2025 HCI Foundation Bursary Opened

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The HCI Foundation has opened its 2025 Bursary program and is inviting all applicants to apply now.

The HCI Foundation is an independent trust, controlled by its trustees. These include members of the HCI Board of Directors, employees from subsidiary companies of HCI, and independent experts who are able to add value to the specific foci of the Foundation’s work.

Below are the details to consider when applying for this Bursary program:

ENDING DATE: This bursary will end on 15 September 2025.

LOCATION:

BURSARY REQUIREMENTS:

Below are the requirements to consider when applying for this Bursary program:

  • You must be a South African citizen OR a permanent resident, refugee or asylum seeker
  • You must be 35 years old or younger on the application closing date (15 November 2025)
  • You must be studying on a full-time basis (part-time or distance studies will NOT be funded)
  • You must NOT be studying at a TVET College
  • You must have a gross family income of less than R38 000 per month
  • You must NOT be in receipt of a full cost bursary or a large partial bursary from another source (you may still apply if you have received a partial bursary, NSFAS or other loan)
  • Current HCI bursary recipients: you must be continuing your studies towards an undergraduate qualification, at a recognised public University or University of technology in South Africa, in 2025
  • New HCI bursary applicants: you must be studying towards an Honours or Postgraduate Diploma, at any of these universities in South Africa:
    • University of Witwatersrand
    • University of Johannesburg
    • University of Pretoria
    • University of Cape Town
    • University of the Western Cape
    • University of Stellenbosch
    • Rhodes University
    • University of KwaZulu-Natal
    • University of the Free State
    • Nelson Mandela University
    • North-West University

BURSARY COVERAGE:

The HCI Foundation bursary will cover for up to 75% of tuition fees (up to maximum of R38 000 per annum). Payments are made into the student’s fee account at their institution, around July every year.
The Foundation does NOT cover any other expenses (such as books, residence, meals, transport, living expenses, except in special circumstances).

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Applications must be submitted online at: HCI Bursary Application 2025

Please add below documents when applying when applying.

  • ID document, if a South African citizen (certified copy)
  • Proof of permanent residency, refugee or asylum seeker status, if applicable (certified copy)
  • Full academic record, including most recent results (on institutions letterhead)
  • Proof of monthly income for the last 3 months: own/ parents/ guardians (payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, bank statement if self-employed, grant or pension slip if applicable) (certified copies)
  • Motivational letter explaining why you should be selected for the bursary (including the following: your personal qualities and ethics, your leadership potential, your capacity for critical, your commitment to giving back) (to be saved in a separate word document – between 550 and 750 words)
  • New applicants: proof of registration or acceptance in to any of the above universities for 2025 (on university letterhead)

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.