Correctional Services Bursary

The Department of Correctional Services Bursary offers an incredible opportunity for South African students to pursue their studies in various fields while committing to a rewarding career within the correctional services sector. If you’re looking to enhance your education and embark on a meaningful career, this bursary could be the perfect fit.

Overview of the Correctional Services Bursary

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) offers a comprehensive bursary program designed to support students in South Africa who are committed to making a difference in various professions. This bursary covers essential expenses such as tuition, registration fees, meals, accommodation, and book fees, offering financial relief to students pursuing a variety of fields.

Financial Support Provided

The DCS Bursary offers financial support of up to R12,000 per year, which is allocated for the following expenses:

  • Registration
  • Tuition
  • Residence Fees
  • Meals
  • R700 for Book Fees

This funding ensures that students are able to focus on their studies without worrying about the financial burden of their educational expenses.

Fields of Study

The Department of Correctional Services offers bursaries in a range of fields that align with the needs of the department. The available fields include:

  • National Diploma in Artisans – Plumbing, Welding, Bricklaying, Painting, Electrical
  • Nursing National Diploma – Primary Health Care
  • Degree in Pharmacy
  • Master’s Degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology
  • BA / Honors in Psychology
  • MBCHB (Medicine)
  • National Diploma in Agriculture
  • National Diploma/Degree in Social Work
  • National Diploma/Degree in Food Service Management
  • National Diploma in Information & Technology (IT)
  • Degree/National Diploma in Financial & Management Accounting
  • Degree/National Diploma in Internal Auditing

Each year, the available bursaries may vary depending on the department’s current needs. It’s advisable to visit the Department of Correctional Services website regularly to check for the most up-to-date bursary opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the DCS Bursary, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Have a valid ID document.
  • Be accepted at a recognized tertiary institution in South Africa.
  • If the sponsorship letter from the DCS is not accepted by the institution, the candidate must be willing to pay the registration fee upfront, which will be reimbursed upon successful study completion.
  • Be willing to enter into a service agreement with the DCS, committing to work for the department after completing studies (one-year employment contract per year of study).
  • Both undergraduate and post-graduate students can apply.

Required Documents

To apply for the Correctional Services Bursary, candidates must submit a fully completed application form along with the following certified documents:

  • ID Book
  • Matric Results
  • Highest Qualification
  • Latest Academic Records (if applicable)
  • Proof of Application to a Tertiary Institution
  • Acceptance Letter from the Tertiary Institution
  • Course Curriculum or Prospectus

Ensure that all certified copies are not older than three months.

How to Apply

While there is no online application for this bursary, candidates can download the application form or collect it from the designated Department of Correctional Services offices. Note that applications sent via email or fax will not be considered.

Once you’ve completed the application, submit it in person to the office from where you collected the form, ensuring that all supporting documents are included. Be sure to check the closing date, which is typically early July each year. However, this date can vary, so it’s advisable to confirm the exact deadline when you collect your form.

Important Information to Keep in Mind

  • The DCS Bursary is a full commitment—candidates must be prepared to work for the department after completing their studies.
  • Only successful candidates will be contacted for further steps.

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.