ASSET Educational Trust (AET) Bursaries 2024

ASSET Educational Trust (AET) invites South African students to apply for Bursary Programme 2024 academic year.

Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2023

Bursaries are awarded each year, for studies towards a first Undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma or higher certificate) in ANY field of study, within the Western Cape.

ASSET bursaries are awarded from the ASSET Educational Trust (AET), as well as from other individuals, trusts and organisations who wish to support tertiary students in the Western Cape. These bursaries aim to provide financial assistance to Western Cape students who are deserving in terms of merit and need.

The value of the bursary varies, but generally covers a portion of tuition fees and books. Awards are paid directly to tertiary institutions.

Bursaries are awarded based on 2 main factors: merit and financial need.

Students will be funded for the duration of their undergraduate studies, on condition that they maintain good academic results, and they re-apply each year.

Bursaries are awarded after a Selection Committee meeting, in early February each year. Shortlisted candidates are then contacted by no later than the end of February 2024 – if you do not receive any feedback by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Asset bursaries do NOT have to be repaid, however bursary recipients are required to join the ASSET Alumni Association and give back during studies or after graduation. Students must complete a minimum of 100 voluntary hours.

Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must reside within the Western Cape province
• You must be studying full time towards a first undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma or higher certificate)
• You must meet the criteria for your selected field of study
• You must be registered one of these institutions within the Western Cape: University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, University of Stellenbosch or Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• You must pass the means test and fall within the “Missing Middle” (have a total monthly income of less than R18 000 for a family with 2 children – this can increase by R2000 per child for up to four children, with a combined income of between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum)
• You must NOT have lost NSFAS funding due to poor performance exclusion
• Preference will be given to students with the greatest financial need, provided they meet the merit criteria
• Preference will be given to students from rural areas and/ or informal settlements, whose social background has restricted their access to equal education
• Preference will be given to students who have achieved University entrance, despite attending a school deemed to be ‘dysfunctional’
• Preference will be given to students who have achieved above average results, in subjects related to their course of study
• Preference will be given to students who have an excellent attendance record and have been committed to the ASSET Learner Development Programme (Saturday School)

How to apply

Download and complete the relevant application form:
New or first-time applicants: ASSET Bursary Application Form (New Applicants) (.pdf)

Existing bursary holders: ASSET Bursary Application Form (Renewal) (.pdf)

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
New or first-time applicants:

• ID document (certified copy)
• 2023 mid-year results from your tertiary institution or school (final results must be submitted as soon as they are available) (certified copy)
• Full academic transcripts, if you are a 2nd/ 3rd/ final year student (certified copy)
• Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ pension advice if on pension/ proof of SASSA grant if receiving a social grant) (certified copy)
• Motivational letter to support your application – write about yourself and your life goals
• 1 contactable reference who knows you well (not your School Principal)

Renewal:

• ID document (certified copy)
• 2023 mid-year results from your tertiary institution (final results must be submitted as soon as they are available) (certified copy)
• Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ pension advice if on pension/ proof of SASSA grant if receiving a social grant) (certified copy)
• Motivational letter to support your application – write about your course of studying and your experiences as a student so far
• 1 contactable reference

Applications must be submitted in one of the following ways:
– Email: bursary@asset.org.za
(Insert the words “ASSET Bursary Application 2024” in the email subject line).

– Post or hand delivery:
Bursary Department
Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET)
5 Long Street
Mowbray
7700
Western Cape

Note: applications submitted via fax will NOT be accepted.