Closing Date: 31 March 2026
Target Group: Unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement (PWD), their dependents, and dependents of fatally injured employees
Location: Public Post-School Education and Training (PSET) institutions across South Africa (TVET Colleges, CET Colleges, Universities)
About the Programme
The Compensation Fund External Bursary Programme 2026 aims to empower individuals affected by occupational injuries or diseases by providing access to higher education and skills development. The bursary supports qualifications and vocational programmes that promote employability and reintegration into the workplace or self-employment.
Bursary Benefits
- Tuition fees at public PSET institutions
- Prescribed study material
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation allowance (if applicable)
- Renewable annually, subject to academic performance and availability of funds
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be an unemployed COID beneficiary with permanent disablement, or a dependent of a permanently disabled or fatally injured employee
- Be aged 17–35 years (dependents) or within working age for COID beneficiaries
- Have been accepted at a recognised TVET, CET College, or Higher Education Institution
- Be enrolled full-time (part-time may be considered in exceptional circumstances for students with disabilities)
- Submit a fully completed bursary application form with supporting documents:
- COID Pension/Claim number
- Certified copies of parent/guardian ID or death certificate (for dependents)
- Applicant ID copy
- Proof of acceptance at a public PSET institution
- Medical or disability verification (WCL final medical report)
How to Apply
- Download the bursary application form from the Department of Employment and Labour website: www.labour.gov.za
- Submit the completed form with supporting documents via:
- Post/Courier:
Sub–Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Employment and Labour, Compensation Fund
Private Bag X955, Pretoria, 0001 - Hand Delivery:
- Sept–Dec 2025: 167 Thabo Sehume Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria
- From Jan 2026: Compensation House, Cnr Hamilton & Soutpansberg Road, Prinshof, Pretoria
- Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
- Post/Courier:
Enquiries:
- Phone: (012) 319 9264 / (012) 319 5774 / (012) 319 9124
- Customer Care Toll-Free: 0800 321 322 / 0860 10 5350
- SMS: 44967
Note: If no response is received within two months, consider the application unsuccessful.
This bursary is ideal for COID beneficiaries or their dependents seeking financial support and access to higher education to build a sustainable career despite challenges from occupational injuries or diseases.