The Compensation Fund invites unemployed COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement (PWD), their dependents, and the dependents of fatally injured employees to apply for the External Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 March 2026
This bursary opportunity aims to empower individuals affected by occupational injuries or diseases by supporting access to higher education and skills development programmes at public institutions across South Africa.
About the Bursary Programme
The Compensation Fund Bursary provides financial assistance to eligible applicants pursuing studies at public Post School Education and Training (PSET) institutions, including TVET Colleges, CET Colleges, and universities.
The bursary aims to reintegrate beneficiaries into the workplace or help them become self-employed by funding qualifications and vocational programmes that promote employability.
The Bursary Covers:
- Tuition Fees
- Prescribed Study Material
- Monthly Stipend
- Accommodation
The bursary is renewable annually for the duration of the study programme, subject to academic performance and the availability of funds.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Compensation Fund External Bursary Programme 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be an unemployed COID beneficiary with a permanent disablement, or
a dependent of a permanently disabled or fatally injured employee. - Have been accepted at a recognised TVET College, CET College, or Higher Education Institution (HEI).
- Submit a fully completed bursary application form.
- Provide the following supporting documents:
- COID Pension number / Claim number
- Certified copies of parent(s)/guardian(s) ID or death certificate (for dependents)
- Applicant’s ID copy
- Proof of acceptance from a public PSET institution
- Medical or disability verification by a healthcare professional / Disability Support Office (WCL final medical report)
- Students must be enrolled full-time. Under exceptional circumstances, students with disabilities may study part-time.
Target Group
| Target Group | Age Range / Category | Learning Programmes / Qualifications | Institutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement | Within working age | Programmes for reintegration into the workplace or self-employment | Public TVET, CET, HEIs |
| Dependents of COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement and dependents of fatally injured employees | 17 – 35 years | Recommended qualifications (listed on page 4 of the application form) | Public TVET, CET, HEIs |
How to Apply
Download and complete the bursary application form from the Department of Employment and Labour website:
👉 www.labour.gov.za
Submit your completed application with all supporting documents via one of the following methods:
- By Post / Courier:
The Sub–Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Employment and Labour, Compensation Fund
Private Bag X955, Pretoria, 0001 - Hand Delivery (Sept – Dec 2025):
167 Thabo Sehume Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria - Hand Delivery (From Jan 2026):
Compensation House, Cnr Hamilton & Soutpansberg Road, Prinshof, Pretoria - Email:
📧 CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
Contact Information
For enquiries, assistance, and advice, please contact:
- Phone: (012) 319 9264 / (012) 319 5774 / (012) 319 9124
- Customer Care Toll-Free: 0800 321 322 / 0860 10 5350
- SMS: 44967
Note:
If you do not receive any response within two months after submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.
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