- The Compensation Fund (under the Department of Employment and Labour) offers a bursary scheme for persons affected by workplace injuries/diseases (permanent disablement) and for the dependents of such persons — including dependents of fatally‑injured employees. uwc.ac.za+2sseta.co.za+2
- The purpose is to enable beneficiaries (or their dependents) to access education or training (TVET, CET, or Higher Education) to re‑enter the workforce or build sustainable livelihoods — effectively a vocational rehabilitation and social‑support bursary. sseta.co.za+2Department of Labour+2
✅ Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you belong to one of the following categories: sseta.co.za+2University of Pretoria+2
- You are a COID beneficiary with a permanent disablement (due to occupational injury or disease). Department of Labour+1
- You are a dependent of a COID beneficiary with a permanent disablement. uwc.ac.za+1
- You are a dependent of a fatally injured employee (due to workplace incident) — in many cases target age is between 17 – 35 years. Careers Office+1
Other requirements: University of Pretoria+2Careers Office+2
- Must be accepted (or provisionally accepted) at a recognised TVET College, CET College or Higher Education Institution (HEI) in South Africa. Department of Labour+1
- Studies must ideally be full‑time (though exceptions for persons with disabilities may allow part‑time). uwc.ac.za+1
- Provide required documentation: COID pension or claim number, certified identity documents, proof of acceptance/enrolment, proof of disability or dependency (death certificate / guardian ID, if applicable), proof of residence, etc. University of Pretoria+2Department of Labour+2
🎓 What the Bursary Covers (Benefits)
If awarded, the Bursary can cover / provide: uwc.ac.za+2UniApplyForMe+2
- Tuition fees for the course of study (TVET / HEI / CET)
- Prescribed study material (books, learning materials) Department of Labour+1
- Monthly stipend / allowance (to help with living and personal expenses) UniApplyForMe+1
- Accommodation assistance, if applicable/needed Department of Labour+1
- The bursary is renewable each year for the duration of the study programme — provided academic performance and funding availability are maintained. Department of Labour+1
📝 How to Apply — Step‑by‑Step Guide (2026)
- Get the application form
- Visit the Department of Employment & Labour / Compensation Fund website or your nearest Provincial Labour Centre to download or collect the “External / Vocational Rehabilitation Bursary” application form. uwc.ac.za+1
- Prepare required documents (certified copies) — usually: University of Pretoria+2Careers Office+2
- Your ID document
- COID pension/claim number or claim documentation
- If dependent: parent/guardian ID or death certificate (if parent deceased)
- Proof of acceptance/enrolment at recognised institution
- Latest results or highest qualification (Matric / previous studies)
- Proof of residence
- For persons with disability: medical / disability verification report (WCL forms or final medical report) University of Pretoria+1
- Complete the application form fully, accurately, and sign it. Incomplete applications are not considered. Careers Office+1
- Submit your application before deadline — For 2026, although the bursary is “open throughout 2026,” applicants are encouraged to apply on/before 31 March 2026. Department of Labour+2uwc.ac.za+2
- Submission Channels: You can submit: University of Pretoria+2uwc.ac.za+2
- By email to: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za Youth Village+1
- By post/courier to: Sub‑Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation, Compensation Fund, Private Bag X955, Pretoria, 0001 University of Pretoria+1
- By hand‑delivery (address depends on period of year — check advert) uwc.ac.za+1
- After submission: Wait for feedback. If you don’t receive a response within about 2 months, the application may be considered unsuccessful. Department of Labour+1
📅 Important Dates & Notes (2026)
- Bursary is open for 2026 academic year. Department of Labour+1
- Recommended application submission date: on or before 31 March 2026. uwc.ac.za+1
- Bursary renewal depends on academic performance and availability of funds — maintain good results to keep support. Department of Labour+1
🚨 Important Conditions & What to Know
- Only COID beneficiaries (with permanent disablement), their dependents, or dependents of fatally injured employees are eligible — not just general bursary seekers. Department of Labour+1
- Applicants must study full‑time (unless disability warrants part‑time with special exception). uwc.ac.za+1
- Must be accepted at a public / recognised TVET, CET or HEI — private institutions may not qualify. sseta.co.za+1
- You need a valid COID claim/pension number or documentation of your status. Careers Office+1
- Submit full and correct documentation — incomplete or late applications are rejected. Careers Office+1
🎓 Who This Bursary Is Best For
This bursary is ideal if you:
- Suffered a permanent disablement from occupational injury/disease, or you’re a dependent of such a person or of an employee who died due to a workplace injury.
- Need financial support (tuition, materials, stipend, accommodation) to study or re‑train.
- Want to attend a public TVET College, CET College or University, full‑time, to obtain a qualification to re‑enter the workforce or start a new career.
- Are committed to your studies and can provide all required documentation (COID claim, acceptance letter, proof of disability if applicable, etc.).
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