

  Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Overview

  The Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship South Africa is a special funding programme run by the Thebe Foundation. It was started in 2016 to honour Dr Enos Mabuza, who helped create Thebe Investment Corporation together with leaders like Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu and Beyers Naudé.

The bursary helps financially needy South African students who want to study at public universities, universities of technology or TVET colleges. Thebe Foundation believes that education builds strong communities and creates professionals who are proud of their African identity and ready to help the country grow.

Many young people in South Africa want to study but cannot afford fees, books or accommodation. This scholarship removes those money worries so students can focus on learning and finish their qualifications. It supports full-time studies in important fields that South Africa needs, like engineering, accounting, education and renewable energy.

The programme does more than just pay for studies. Thebe Foundation also gives extra support services to help students succeed academically and graduate on time. Many past recipients have become skilled professionals who now give back to their communities.

Even though applications for the 2026 academic year have closed, the Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship remains one of the best opportunities for Black South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds. If you are a motivated learner who meets the criteria, this could be your chance to study without debt.

Keep checking Bursaries Open Now for the next opening. Thebe Foundation’s work shows how private organisations are helping to fix South Africa’s skills shortage and create a brighter future for young people. (Word count so far in section: ~310)

Internal link: See more Engineering Bursaries South Africa or government-linked funding options.

Who the Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship is For

This scholarship is made for South African citizens from previously disadvantaged communities who need financial help to study further. It is aimed at Black Designated Group members (Africans, Coloureds, Indians and Asians) who are under 35 years old, unemployed and come from households earning less than R600 000 per year.

The bursary targets students who have a good academic record (60% average or higher) and want to study full-time for the first time at that qualification level. It is perfect for Matric learners, gap-year students or those already at university or TVET who need support to continue.

Thebe Foundation created this programme because many talented young people cannot afford tertiary education. By focusing on financially needy students, the scholarship helps build a new generation of professionals who will contribute to South Africa’s economy and communities. Recipients often become role models and stay connected to their roots.

Internal link: Browse more opportunities on our Open Bursaries page or Closing Soon.

Fields of Study Covered BY Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship

The Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship supports specific fields that match South Africa’s skills needs. These include:

• Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Finance
• Mining Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Agriculture
• Education / BEd (specialising in Mathematics and Technology)
• Renewable Energy
• Water and Energy Studies
• ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
• Media, Information and Communication programmes

For TVET students, it covers artisan programmes such as: Electricians, Plumbing, Mechanics, Solar Photovoltaic Service Technicians and Millwright.

Master’s students can apply if their research topic fits the above areas. All studies must be full-time at public DHET and SAQA-registered institutions (universities, universities of technology, TVET colleges or community colleges).

These fields were chosen because they lead to good jobs in growing industries like mining, renewable energy, education and finance. By funding these qualifications, the bursary helps South Africa build the skilled workforce it needs for economic growth.

Internal link: Explore more options in our Engineering Bursaries South Africa or accounting-related categories.

What the Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship Covers

The Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship provides full financial support so you can study without stress. It covers:

• Tuition fees
• Textbooks and study materials
• Accredited accommodation costs
• Meals
• Transport allowance (for students living at home)

The Foundation also offers extra support services throughout your studies to help you pass and graduate successfully. This complete package means you do not have to worry about historical debt (the bursary does not cover old unpaid fees from before 2026).

Unlike some bursaries that only pay part of the costs, this one aims to cover everything you need to focus 100% on your studies and build a successful career.

Who qualifies for the Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship

You must meet ALL of these requirements:

• Be a South African citizen (Black Designated Group)
• Be under 35 years old when applying
• Be unemployed
• Be studying full-time (Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree, Honours or Master’s – no PhD)
• Be pursuing that qualification level for the first time (not repeating a year)
• Have a minimum 60% average in your last full year of studies
• Have household income below R600 000 per year
• Study at a public DHET and SAQA-registered tertiary institution in South Africa

If you do not meet every point, your application will not be considered.

Required Documents

All certified documents must be less than 3 months old. Combine multiple pages into one file where needed. You will need:

• One-page motivation letter (why you chose your field and future plans)
• Certified copy of your South African ID
• Certified copy of parent/guardian ID (or death certificate if deceased)
• Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA documents or unemployment affidavit)
• Academic records (Grade 11/12 reports for Matriculants, Matric certificate, latest university/TVET transcripts)
• Proof of 2026 registration or acceptance letter (if available)

Optional: Disability forms, proof of other funding, guardian consent form (if under 18). Missing documents can lead to automatic rejection.

Step-by-Step How to Apply FOR Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship

14. Go to the official Aura AMS portal: https://thebefdn.auraams.app (select the Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship).
15. Read all instructions carefully.
16. Create an account or log in.
17. Complete the online application form with accurate information.
18. Upload every required document in the correct sections.
19. Write “www.bursariesopennow.co.za” in the field that asks how you heard about the bursary.
20. Review everything and submit before the closing date.

Applications are only accepted online. Keep copies of all documents and your submission confirmation.

15. Closing Date FOR Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship

    17 October 2025 (for the 2026 academic year). Applications for the next cycle (2027 studies) are not yet open. “Not officially specified” for future dates. Check Bursaries Open Now regularly for updates.

16. Selection Process (if available) FOR Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship

    Selection is based on financial need, academic performance, motivation and availability of funds. If you do not hear back within 3 months of the closing date, your application is unsuccessful. Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for further information.

17. Frequently Asked Questions Q

    A: Yes, if you have your Grade 11 and Term 2 Grade 12 results and meet all other criteria.

Q: Is the bursary only for certain fields? A: Yes – only the specific fields listed above (Accounting, Engineering, Education, etc.) qualify.

Q: What if I already have NSFAS? A: You must cancel NSFAS or any other funding if you accept this bursary.

Q: Does it cover PhD studies? A: No – PhD is excluded.

Q: Can students from any province apply? A: Yes – all South African citizens who meet the criteria can apply.

Q: What happens if I have historical debt? A: The bursary does not cover historical debt and it may lead to cancellation of the offer.

Q: How do I contact them for enquiries? A: Email bursaries@thebe.co.za (only when applications are open).

18. Important Notes & Warnings When applying for Thebe Foundation Dr EJ Mabuza Scholarship

• Only complete applications with all documents will be considered.
• Late or incomplete applications are automatically rejected.
• The bursary does NOT cover historical debt from before 2026.
• Successful students must cancel any other bursary or NSFAS funding.
• You must sign a contract with the Foundation if awarded the scholarship.
• Always use the official Aura AMS portal – do not send documents by email.
• Keep checking the official Thebe Foundation website or Bursaries Open Now for the next opening.

19. Related Searches Section Engineering bursaries in South Africa Bursaries open now 2026 Government bursaries for students NSFAS alternatives Accounting bursaries South Africa Mining Engineering bursaries Education bursaries for teachers Renewable energy bursaries TVET artisan bursaries ICT bursaries South Africahttps://bursariesopennow.co.za/bursaries-closing-soon/