About Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust:
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Cisco, one of the world’s largest networking hardware companies. Cisco was founded in 1984 in San Jose, California, and has since become a global leader in networking technologies, with a presence in many countries worldwide.
The Cisco Foundation, established in 1997, serves as a means for Cisco to contribute to various social causes. It collaborates with nonprofit organizations, NGOs, and community-focused groups, providing funding for programs that benefit society. In South Africa, the foundation operates under the name Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust.
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary 2025-2026:
The Cisco Charitable Trust offers bursaries to a select number of students each year who require financial assistance to pursue careers in the field of Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science (CS). Specifically, for the upcoming academic session, these bursaries will be awarded to students in the following fields of study:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
The selection process is based on merit, and the bursary value will be determined individually, taking into consideration the financial needs of the recipients.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be considered for the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. It is essential to fulfill all the requirements, as failure to do so may result in the rejection of the application. Here are the eligibility criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen.
- Must be registered with the Department of Education and studying at a recognized public or private institution.
- Students must be in their second to the fourth year of study in 2023 (fourth-year students include those in B.Tech – NQF level 7 – and Honors programs – NQF level 8).
- Must have a strong academic track record.
While meeting these criteria is essential, it does not guarantee funding. The decision to award bursaries rests solely with the Cisco Foundation, with preference given to equity students when making selections. The list of bursary recipients published by the foundation will be considered final.
How to Apply:
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, you can proceed with the application process, which is entirely online and should take approximately one hour to complete. It’s important not to rush and maintain accuracy. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be rejected.
To start the online application, use the following link: Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary Application 2025-2026
Review all the details and submit your application along with clear copies of the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of your South African ID document
- Certified copy of your matric certificate
- Certified copy of your full academic record/transcripts
- Certified copy of your parent’s or guardian’s proof of income (latest payslips or letter from employer if employed, latest financial statements if self-employed, affidavit if unemployed)
- Certified copy of your parent’s or guardian’s death certificates if deceased
- Certified copy of your parent’s or guardian’s divorce certificate if divorced
- Certified copy of your parent’s or guardian’s sworn statement if separated
- Signed consent form (.docx)
- Profile picture
- Certified copy of proof of your address
- Essay addressing personal background, family circumstances, achievements, leadership positions, strengths and weaknesses, relevance of the chosen study program to your talents and career aspirations, and a personal statement to highlight your application profile.
Closing Date:
The bursary application period opened on May 1, and the closing date for the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary is September 30.
Contact Details:
For inquiries related to the bursary, you can contact the bursary provider through the StudyTrust portal. Use the “Contact Us” page on the StudyTrust website for this purpose.
