The Hexagon Trust Bursary: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
The Hexagon Trust Bursary is an excellent opportunity for financially disadvantaged South African students to fund their tertiary education. Established in (1972) by prominent businessmen, the Hexagon Trust aims to uplift communities by supporting youth development and education.
Over the past five decades, the organization has awarded over 5,000 bursaries to students from low-income backgrounds. This has enabled many talented young people to access quality higher education and skills training.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about the Hexagon Trust Bursary:
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for funding from the Hexagon Trust Bursary, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Citizenship and Age Requirements
- Be a South African citizen with a valid ID document
- Be at least 18 years old
Academic Requirements
- Have passed Grade 12 (or equivalent)
- Have applied and been accepted to study a full-time undergraduate program at a registered South African university or TVET college
- If you are already studying, you should have passed all courses in the previous year of study
- Have achieved a minimum academic average of 60% in Grade 12 or in your current tertiary studies
Financial Need
- Come from a low-income household and demonstrate financial need
- Annual household income should not exceed R180,000
- Should have no other full-cost bursaries or scholarships
Fields of Study
The Hexagon Trust Bursary prioritizes students pursuing careers in commercial fields or scarce skills areas.
You can apply for funding for undergraduate programs in the following fields:
- Commerce: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Business Management, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing
- Engineering: Civil, Electrical, Electronic, Industrial, Mechanical, Mechatronic
- Science: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science
The bursary also supports students studying accounting or engineering at TVET Colleges.
Value of the Bursary
The Hexagon Trust offers comprehensive funding that covers the full cost of your studies, including:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Textbooks
- A monthly allowance for incidental expenses
The total value awarded depends on the actual costs incurred, based on:
- Your choice of institution
- Whether you live at home or in campus residences
- The course you are studying
On average, beneficiaries receive between R50,000 – R90,000 per year from the Trust.
Application Process
Applying for the Hexagon Trust Bursary involves the following straightforward steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Make sure that you meet all the eligibility and selection criteria before starting your application.
Step 2: Online Application
Complete the online application form on the Hexagon Trust website.
You’ll need to provide:
✔ Personal details
✔ Academic history (subjects, grades, achievements)
✔ University acceptance letter
✔ Financial information (household income, expenses)
✔ Motivation letter
Step 3: Supporting Documents
Attach certified copies of these supporting documents:
- ID document
- Grade 12 results
- University acceptance letter
- Parents/guardians’ payslips or proof of income
- Quotations for tuition, residence fees
- Motivation letter from yourself
- Optional: Reference letters
Step 4: Application Review
The Hexagon Trust Bursary Committee reviews all applications.
Top candidates are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and motivation.
Step 5: Outcome
Successful applicants are notified by email and post in September.
You’ll receive a provisional award letter detailing the funding offered. This becomes final once you submit proof of registration and banking details.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Here are some key Hexagon Trust Bursary dates to be aware of:
✔ 1 April – Bursary applications open
✔ 31 July – Application deadline
✔ August & September – Application review process
✔ September – Provisional award letters are issued
✔ December – Deadline to submit proof of registration to finalize funding
Selection Criteria
The Hexagon Trust receives thousands of applications every year. Competition is fierce for these limited bursary awards.
The Bursary Committee uses the following criteria to select successful candidates:
1. Academic Performance
Your Grade 12 results and ongoing university marks carry the most weight in the selection process.
Candidates with an average above 70% have the best chance of selection. Those with an average below 60% will not be considered.
Exceptional Mathematics and Science results are seen as an advantage, particularly for Commerce, Engineering and Science majors.
2. Financial Need
Your household income and the affordability of your chosen degree are closely reviewed.
Applicants whose families have income below the R180k threshold get priority support.
Quotes for tuition, residence and book fees should demonstrate that you can’t self-fund your studies.
3. Motivation and Potential
Your personal motivation letter and optional reference letters give insight into your character.
The committee looks for students who show potential for high academic achievement and demonstrate perseverance and leadership abilities through extra-curricular activities.
Those aiming to develop their communities through their careers also receive preference.
Benefits of the Hexagon Trust Bursary
There are numerous advantages to receiving the Hexagon Trust Bursary:
1. Covers your Total Study Costs
The bursary offers comprehensive funding for all university expenses – you won’t need to supplement this with other loans or bursaries.
This gives you peace of mind so you can focus fully on your academics.
2. Ongoing Support System
Hexagon bursary recipients don’t just receive financial assistance.
You’ll join the Hexagon scholar community of over 5,000 previous recipients who support each other during and after their studies.
You’ll be assigned a dedicated student advisor and receive regular career guidance from Hexagon Trust partners. This helps you transition successfully from graduation into employment.
3. Paid Employment Placement
Top-performing Hexagon scholars get assistance finding graduate placements and even job offers from corporate sponsors of the Trust.
This gives you a head start in launching your career at a top company.
4. Opportunities to Give Back
The Hexagon Trust develops responsible, community-minded graduates.
As a recipient, you’ll get opportunities to volunteer your time mentoring school learners from disadvantaged communities.
You’ll also join the Hexagon alumni network that implements social investment programs across South Africa.
Application Tips
Follow these handy tips to strengthen your Hexagon Trust Bursary application:
Start Early
Give yourself at least three months to prepare and complete the application materials thoroughly.
Rushing your application will impact quality and decrease your chances of success.
Choose the Right References
Ask teachers and community leaders who know your strengths well to write your reference letters. Ensure they can speak to your academic abilities, leadership potential and motivation effectively.
Highlight Achievements
Capture the review panel’s attention by showcasing prizes you’ve won for top marks or subjects you excel at. Mention leadership roles and community projects you’ve initiated. Use data wherever possible to quantify your accomplishments.
Proofread Meticulously
Review your entire application multiple times to eliminate spelling and grammar errors. Don’t rely only on spell checkers. Ask teachers, parents or friends to critique your motivation letter.
Practice Online Submission
Test uploading documents and submitting your application well in advance of the deadline. This avoids last minute technology glitches impacting your chances.
Following these practical tips will give you an advantage when applying for the Hexagon Trust Bursary.