Compensation Fund Bursary South Africa

Reclaim educational opportunity with the Compensation Fund Bursary for 2025! This fund makes studies possible for COID beneficiaries with permanent disabilities, and their dependants—covering tuition, materials, accommodation and more. If you qualify, don’t miss your chance. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the Compensation Fund (Department of Employment & Labour)

The Compensation Fund is managed under South Africa’s Department of Employment and Labour. Its mandate is to compensate workers injured or affected by occupational injuries and diseases (COID), and to support rehabilitation and reintegration. Through this bursary scheme, it helps those impacted—either directly or through family—to rebuild their skills and gain access to further education. At BursaryForms, we are thrilled to connect you with this opportunity!

Fields Covered by the Compensation Fund Bursary

You can apply for this bursary in many fields—here are some of the options listed for the 2025 cycle:

  • Engineering (Chemical / Civil / Electrical / Mechanical / Mechatronics etc.)
  • Accounting Science, Actuarial Science, Finance / Economic Sciences
  • Computer Science, IT, Data Science / Cybersecurity / Digital Fields
  • Health Sciences & Clinical Fields
  • Teaching / Early Childhood Development / ICT in Education
  • Agriculture, Architecture, Environmental Health & related Sciences
  • Other vocational or technical/apprenticeship qualifications under certain conditions

Expenses Covered by the Compensation Fund Bursary

This bursary supports the following essential study-costs:

  • Tuition / registration fees
  • Prescribed learning/study materials
  • Monthly stipend
  • Accommodation (if needed)

Eligibility Requirements for the Compensation Fund Bursary

Here’s what you must satisfy to be eligible:

  • South African citizen
  • Belong to one of two groups: either you are a COID beneficiary with a permanent disability resulting from an occupational injury or disease, unemployed; or you are a dependant (aged 17-35) of a COID beneficiary with permanent disablement, or of a fatally injured employee.
  • Have been accepted, or intend to study full-time (unless disability requires otherwise) at a recognised Higher Education Institution (HEI), TVET College, or CET College in one of the eligible fields.
  • Submit required supporting documents (e.g. proof of residence, proof of disability where applicable, academic transcripts, ID etc.)
  • Be unemployed, or show the correct dependant relationship / COID claim, as the case may be.

Helpful tips:

  • Ensure all the required documents are certified and submitted. Missing items often lead to disqualification.
  • Your acceptance / registration proof at the institution matters—have that ready before applying.
  • Strong performance / academic record helps, particularly in prior qualifications or Matric.

This page was updated on September 28, 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 Compensation Fund Bursary

Here’s the application process:

Download / get the application form from Department of Employment & Labour / Compensation Fund website and fill it out. Then submit via one of these methods:

  • Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za (use “COID Bursary 2025” in subject line)
  • Hand delivery to: Compensation Fund Head Building, 167 Thabo Sehume & Madiba Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria, 0002
  • Postal / Courier: Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Employment and Labour, Private Bag X 955, Pretoria, 0001

Ensure you attach all documents: certified ID, proof of COID claim / disability, proof of acceptance, transcripts, proof of residence, etc.

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 Compensation Fund Bursary

31 March 2025

This deadline has passed. Applications submitted after 31 March 2025 were not accepted.

Contact the Compensation Fund

Got questions? Here’s who to reach out to:

Compensation Fund (COID), Department of Employment & Labour
Tel: 012 319 9264 / 012 319 5774 / 012 319 9124
Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
Website: labour.gov.za / Compensation Fund bursary page

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the Compensation Fund Bursary.

1. What is the Compensation Fund Bursary?+
It is a bursary scheme by the Department of Employment & Labour (Compensation Fund), for 2025, for South Africans who are COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement, or dependants of COID beneficiaries or fatally injured workers. It helps fund their studies at recognised institutions.
2. Can dependants of fatally injured COID beneficiaries apply?+
Yes. Dependants of COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement, and dependants of fatally injured employees, are eligible.
3. Are applicants with disabilities allowed to study part-time?+
Applicants who are disabled may be allowed part-time study under exceptional circumstances; otherwise full-time study is the norm.
4. What types of institutions are accepted?+
Accepted institutions include recognised Higher Education Institutions (universities), TVET Colleges, and CET Colleges.
5. Is the bursary renewable?+
Yes. It may be renewed every year for the duration of your study programme, depending on academic performance and availability of funds.
6. What documents do I need?+
You will need certified ID, proof of disability or COID claim/pension number, proof of acceptance or registration, academic transcripts, proof of residence, etc.
7. Does this bursary pay for accommodation?+
Yes. Accommodation is covered if required.
8. What happens if I miss the deadline?+
Applications submitted after 31 March 2025 are not accepted.
9. How will I know if I’ve been successful?+
If you don’t hear back within two months after submission, your application is likely unsuccessful.
10. Do I need to have passed Matric?+
Yes. You must have completed Matric or have school leaving equivalent, and have acceptance into the institution.