ASSET (Association for Educational Transformation) Bursary South Africa 2024-2025
ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – ASSET
The Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) is a non-profit organization based in the Western Cape, South Africa. ASSET was founded in January 2003 as an independent entity, but its roots trace back to the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR), which initiated the Bursary Programme in 1972. SAIRR has a long history of assisting disadvantaged students with their educational needs, and today, ASSET provides support to approximately 500 students each year.
ASSET’s mission is to give back to disadvantaged communities by offering bursaries that enable students to pursue their studies when they lack the financial means to pay for tuition. The organization receives funding from local, national, and international donors to support tertiary students in the Western Cape.
ABOUT THE ASSET BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED & COVERAGE VALUE
ASSET is inviting students to apply for its bursary program for the 2024-2025 academic year. Bursaries are awarded annually for studies toward a first undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma, or higher certificate) in any field of study within the Western Cape.
The value of the bursary varies but generally covers a portion of tuition fees and books. Bursary awards are paid directly to tertiary institutions. Selection for the bursaries is based on two main factors: merit and financial need.
Bursary recipients are funded for the duration of their undergraduate studies, provided they maintain good academic results and reapply each year. The bursaries are awarded after a Selection Committee meeting in early February each year. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by the end of February 2024-2025. If applicants do not receive feedback by that time, they should consider their applications unsuccessful.
ASSET bursaries do not need to be repaid. However, bursary recipients are required to join the ASSET Alumni Association and give back during their studies or after graduation, including completing a minimum of 100 voluntary hours.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSET BURSARY
To be eligible for the ASSET Bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- South African citizenship
- Residing within the Western Cape province
- Studying full time toward a first undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma, or higher certificate)
- Meeting the criteria for the selected field of study
- Registered at one of the following institutions within the Western Cape: University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, University of Stellenbosch, or Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Passing the means test and falling within the “Missing Middle” (having a total monthly income of less than R18,000 for a family with two children, with adjustments for larger families and combined incomes between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum)
- Not losing NSFAS funding due to poor performance exclusion
- Preference given to students with the greatest financial need who meet merit criteria
- Preference given to students from rural areas, informal settlements, and disadvantaged backgrounds
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ASSET BURSARY
New or first-time applicants can download and complete the ASSET Bursary Application Form (New Applicants). Existing bursary holders should use the ASSET Bursary Application Form (Renewal).
When applying, include “Uni24.co.za” as the source of how you heard about the ASSET Bursary.
Submit clear copies of the required supporting documents with your completed application form. For new or first-time applicants, these documents include:
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Certified copy of mid-year results from your tertiary institution or school (final results to be submitted when available)
- Certified copy of full academic transcripts (if you are a 2nd/3rd/final-year student)
- Certified proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/affidavit if unemployed/pension advice if on a pension/proof of SASSA grant if receiving a social grant)
- Motivational letter describing yourself and your life goals
- Contactable reference who knows you well (not your School Principal)
Renewal applicants should provide the following:
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Certified copy of mid-year results from your tertiary institution
- Certified proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/affidavit if unemployed/pension advice if on a pension/proof of SASSA grant if receiving a social grant)
- Motivational letter describing your course of study and experiences as a student so far
- Contactable reference
Applications must be submitted via email to bursary@asset.org.za, with “ASSET Bursary Application 2024-2025” in the email subject line. Alternatively, applicants can submit their applications via post or hand delivery to the following address:
Bursary Department Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) 5 Long Street Mowbray 7700 Western Cape
Note that applications sent via fax will not be accepted.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE ASSET BURSARY
The closing date for applications is 30 September. It is important to apply before this date to ensure that your application is considered.
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any inquiries related to the ASSET Bursary program, please contact ASSET directly using the following contact details:
- Tel: 021 685 1025
- Email: bursary@asset.org.za
