If you’re from Paarl or Mbekweni (Western Cape) or affiliated with one of the Athlone Institute Trust’s member churches, the Athlone Institute Bursary 2025 could help you with registration and/or tuition for your degree, diploma, or certificate at a recognised tertiary institution. The application deadline was 28 February 2025. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the Athlone Institute Trust (AIT) & AIBPROF

The Athlone Institute Trust (AIT), founded in 1926 in the Paarl area, supports education for residents of Paarl/Mbekweni or parishioners of its five member churches. Its bursary project fund (AIBPROF) provides financial aid to students at TVET colleges or universities, full-time or part-time.

Fields Covered by the Athlone Institute Bursary

This bursary supports studies in any field, as long as the qualification is offered by a recognized tertiary institution and you meet the eligibility criteria.

Expenses Covered by the Athlone Institute Bursary

These are what the bursary helps with (based on 2025 details):

  • Part or all of registration fees or tuition fees — paid directly to the institution.

Eligibility Requirements for the Athlone Institute Bursary

Here are the criteria for 2025: you must meet *all* of these:

  • South African citizen.
  • Permanent resident of Paarl or Mbekweni, OR parishioner at one of AIT’s five member churches (St Stephen’s Anglican; Immanuel UR; Bethel United Congregational; Holy Trinity Anglican; Zions United Reformed).
  • Completed Matric (Grade 12). First-year students needed a Matric certificate; returning students needed their full academic record.
  • Proof of financial need.
  • Enrolled (or accepted) for full-time or part-time undergraduate or postgraduate qualification at an accredited tertiary institution.
  • If already studying, passed the previous year’s studies.
  • Willingness to do community service in Paarl/Mbekweni.
  • Participation in a mentoring programme.

We are supporting you at BursaryForms! Here are some tips to strengthen your application:

  • Gather all required documents in certified form (ID, academic record, proof of residence etc.).
  • Make sure your application is complete before deadline — missing items often disqualify.
  • If you’re a first-year student, ensure your Matric results are available. If you’re returning, have your prior academics ready.
  • Engage with your church / religious leader in good time for testimonial, especially if you are applying through church affiliation.

This page was updated on October 7, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply for the Athlone Institute Bursary

Follow these steps:

  • Download or access the application form on the Athlone Bursary website.
  • Fill in with required information and attach required certified documents.
  • Submit online through the AIBPROF portal (for 1st year, senior, or postgraduate students).

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date for the Athlone Institute Bursary

28 February 2025

This deadline has passed—late or incomplete applications were not accepted.

Contact the Athlone Institute Trust / AIBPROF

Have questions? Use this info:

The Secretary, Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF)
Tel: 072 360 3710
Email: admin@athlonebursary.co.za
Postal: PO Box 846, Huguenot, 7645 (Paarl area)
Website: athlonebursary.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the Athlone Institute Bursary.

Who can apply for the Athlone Institute Bursary?+
Any South African citizen residing in Paarl or Mbekweni, or a parishioner of one of Athlone’s member churches, who has completed Matric, demonstrates financial need, and is enrolled (or intends to enroll) for full- or part-time study at an accredited institution.
Are certificate and diploma courses eligible?+
Yes. Part- and full-time studies, including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma or certificate courses, have been included in recent criteria.
Can students outside Paarl/Mbekweni apply?+
If the student belongs to one of AIT’s member churches and is a parishioner, yes—otherwise applicants must reside in Paarl or Mbekweni.
What documents are needed?+
Certified ID, Matric certificate (or latest academic record), proof of registration/acceptance, proof of fee payment, proof of residence, proof of household income (or affidavit if unemployed), testimonial from religious leader, student account form, declaration form.
What fields of study are covered?+
Any field of study is allowed, provided the institution is recognised/accredited.
Is there a minimum academic average?+
Strong academic performance is required, especially showing progression if you are continuing studies—but no specific minimum percentage is always published.
Can you apply if you’re already in your 2nd or 3rd year?+
Yes. Returning students (senior undergraduates / postgraduate) whose previous year of study was passed are eligible.
What is the closing date?+
28 February 2025 — this deadline has passed.
Who to contact for queries?+
Ernest at 072 360 3710 or admin@athlonebursary.co.za. Postal: PO Box 846, Huguenot, 7645. Website: athlonebursary.co.za.

Before you apply for any bursary, make sure you have a clear plan. Download our comprehensive Bursary Application Checklist to stay organized, submit your documents correctly, and increase your chances of success.

Bursary Application Checklist