The Cisco South Africa Bursary Programme
Closing date
Application Season: 01 May to 30 September.
Please carefully read the instructions on our Bursary Applications page before beginning your application.
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust
South Africa Bursary Programme
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa opens call for applicants for bursary programme.
As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world’. The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa hopes to do just that with its new bursary programme since 2021.
As an organisation committed to developing the skills of South Africa’s youth, as well as aligning to our country’s transformation efforts, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust has started a bursary programme aimed at furthering IT education opportunities for South African beneficiaries. Successful applicants must be able to show good academic results, as well as financial need.
Who can apply
- Combined family income ofs
- R350,000 to R600 000 p/for “missing middle”.
- Students in the first to fourth year in 2025 who are studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Information Technology (the fourth year includes students in B Tech – NQF level 7 – and Honours programmes – NQF level 8).
- Students accepted or registered to study in private or public institutions that are registered with the Department of Education.
- South African Citizens.
- Preference will be given to equity students.
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Bursary Application
StudyTrust manages several bursaries and scholarships on behalf of trusts, foundations, and private and corporate donors. More information on the various opportunities’ selection criteria is provided on the Bursaries page. Applicants are asked to identify their first and second preferred bursary/scholarship, but all applicants will be considered for all opportunities they qualify for.
Applications for most bursary and scholarship opportunities close on 30 September. However, there are some exceptions, as indicated on the Bursaries pages.
Applicants are advised to carefully read the eligibility criteria of the various bursaries and scholarships administered by StudyTrust. It will not be possible to submit an application before all requisite information is provided and supporting documents are uploaded.
The information provided and answers to the essay questions asked in the application form will be used to create an individual application profile to be presented to potential sponsors. Please provide accurate information and thoughtful answers to essay questions. Ensure that words are spellt correctly and that names and surnames start with capitals. A bursary application is a request for an investment in your education of up to half a million rand. Potential sponsors are more likely to select someone for such an investment if they find evidence that an application was completed with care and precision.
Current Gr 12 learners who are not yet sure about their study plans are referred to the helpful resources on the web pages of Pace Career Centre. Their career questionnaire was designed to assist prospective students with the right study programme and career choice.
Selection Criteria
Bursary selection is based on academic potential, financial need and study programmes. Bursaries are available for:
- The majority of the bursaries and scholarships administered by StudyTrust are for University students (undergraduate and post-graduate) studying full-time in critical and scarce skills programmes.
- A limited number of bursaries are available for full-time University of Technology students, with a pass symbol in all subjects, studying towards careers in demand by the labour market.
- A few bursaries are available for full-time students at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Agricultural Colleges.
Applicants must specify the exact name of the study programme, the name of the educational institution and the start and end dates of the study programme.
Key information provided in the application must be verified and we need documentary proof to be uploaded. Please get the following documents ready to upload when asked or attach to hardcopy applications:
- South African ID (certified)
- A full academic record including the latest available results (June 2024 examination results or progress report)
- Official Matric/NSC results if you have completed Grade 12 or final Grade 11 results and June 2024 report card for current Gr 12s.
- Proof of address if you are applying for a bursary sponsored by a renewable energy plant or trust. Only applicants living within a 50 km radius of a solar or wind farm are eligible for these bursaries.
- Proof of income: The combined annual household income will be a critical consideration in the selection process. It is essential that proof of income for both parents (if applicable) be uploaded. This could be:
- Salary or wage slips of the parent(s) or guardian(s)
- An affidavit from the parent(s) or guardian(s) stating that they are unemployed or self-employed. If they are self-employed, the affidavit must state their annual income.
- Most recent audited financial statement or three months’ most recent bank statements if the parent(s) or guardian(s) own a business
- SASSA letter stating the grants received in the household where applicable
- Death certificate(s) if parent(s) are deceased
- Letter from the court stating child support amounts if parents are divorced or an affidavit from the parent stating the child support amount received if parents are separated
- A clear head and shoulders picture.