The Motsepe Foundation is at the forefront of creating educational opportunities for South African students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Through its bursary program, the foundation strives to contribute to the sustainable development of Africa by supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). If you’re a South African student passionate about pursuing studies in STEM or related fields, the Motsepe Foundation Bursary may be the perfect opportunity for you.
What is the Motsepe Foundation Bursary?
The Motsepe Foundation offers bursaries to South African students who come from financially disadvantaged communities but show exceptional promise in their academic endeavors. The foundation focuses on students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), including specialized fields like Agriculture, Arts, Business Studies, Engineering, Information Technology, Mathematics, Science, and Medical Studies.
This bursary program provides comprehensive financial support, including:
- Tuition Fees: Full coverage for the cost of tuition at accredited higher education institutions.
- Accommodation: Funding for on-campus or off-campus accommodation.
- Stipend: An allowance to cover essential study materials, including textbooks.
In addition to the financial assistance, the Motsepe Foundation offers mentorship and networking opportunities, ensuring that bursary recipients receive the guidance and connections they need to succeed in their chosen fields.
Areas of Focus for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary
The Motsepe Foundation aligns its work with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include goals such as No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, and Decent Work and Economic Growth. These objectives guide the foundation’s commitment to supporting the development of human capital in South Africa and beyond.
The foundation emphasizes a holistic approach to education that includes:
- STEAM Scholarships: Focusing on the rapidly expanding sectors of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, the Motsepe Foundation recognizes that the future of work is closely tied to these fields. While STEM fields receive significant attention, the foundation also values the importance of the arts in fostering creativity and innovation, essential for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
- Martha Rose Scholarship: In tribute to Dr Moloi-Motsepe’s late mother, a dedicated nurse, this scholarship supports promising students pursuing degrees in Nursing and Psychology. The Martha Rose Scholarship honors the human aspect of healthcare, acknowledging the irreplaceable value of empathy and service in the healing process.
Who is Eligible for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary?
To be considered for the Motsepe Foundation Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African nationals.
- Financial Need: The bursary is intended for students who demonstrate a clear financial need.
- Academic Performance: Applicants must have achieved a minimum average of 70% in Matric (excluding Life Orientation).
- Enrollment: Students must be enrolled in, or intend to enroll in, one of the designated fields of study related to STEAM disciplines.
- Exceptional Academic Record: Demonstrating consistent academic excellence is a key requirement.
Meeting these criteria is the first step in the application process and ensures that the bursary program reaches students with the greatest potential to contribute to South Africa’s development.
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.