How to Apply for the Coca-Cola Bursary 2024

The prestigious Coca-Cola bursary offers a life-changing opportunity for talented South African students to pursue studies in critical STEM fields without financial constraints holding them back. Valued at up to R280,000 per year, these comprehensive bursaries aim to meaningfully transform futures while addressing skills shortages.

As applications for the 2024 funding cycle open, this guide covers everything you need to know including eligibility criteria, timelines, application process, required documents and tips to shine. Read on to determine if you qualify and exactly how to submit a winning bursary application.

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How Much Do Bursaries Pay In South Africa?

Overview of the Coca-Cola Bursary Package

The Coca-Cola bursary forms part of the MultiChoice Bursary Scheme which provides holistic support for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds to access tertiary studies across scarce skills sectors vital for South Africa’s growth.

Companies like The Coca-Cola Company then pledge funding towards students pursuing qualifications specifically relevant to their industries. Hence, the Coca-Cola bursary strategically targets students tackling studies enabling a future career in the company and its STEM-related operations.

The comprehensive bursary package covers:

• Full tuition & registration fees
• Allowances:
• Monthly living allowance
• Meal allowance
• Book allowance
• Transport allowance
• Vacation work & mentoring opportunities
• Potential international exposure

Ultimately, successful applicants gain financial support removing barriers along with ongoing career development opportunities setting them up for corporate roles after graduating.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

The Coca-Cola bursary selection criteria focuses on identifying high-potential students facing financial need who embrace the company’s values.

The eligibility requirements include:

Citizenship & Studying in SA

• South African citizenship
• Registered at a South African university

Degree Field-of-Study

• A full-time STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics) degree directly aligned to The Coca-Cola Company’s business operations and technical requirements. Priority disciplines include:
• Food Science/Technology
• Environmental Health
• Biotechnology
• Chemical/Process Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Logistics/Supply Chain Management
• Marketing
• Media/Communications
• Information Systems
• Computer Science

Financial Need

• Proven financial need and status providing evidence of not affording your degree without assistance. Assessments consider:
• Household income
• Schooling background
• Average university fees for your intended programme

Academic Capability

• Consistent track record of excellence demonstrated through your:
• Grade 12 results
• Post-school academic performance

What Are Key Timelines & Deadlines?

If you meet the eligibility criteria, take note of these critical application dates:

Bursary Cycle Opens: 1 September 2023

Closing Date for Applications: 27 January 2023

Outcome Notification: March – April 2023

Funding Commences: Semester 1, 2024

Apply as early as possible once applications open to allow sufficient time for processing, selection and university registration.

How Does the Bursary Application & Allocation Process Work?

Follow these steps for your best shot at accessing this life-changing funding opportunity:

Step 1: Check Eligibility & Prepare Documents

Confirm you meet all the bursary eligibility criteria and gather supporting documents:

• Certified copy of ID
• Latest academic results
• Tertiary acceptance letter
• Proof of household income
• Optional: Reference letter

Step 2: Complete Online Application

Access and complete the Coca-Cola bursary online forms via the MultiChoice Bursary Scheme website:

• Create user account
• Fill in required personal, academic and financial details
• Upload supporting documentation
• Submit final application

Tip: Apply as early as possible before the closing date.

Step 3: Assessment & Interviews

Your application undergoes evaluation including potential interviews to assess merit against key criteria like:

• Academic performance
• Financial need
• Field-of-study alignment
• Commitment & values

Top applicants are prioritized for awarding of bursary funding packages.

Step 4: Outcome Notification & Contract Signing

If successful, you are contacted via email and phone to confirm bursary offer details. Accept and sign the contract to kickstart the onboarding.

Unsuccessful applicants also receive outcome notifications. Limited bursary funding means competition is extremely high, so multiple applications are encouraged.

What Tips Can Enhance My Bursary Chances?

Follow these proven suggestions for strengthening your Coca-Cola bursary application and outshining rival candidates during selection:

Start Preparing Well In Advance

Use the period between the application call opening and deadline wisely. Avoid last-minute rushing.

Spotlight Financial Need

Emphasize your background, household income status and why you desperately require the bursary funding. Provide supporting documents as evidence.

Showcase Academic Excellence

Include your grades, awards and any other demonstrations of academic capability and commitment to perform.

Align Your Selected Degree

Explain how your degree directly applies to Coca-Cola’s technical skills requirements showing passion.

Highlight Leadership Activities

Share any extracurricular activities that reveal desirable soft skills like communication, creativity and influencing others.

Taking a strategic, well-evidenced approach based on these tips can massively strengthen your bursary candidacy despite the competitive nature of selection.

What Happens After Getting Awarded The Coca-Cola Bursary?

Once selected and onboarding formalities concluded, your Coca-Cola bursary journey begins! Here’s what to expect:

Ongoing Academic Performance Reviews

• Maintain high grades every semester above 65% average
• Submit updated results to retain bursary

Development & Mentorship

• Receive individual mentorship from company professionals
• Attend exclusive career guidance workshops

Work Integrated Learning

• Complete vacation work and internships gaining hands-on experience
• Absorb organizational culture while applying your knowledge

Potential International Exchange

• Qualify for global exchange to a Coca-Cola affiliate as a top achiever

Overall you gain ongoing enriched exposure maximizing future employability and leadership skills development thanks to Coca-Cola’s investment in your progress.

Conclusion: A Launch Pad For Success

In closing, the Coca-Cola bursary program provides comprehensive funding, development opportunities and peace of mind to focus completely on your studies without financial stress.

This powerful headstart with an industry-leading brand also kickstarts your career. If your profile aligns to the bursary priorities, submit a thoughtful application and onboarding process guided by the tips shared here.

You can look forward to joining and thriving within the Coca-Cola ecosystem. Just imagine where this launchpad can take you!

I wish you all the best. Please reach out if any outstanding questions regarding the Coca-Cola bursary requirements, application or process.

Coca-Cola Bursary Scheme FAQs

How much funding does the Coca-Cola bursary provide?

The Coca-Cola bursary value ranges from R100,000 to R280,000 per year covering all major expenses: full tuition, allowances for meals, books, transport and a monthly living stipend.

When does the funding commence?

Disbursements of Coca-Cola bursary funding align with university registration cycles, so beneficiaries receive initial payments for semester 1 of their funded academic year once university enrollment formalities conclude.

Is there a service obligation after graduation?

No, there is no compulsory service contract. However, students are encouraged to explore career opportunities within The Coca-Cola Company or affiliates where relevant vacancies exist.

What happens if I fail a year?

consistently poor academic performance below 50% without valid reasons may lead to bursary cancellation. However, concessions are made for temporary setbacks based on overall track record and commitment. Engage your mentor.

Can the bursary be extended beyond graduation?

Unfortunately not. The funding is limited only to the standard duration of your undergraduate or postgraduate degree programme. However, talented candidates may receive additional support for professional qualifications, exchanges or local immersions based on performance.

What other opportunities come with the bursary?

The program encompasses extensive development, exposures and networks including vacation work, mentorship, coaching, potential international secondments at affiliates and future employment prospects within The Coca-Cola Company.

I hope these responses provide further clarity regarding the Coca-Cola bursary offering and policies. Please reach out for any other questions.