Kathu Solar Park started its bursary programme in 2022 to get more young people from the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District into tertiary education. The scheme has grown steadily since then. By July 2026 Kathu Solar Park reported 18 graduates, among them Lesedi Thankane, who finished a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering cum laude at the Central University of Technology and now works as a professional-in-training at a Northern Cape mine.
StudyTrust handles applications for Kathu Solar Park. The window for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 June and shut on 30 September 2026. If Kathu Solar Park keeps the same timetable, the following intake will open in June 2027.
Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana and Joe Morolong residents
The JTG District takes in Kathu and Dibeng (Gamagara), Kuruman and Mothibistad (Ga-Segonyana) and the villages of Joe Morolong. To be considered, you need to:
- live in the JTG District and be a South African citizen
- be studying already, or be starting a course the following year, at an accredited TVET college, university or university of technology in South Africa
- study full-time
- come from a family whose combined gross income is R600 000 a year or less
That R600 000 ceiling is noticeably higher than many community bursaries set, which opens the scheme to families who earn too much for NSFAS but still cannot pay full university costs. Kathu Solar Park does not limit the field of study.
More than fees: what Kathu bursars receive
StudyTrust’s page lists the standard items a Kathu bursary may cover: tuition, registration and exam fees, residence or similar accommodation, meals, and learning materials. Kathu Solar Park’s own reports describe a broader package for its students, including travel, a laptop, data and a monthly allowance, along with mentoring, study coaching and career guidance. The value of each award is decided individually, based on need and the year’s budget.
Selection: results first, then need
StudyTrust judges academic excellence from Grade 12 results or, for students already enrolled, the tertiary record. It then looks at financial need. When two candidates are equally strong academically, StudyTrust gives preference to the one with the greater financial need.
Where to apply for the next Kathu intake
Kathu Solar Park sends applicants to StudyTrust rather than taking forms itself. Start at the Kathu Solar Park page on the StudyTrust website, which links to the online application platform. The platform asks for a certified ID, your latest academic results, proof of a JTG address, proof of family income and a photo. Kathu Solar Park also posts programme news on Kathu Solar Park’s news page.
While you wait for June, look at other energy-company schemes such as the Enel Green Power bursary, and browse our bursaries for any field of study.
Do I have to live in Kathu town itself?
Kathu Solar Park’s announcements open the bursary to the whole John Taolo Gaetsewe District. StudyTrust’s programme page also mentions Kathu by name, so if you live far from Kathu, confirm with StudyTrust when the next season opens.