Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) invites South African students to apply for the UYDF Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 December 2025
Bursary Location: KwaZulu-Natal (Umkhanyakude, Zululand & King Cetshwayo Districts)
About the Bursary Provider – UYDF
The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) is a South African non-profit organisation empowering rural youth through funded Health Science education and career development. The foundation addresses the shortage of healthcare professionals in underserved areas by supporting students from rural KZN districts. UYDF provides bursaries, mentorship, life-skills development, and practical work exposure in rural hospitals—strengthening healthcare systems while transforming young lives.
About the UYDF Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
UYDF is inviting eligible students to apply for its 2026 bursary programme, aimed at applicants who are already funded by NSFAS but require additional top-up financial support.
Bursaries will be awarded to students from Umkhanyakude, Zululand, and King Cetshwayo districts (KwaZulu-Natal) pursuing the following Health Science degrees:
- Audiology
- Dentistry
- Dental Therapy
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography (Ultrasonography)
- Speech and Language Therapy
More About the UYDF Bursary Programme – Support & Benefits
The bursary provides:
- Top-up funding for costs not covered by NSFAS
- Academic and social mentoring support
- Work exposure at rural hospitals for practical learning
- Student Life Skills Workshops
- ZOOM interview for shortlisted candidates (Jan–Feb 2026)
This additional support structure is designed to improve academic success, emotional well-being, and readiness for healthcare careers.
Eligibility Requirements for the UYDF Bursary
Applicants must meet all the criteria below:
- Must be from any of these districts and hospital catchment areas:
- Umkhanyakude District: Bethesda, Hlabisa, Manguzi, Mosvold, Mseleni
- Zululand District: Benedictine, Ceza, Itshelejuba, Nkonjeni, Vryheid
- King Cetshwayo District: Catherine Booth, Ekombe, KwaMagwaza, Mbongolwane, Nkandla
- Must be in Matric or have completed Matric at a Quintile 1–3 rural non-fee-paying school
- Must be studying or intending to study a listed Health Science degree
- Must have been accepted to study at a public university in South Africa (excluding UNISA)
- Must be entering 1st or 2nd year of study in 2026
- Must be studying towards your first degree
- Must have NSFAS funding or NSFAS approval for 2026
- Must be willing to work for 2 years at one of the listed hospitals after graduation
Preference: Matriculants will be prioritised.
How to Apply for the UYDF Bursary
Click here to apply for the Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) Bursary 2026:
👉 UYDF Bursary Application Form 2026
Important: Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the “How did you hear about us?” field.
Required Supporting Documents (Certified)
Submit clear, certified copies of the following:
- ID Document / Passport
- Matric June results or Matric Certificate
- Academic record + confirmation of study year (if already studying)
- Proof of application/acceptance at university
- Latest fee statement (if studying)
- Proof of NSFAS application/acceptance
Applications missing documents may be disqualified.
Contact the Bursary Provider
Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF)
Contact Person: Cebile Zungu
📞 Tel: 031 765 5774
📧 Email: Cebile@umthomboyouth.org.za
(Please contact during office hours only.)
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