Compensation Fund Bursary 2024 – A Comprehensive Guide
The Compensation Fund provides crucial bursaries each year to support the studies of dependents of injured employees and workers with occupational disabilities themselves. These bursaries enable access to priority fields like engineering, accounting, IT and healthcare.
This guide offers a detailed look at the Compensation Fund bursary offering for 2024. We will cover the provider background, bursary coverage, eligibility criteria, qualifying study fields, FAQs and step-by-step application instructions.
Whether you are a dependent or injured employee, read on for everything you need to know to apply for this invaluable funding opportunity.
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About the Compensation Fund and Their Bursary Scheme
The Compensation Fund falls under the Department of Employment and Labour in South Africa. It provides compensation to employees who are injured, contract diseases or become disabled while carrying out duties related to their employment. This includes permanent and casual workers, as well as trainees.
In the event of disability or death from occupational causes, the Compensation Fund pays out compensation to make up for lost income. This crucial assistance scheme has been in place for decades.
As part of their support initiatives, the Compensation Fund also offers bursaries to dependents of compensated workers and workers themselves. These bursaries aim to unlock access to priority fields of study that will enable employment and socioeconomic upliftment.
The Compensation Fund bursary program is open for new applications each year. Along with covering tuition, it provides allowances for accommodation, learning materials, and monthly stipends.
Bursary Coverage and Value
The Compensation Fund bursary is exceptionally comprehensive in terms of what is covered:
- Full tuition fees
- Accommodation fees and allowances
- Prescribed textbooks and learning materials
- Monthly stipends for meals and incidentals
- Disability assistance allowances if required
This amounts to support valued at tens of thousands of rands per bursary recipient annually.
The bursaries are awarded on an annual basis but are renewable each year based on academic performance and fund availability. The support continues for the full certified duration of the recipient’s qualification, providing they continue to meet the minimum criteria.
This provides enormous relief for both dependents and injured workers who otherwise could likely not afford higher education access.
Fields of Study Supported by the Bursary Scheme
The Compensation Fund bursary supports studies in specific priority fields for dependents and workers.
For dependents, the following areas of study are covered:
- Accounting and Auditing
- Actuarial Science
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Agriculture
- Analytical Chemistry
- Architecture
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Digital 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 workers with occupational disabilities, the bursary covers:
- Vocational skills training in carpentry, dressmaking, electrical, plumbing, welding, upholstery, agriculture and more.
- Any studies that will facilitate re-employment or self-employment.
Candidates must be accepted into an approved public university, TVET college or training institute for their chosen field.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the Bursary?
There are two separate streams of eligibility – one for dependents and one for compensated workers.
Eligibility for Dependent Applicants:
- South African citizenship
- Ages 17 to 25
- Dependent of a compensated and disabled worker
- Accepted into an approved public tertiary program in a priority field
- Strong academic record
Eligibility for Compensated Injured Workers:
- South African citizenship
- Unemployed due to occupational disability
- Permanently injured at place of work
- Accepted into an approved skills program or tertiary studies
- Aiming to re-enter the workforce or self-employment
Applicants who do not meet ALL eligibility criteria cannot be considered.
How to Apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary
The Compensation Fund bursary application process includes:
- Obtaining the application form online or from their offices.
- Completing all required sections accurately.
- Gathering and preparing certified copies of all supporting documents.
- Submitting the full application and documents before the closing date.
Key documents that MUST accompany the form are:
For dependents:
- ID copy
- Birth certificate
- Parent/guardian IDs
- Latest academic results
- Tertiary acceptance letter
- Tuition and accommodation fee quotes
- Proof of residence
- Income statements
For compensated workers:
- ID copy
- Disability verification
- Compensation Fund claimant number
- Academic transcript
- Tertiary acceptance letter
- Tuition and materials fee quotes
- Proof of residence
Applications missing any required paperwork will be disqualified. Submit applications via email, post or hand delivery before the closing date. No late or incomplete submissions are accepted.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Here are the important Compensation Fund bursary dates:
- January 2023 – Applications open
- 31 March 2023 – Closing date for submissions
- April to June 2023 – Shortlisting, interviewing and selection
- July 2023 – Outcomes communicated to applicants
- January 2024 – Studies commence
Meeting the 31 March deadline is crucial, as late applications will not be accepted.
Additional Information and Bursary Application FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Compensation Fund bursary:
Do I need to be on disability to apply as a compensated worker?
No, you can also apply if you have a recognised compensation claim and permanent injury from occupational causes. Disability certification does strengthen your application.
What if I’m still waiting for my university acceptance when applications close?
You can still apply using your Matric results, and submit your official tertiary acceptance as soon as it is available.
Is it one bursary per family?
No. Multiple dependents from the same family can apply and be supported if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Can current students apply?
Yes, students already enrolled can apply for their upcoming academic year of study, not retroactively.
If I switch programs, can my bursary be transferred?
No. Your bursary is only for the specific program you applied for. Changing fields means reapplying for a new bursary.
Application and Interview Tips
Use these tips to strengthen your Compensation Fund bursary application:
- Start early – applications open in January.
- Follow all instructions carefully.
- Ensure documents certified where required.
- Write a strong motivation letter.
- Choose priority fields of study.
- Have parent/guardian consent if under 18.
- Disclose disability clearly.
- Demonstrate strong academic capabilities.
- If called for interview, prepare thoroughly and dress professionally.
Contact Details for Queries and Assistance
For any questions regarding the Compensation Fund bursary program or application process, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 012 319 9264 / 012 319 5774
WhatsApp: 082 937 2062
Conclusion
The Compensation Fund provides a valuable bursary opportunity for dependents of affected workers and injured employees themselves. Their bursary scheme unlocks access to tertiary education, skills development and future employment.
We hope this comprehensive guide provided you all the details needed to submit an eligible, compliant application for 2023 funding. Follow all instructions, meet the deadline, and demonstrate how this bursary will empower your educational and career aspirations.
Full FAQ
Here are more detailed answers to frequently asked questions about the Compensation Fund bursary program:
What are the eligibility criteria to be considered as a “dependent”?
To apply as a dependent, you must meet all the following criteria:
- Be between 17 and 25 years old
- Be a South African citizen
- Have a parent or guardian who is a compensated employee through the Compensation Fund
- Have graduated Matric or currently completing Matric
- Accepted or applied for a full-time program at a SA public university or TVET college
- Studying towards one of the priority qualifications listed for dependents
- Maintain strong academic performance
What documents must dependents submit with their bursary application?
Dependent applicants must include the following valid documents:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Certified copy of your birth certificate
- Certified copies of your parent/guardian’s ID documents
- Your latest Matric results if currently enrolled, final Matric certificate if completed
- Acceptance letter from your chosen tertiary institution
- Quotes for tuition fees and required textbooks/materials
- Proof of residence for yourself and your parent/guardian
- Income statement for parent/guardian
- Academic transcripts if currently enrolled at tertiary level
What criteria define an “occupational injury” for worker eligibility?
To be eligible as an injured worker, your injury must meet the following criteria:
- It occurred within the course of your employment duties
- It arose out of your work activities for your employer
- It resulted in disability that has compromised your ability to work
- It was reported and recognised under your employer’s COID registration
This validates it as an occupational injury covered for compensation and bursary support.
What documents must injured workers submit when they apply?
Injured workers must submit:
- Certified copy of your ID
- Proof of your COID claim number
- Confirmation of your recognised disability
- Academic transcripts if currently studying
- Acceptance letter for your chosen studies
- Tuition, accommodation and materials fee quotations
- Proof of residence
Having complete documents strengthens your application.
How do I properly certify my application documents?
To certify your documents properly:
- Make clear copies of each original document required
- Take the copies and originals to a police station
- Ask the officer to certify each copy as unaltered from the original
- The officer will stamp and sign the certified copies
Submit these certified copies with your application. Never send originals.
If I missed the deadline, can I still apply?
No. The deadline of 31 March is final each year. Absolutely no late applications are accepted by the Compensation Fund for their bursary program. You will need to wait for the next cycle.
How will I know if my bursary application is successful?
If your application meets all requirements, you will be contacted by phone or email within 2 months of the closing date. This notification will indicate if you are shortlisted and your next steps for potential selection. If you do not hear anything after 2 months, you should consider your application unsuccessful.
Can I appeal or reapply if my application is unsuccessful?
There is no formal appeal process. You can reapply the following year if you still meet the eligibility criteria. Focus on improving your application, emphasizing your academic achievements and financial need. Getting your documents in early also helps.
When do I need to repay or pay back the bursary funding?
The Compensation Fund bursary does not require any pay back or repayment from recipients. However, you will need to uphold a service commitment to work within the public sector for a period equivalent to your years of study support.
We hope these detailed answers provide more clarity and direction for submitting your strongest possible Compensation Fund bursary application!