Students hear about us at the colleges or in the Bursary Register or at resource centres and schools, and then apply for assistance. Forms are available at the colleges, and have to be signed by a student support officer or social worker.

The main criteria for acceptance are age (18-23 years and not out of school for more than two years), income (inability to pay the college fees) and academic potential, based on high school and college results.

Once the application is received, the student will receive a letter of acknowledgement. All applications are collected up to the closing date and then as many students are accepted as possible according to funds available. If accepted, the student will receive a confirmation letter to show at the college at registration. Unsuccessful applicants are also be notified. The colleges are informed of potential bursary students on the first day of the term. In many cases results of the previous courses will not yet be available, in which case the letter is only provisional and confirmation will be sent once the students’ results have been received.

Bursaries are paid directly to the college by electronic funds transfer upon receipt of an invoice. Proof of payment is faxed to the college. Bursaries cover class and registration fees only and in most cases, books as well. In selected cases some assistance may be given for transport or accommodation costs.

Bursaries are awarded on a course-by-course basis, and the student has to reapply for each new level. Reapplication forms are sent to bursary holders during the term. All test and exam results of our bursary holders have to be sent to us before a bursary is renewed. Renewal of bursaries is subject to funds being available as well as the students’ attendance and academic performance. A minimum of 50% in all subjects is required for bursary renewal. The bursaries are non-repayable and there are no work obligations attached to them.