The Compensation Fund Bursary Scheme: A Comprehensive Guide
The Compensation Fund provides crucial bursaries yearly to the dependents of injured employees and workers with occupational disabilities. These bursaries enable access to priority fields like engineering, accounting, IT and healthcare.
This detailed guide covers all key aspects of the Compensation Fund bursary offering, including specifics on the monthly allowance. We’ll examine the provider’s background, eligibility criteria, qualifying study areas, application process, and FAQs.
Whether you are a dependent or injured employee, read on for everything required to apply for this valuable funding opportunity.
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About the Compensation Fund and Their Bursary Program
The Compensation Fund operates under the Department of Employment and Labor in South Africa. It provides compensation to employees injured, diseased, or disabled due to their work duties and environment. This covers permanent, casual, apprentice, and temporary workers.
For disability or death arising from occupational causes, the Compensation Fund pays compensation to make up for lost income and costs. This crucial social protection system has existed for decades.
The Compensation Fund also makes bursaries available annually to the dependents of compensated injured workers and injured workers themselves. These bursaries increase access to priority fields of study for improved employment prospects and financial stability.
The bursary program accepts applications each year. Along with covering tuition, it provides generous allowances for accommodation, learning materials, monthly stipends, and disability needs if required.
Compensation Fund Bursary Coverage and Allowances
The Compensation Fund bursary is extremely comprehensive.
- Full tuition and registration fees
- Accommodation fees or housing allowance
- Textbooks, learning materials and supplies
- Monthly stipend allowance
- Additional disability support allowances, if required
Annually, this amounts to easily over R100,000 in financial aid per bursary recipient when all allowances are combined.
The bursaries are awarded each year but renewable annually pending academic performance and fund availability. Recipients can receive support for the entire duration of their qualification.
This is an invaluable opportunity made possible by the bursary funding.
Details on the Compensation Fund Monthly Allowance
A key financial provision for bursary recipients is the monthly allowance. This provides essential funding each month for costs like food, transport and basic student expenses.
The monthly allowance amount varies based on:
- Beneficiary category – Slightly different allowances for dependents (Group 1) versus injured workers (Group 2).
- Study location – Allowances are aligned to living costs in the province where the student will be based.
- Accommodation type – Marginally higher allowances for students living off-campus rather than in residences.
However, as a general guideline, the Compensation Fund bases monthly allowances on National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) amounts for full-time university students.
Currently, NSFAS sets this monthly living allowance at approximately R1,500 per month for students with a full academic load.
Therefore, most Compensation Fund bursary recipients can expect to receive around R1,500 per month as part of their bursary funding. This crucial stipend helps cover food, transport, toiletries, and other regular expenses.
Of course, confirming directly with the Compensation Fund will provide the specific monthly allowance based on your unique bursary criteria. Their contact details are:
Email: [email protected] Phone: 0860 100 200
With this significant monthly supplement, recipients can fully focus on their studies.
Fields of Study Supported by the Bursary Program
The Compensation Fund bursary supports specific high-priority fields for dependents and injured workers.
For dependents, bursaries cover:
- Accounting and Auditing
- Actuarial Science
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Agriculture
- Analytical Chemistry
- Architecture
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Design and Marketing
- Economics
- Engineering
- Food Sciences
- Health Professions
- Investment Management
- Maritime Studies
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Operations Management
- Quality Assurance
- Risk Management
- Teaching
- TVET Apprenticeships
For injured workers, the bursary covers:
- Vocational skills training in carpentry, dressmaking, electrical, plumbing, welding, upholstery, agriculture, and more.
- Any studies enabling re-employment or self-employment.
Candidates must be accepted at a recognised public university, TVET college, or training institute for their selected field of study.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for the Bursary
There are two separate eligibility streams: one for dependents and one for compensated workers.
Eligibility for Dependent Applicants:
- South African citizenship
- Ages 17 to 25
- Child or dependent of a compensated injured worker
- Accepted into an approved public tertiary program
- Strong Matric or current academic record
Eligibility for Injured Workers:
- South African citizenship
- Unemployed due to recognised workplace disability
- Permanent workplace injury covered under COID
- Accepted into an approved skills or tertiary program
- Seeking re-entry to the workforce or self-employment
Meeting ALL the above criteria under the respective category is mandatory.
Step-by-Step Bursary Application Process
Applying for the Compensation Fund bursary involves:
- Obtaining the application form online or directly from their offices.
- Completing all sections of the form fully and accurately.
- Gathering and preparing certified copies of all supporting documents per category.
- Submitting the application form and documents before the annual deadline.
Required documents for dependents:
- Certified ID copy
- Certified birth certificate
- Parent/guardian certified ID copies
- Latest academic transcripts
- Tertiary acceptance letter
- Tuition fee and accommodation quotes
- Proof of residence
- Income statements
Required documents for injured workers:
- Certified ID copy
- Confirmation of disability
- Compensation Fund claim number
- Academic records
- Tertiary acceptance letter
- Tuition, accommodation and materials fee quotes
- Proof of residence
Incomplete applications missing any required documents will be disqualified.
Key Compensation Fund Bursary Dates
Here are important dates in the bursary calendar:
- January – Online application portal opens
- 31 March – Deadline for bursary applications
- April to June – Shortlisting process, interviews and selection
- July – Outcomes communicated to applicants
- January – Studies commence for successful applicants
The deadline of 31 March is firm. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Application Tips and Hints for Success
Use these expert tips to strengthen your bursary application:
- Start early – Applications open in January annually.
- Follow all instructions meticulously.
- Ensure documents are correctly certified if required.
- Draft a compelling motivation letter.
- Select high priority fields of study.
- Include proof of strong academic capabilities.
- Get parent/guardian consent if under 18.
- Clearly confirm disability if an injured worker.
- Prepare thoroughly for potential interviews.
Answers to Common Bursary Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Compensation Fund bursary:
How will I know if my bursary application succeeded?
If shortlisted for further assessment, you will be contacted within 2 months of the deadline. Outcomes are communicated in July.
What can I study if I’m an injured worker?
As a worker, you can study vocational skills training or any field that will enable your re-employment after injury.
Is it one COID bursary per family?
No. Multiple eligible dependents in a household can each apply and receive support if they meet the criteria.
Can I change programs if accepted?
No, the bursary is only for the specific program you applied for. Changing fields means reapplying.
Who can I contact for bursary assistance?
Reach out to the Compensation Fund anytime via email, phone or their offices for support regarding your bursary application.
If unsuccessful, can I reapply the following year?
Yes, you can reapply as long as you still meet the core bursary eligibility requirements. Improve your application and apply early.
Compensation Fund Contact Details
Please direct any bursary questions to:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 012 319 9264 / 012 319 5774
WhatsApp: 082 937 2062
Website: www.labour.gov.za
Address: Compensation Fund, Private Bag X 955, Pretoria, 0001
Conclusion
We hope this comprehensive guide provides all details needed to apply for the invaluable Compensation Fund bursary program, including guidance on the monthly living allowance provided. These bursaries truly create opportunities for academic and career empowerment.
Follow instructions closely, ensure your documents comply, and submit your complete application before the closing date. With dedication and preparation, you can open doors to rewarding studies and brighter futures through the Compensation Fund bursary program.
Full FAQ
Here are more extensive answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Compensation Fund bursary:
What are the full eligibility criteria to be considered “dependent”?
To be eligible as a dependent, you must:
- Be between 17 and 25 years old
- Be a South African citizen
- Have a parent or guardian who is a compensated employee through the Fund
- Have completMatricic, or currently completing the final school year
- Be accepted or apply for full-time study at a SA public university or TVET college
- Be studying toward one of the priority qualifications listed for dependents
- Maintain strong academic performance
What documents must dependent applicants submit with their application?
Dependents must submit the following valid documents:
- Certified copy of ID or birth certificate
- Certified copies of parent/guardian ID documents
- Latest academic transcripts and Matric results
- Proof of acceptance from a chosen tertiary institute
- Signed tuition and materials fee quotations
- Proof of residence for yourself and youparent or guardianan
- Recent income statement for parent/guardian
What criteria define an “occupational injury” for worker eligibility?
To be an occupational injury, the injury must:
- Have occurred during the normal course of work duties
- Be a result of standard work activities for the employer
- Have caused disability impacting ability to work
- Be reported and recognised under the employer’s COID registration
This validates it as a compensable workplace-acquired injury.
What key documents must injured workers submit with their application?
Injured workers must submit:
- Certified ID copy
- Confirmation of COID claim number
- Proof of recognised workplace disability
- Any academic transcripts
- Acceptance into chosen study program
- Signed fee quotes for tuition, accommodation etc.
- Proof of residence
Submitting complete documents is crucial.
Can I email or fax my bursary application documents?
No. Emailed or faxed Compensation Fund bursary applications are not accepted. You must submit via post, courier or hand delivery before the deadline.
If I miss the application deadline, can I still apply?
Unfortunately not. The deadline is strictly enforced, so late applications will not be opened or considered. You will need to wait for the next bursary cycle.
When will I be informed if my bursary application succeeded?
If shortlisted, you will be notified within 2 months of the closing date. Outcomes are communicated to successful applicants in July each year.
We hope these detailed FAQ answers provide you with all the guidance needed to submit the strongest possible Compensation Fund bursary application!