Vulamathuba Empumelelo: Bursaries 2026

Vulamathuba Empumelelo is inviting students to apply for the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund (VEBF), for the 2026 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to students residing within Cape Metro Region (Cape Town), for undergraduate studies within fields that are declared scarce or critical skills by the government.

The bursary will provide partial cover for the following expenses:

• Registration fees,
• Tuition fees (maximum value of R40 000),
• Prescribed materials (maximum value of R5 000)
• Examination fees (where applicable).

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• You must be a South African citizen OR have a Permanent Residency Permit/ Work Visa in South Africa
• You must be a Communicare tenant OR a students from a previously marginalized community
• You must reside within the City of Cape Town Metro Region
• You must be between 19 and 50 years old
• You must have completed Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying part-time or full-time, towards an undergraduate qualification, within a scarce or critical skills field
• You must be studying or have applied and been accepted at a public higher education institution in South Africa (TVET College / University)
• You must have proven financial need (this will be determined by a means test)
• You must have a gross household income of NOT more than R400 000 per annum
• You must have strong academic potential
• You must have the following personal qualities: enthusiastic, highly driven, positive attitude, excellent communicator, team player, available to volunteer, problem solver, creative and innovative
• Preference will be given to students from a previously disadvantaged background, accepted to study at public institutions in the City of Cape Town
• Preference will be given to Communicare tenants in good standing and authorised residents before considering neighbouring community members
• Students with or without disabilities may apply