The Compensation Fund is inviting eligible students to apply for the 2026 academic year Bursary Scheme. This funding opportunity aims to support individuals affected by occupational injuries and diseases, as well as their dependants, to access higher education and improve their future employment prospects.
About the Compensation Fund
The Compensation Fund is an entity of the Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa. It provides compensation for workers who are injured, disabled, or contract diseases in the course of their employment, as governed by the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act (COIDA). Through its bursary programme, the Fund seeks to promote education, skills development, and economic reintegration.
Bursary Categories
Bursaries will be awarded to two groups of applicants:
Group 1
Unemployed COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement (PWD) resulting from occupational injuries or diseases. Funding is intended to support studies that will enable beneficiaries to reintegrate into the workplace or become self-employed.
Group 2
Dependants of COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement, as well as dependants of employees who were fatally injured while on duty. Applicants in this group must be between 17 and 35 years old.
Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries will support studies within the following fields, although other qualifications may also be considered:
- Accounting and Financial Science
- Actuarial Science
- Economics and Econometrics
- Engineering
- Health and Clinical Sciences
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Marine and Maritime Studies
- Quality Control and Environmental Health
- Mathematics and Science Education
Bursary Coverage, Renewability and Selection
The Compensation Fund bursary covers the following expenses:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed study materials
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
Bursaries are awarded for one academic year at a time. Funding is renewable annually for the full duration of the qualification, subject to satisfactory academic performance and availability of funds.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within two months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all minimum entry criteria before applying. Failure to meet the requirements may result in disqualification.
Group 1 Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be currently unemployed
- Must be of working age
- Must be a COID beneficiary with a permanent disablement due to occupational injury or disease
- Must be studying or intending to study within one of the listed fields
- Must have been accepted at a recognised TVET College, CET College, or Higher Education Institution
- Must intend to improve skills to return to the workforce or become self-employed
Group 2 Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 17 and 35 years old
- Must be a dependant of a COID beneficiary with permanent disablement or a dependant of a fatally injured employee
- Must be studying or enrolled to study within one of the listed fields (other qualifications may be considered)
- Must have been accepted at a recognised TVET College, CET College, or Higher Education Institution
How to Apply
Applicants must download and complete the official Compensation Fund bursary application form.
Supporting documents are compulsory. Missing documents may result in disqualification.
Required Documents for Group 1
- Certified copy of South African ID document
- COID pension number or COID claim number
- Latest academic transcript (if currently studying)
- Proof of acceptance from a recognised institution
- Tuition fees quotation (where applicable)
- Prescribed learning resources quotation (on institution letterhead, if available)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of disability, verified by a Health Care Professional or Disability Support Office
Closing Date
The Compensation Fund Bursary for 2026 closes in March 2026. Applicants are advised to submit their applications before the official deadline to avoid disqualification.
Contact Details
For further information, applicants should contact the Compensation Fund directly through the official Department of Employment and Labour communication channels.
Conclusion
The Compensation Fund Bursary 2026 provides critical financial support to COID beneficiaries and their dependants. By covering tuition, accommodation, study materials, and a monthly stipend, the programme aims to empower beneficiaries through education and skills development.
Eligible candidates are encouraged to review all requirements carefully and submit complete applications before the closing date.
Download Application form here
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