CRET Bursary 2025-2026
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme was established by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation to provide financial assistance to academically strong students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise be unable to afford higher education. The Foundation, an independent non-profit organization, focuses on improving the lives of South African youth through education and enterprise development.
The Foundation’s history dates back to 1996, when President Cyril Ramaphosa began offering bursaries to disadvantaged students using funds earned from his public speaking engagements. The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) was formally established in 2000 to continue this mission.
About the CRET Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) invites students to apply for their bursary support programme for the 2024 academic year. Bursaries will be awarded for undergraduate studies in the following fields:
- Commerce and Finance
- Education
- Engineering
- Sciences (excluding MBChB)
- Technology
- Scarce or critical skills training (e.g., Boiler Making, Welding, Plumbing, OHS, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Green Technology, Entrepreneurship, etc.)
The CRET bursary aims to support students who might be overlooked by other programmes by considering the holistic needs and potential of candidates. The goal is to nurture and mentor students who will become future leaders.
More About the CRET Bursary Programme – Expenses Covered & Selection
The bursary provides full coverage for:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and other study materials
- Laptops
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Monthly living allowance
- Transport (where required)
Candidates must participate in a formal assessment process, which may include a psychometric evaluation and a formal interview.
Eligibility Requirements for the CRET Bursary
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have a valid South African ID number
- Must be between 16 and 27 years old
- Must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Must be studying or intending to study towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the specified fields
- Must be studying or have applied/registered at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology, TVET College, or other recognized institution)
- Must be in financial need, with a total household income of no more than R650,000 per annum
How to Apply for the CRET Bursary
Applications must be submitted online at the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Application 2024. Applicants need to register an account before logging in and applying. Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the CRET bursary.
Required Supporting Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documents with your application (submission of these documents is compulsory; missing items may lead to disqualification):
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Certified copy of Matric latest results (if currently in Matric)
- Certified copy of Matric certificate (if completed Matric)
- Certified copy of full academic record (if currently studying at tertiary level)
- Proof of tertiary application and/or registration (on institution letterhead)
- Proof of residence
- Parents’ or guardians’ proof of household income (latest pay slips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, proof of pension or grant if applicable)
- Motivational letter supporting your application (read tips on writing a motivational letter for a bursary application)
- Proof of undertaking a psychometric test supporting your chosen field of study (applicants may download and complete the free psychometric evaluation test and submit results with supporting documents)
Closing Date for the CRET Bursary
The application deadline is 10 December. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact the Bursary Provider
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) directly:
- Tel: 011 592 6560
- Email: info@cyrilramaphosa.org
- Contact Xhuma Support: Xhuma Support
By adhering to these guidelines and submitting all required documentation, you can apply for financial assistance to support your educational journey through the CRET bursary programme.
