Department of Correctional Services Bursaries

Department of Correctional Services Bursaries

The department of correctional services sets available different bursaries each year for unemployed South African citizens.  With this, they aim to decrease the number of unemployed citizens as well as cater for their future needs when it comes to personnel.  With this retention and employment strategy, they hope to attract capable candidates with high values that are eager to learn.  They offer stability and opportunity for growth within their departments to all successful employees.

Department of Correctional Services Bursaries

If you see yourself as a go-getter and someone who can be responsible as well as live up to your expectations then the Department of Correctional services might just be looking for you.  They have a wide range of bursaries available each year into many fields of study for candidates wanting to improve their conditions.

The Department of Correctional Services bursaries include the following for successful candidates:

  • R12000 per year for the following
  • Registration
  • Tuition
  • Residence
  • Meals
  • R700 will also be awarded for Book fees

Upon acceptance of a bursary, the candidate must also be ready to enter into a service agreement and prepared to do counter-service where ever the department has a need for your skills.

Department of Correctional Services Bursaries Available

The bursaries each year differ somewhat as to the need that arises within the Department of Correctional services but we have compiled a list of the most frequent bursaries they had available for you to consider.  For more information, it is recommended that you visit their web page here for currently available bursaries.

The fields available are as follow:

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

Department of Correctional Services Bursaries Requirements

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a bursary:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must have a valid ID Document
  • You must be acknowledged to study at a recognized tertiary institution in South Africa.
  • If the sponsorship letter of the Department of Correctional Services is not accepted by the institute you must be willing to pay the registration fee, which will be paid back to you during your study year if successful.
  • The successful candidate must be willing to become an employee of the Department of Correctional services upon completion of their studies.
  • One year employment contract per year of study.

If you are currently a full-time undergraduate or post-graduate student you can also apply for a bursary.

Candidates are required to complete the application form fully.  Your application form must be accompanied by the following certified copies of these documents as many as you have available:

  • ID Book
  • Matric Results
  • Highest Qualification
  • Latest Academic records if studying at a tertiary institute
  • Proof of application to a tertiary institute
  • Acceptance letter from tertiary institute
  • Your course curriculum or prospectus

Department of Correctional Services Bursaries Application

Application forms need to be collected from the different branches as stated underneath; they will NOT be posted or faxed to anyone.  Applications that are incomplete, e-mailed or faxed back will also NOT be considered; please hand in your completed form with needed documentation to the office where you collected the forms from.  Certified copies should not be older than three months to be valid.

Bursaries online application is not available but candidates can download the application form here.

DCS Bursaries Closing Date

The completed application form with all relevant documentation should be handed into the office as mentioned above by the beginning of July each year.  This date may also differ depending on the bursaries available and the Department of Correctional services requirements so please enquire upon the final date when you collect your forms.

Only successful candidates will be contacted and further correspondence will be entered into.


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.