How to Apply for the Masifunde Youth Bursary in South Africa
The Masifunde Youth Development bursary program has provided crucial financial support and mentoring to thousands of disadvantaged South African students since 1998. By breaking down barriers to quality education, they empower youth to realize their full potential.^1
Masifunde aims to fund students who display academic aptitude, leadership qualities and social conscience – but lack the resources to pursue studies. Their comprehensive bursaries cover all major costs like tuition, accommodation, books, electronics and living expenses.
If you are a promising SA student hoping to apply for their valuable assistance to further your studies, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the 2024 application process.
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Overview: Masifunde Bursary Program
Bursary Awards Package Overview:
- Full tuition fees for 3 or 4 year diploma/degree
- Allowances for accommodation, food, transport
- New laptop and monthly data/WiFi bundle
- Mentorship program participation
Fields Funded: Any recognized qualification at public South African university/TVET college
Who Qualifies? SA citizens, Completed Matric, Strong academics, Leadership + social conscience, Proven financial need
How To Apply: Online application form + supporting documents
2024 Deadline: 31 January 2024
Application Status Tracking: Check online dashboard or call 041 367 4950
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Follow this step-by-step guide to submit your bursary application to Masifunde Youth:
Step 1) Determine If You Meet the Qualifying Criteria
Before applying, ensure that you meet the core applicant requirements which include:
- Holding South African citizenship
- Having completed your Matric certification
- Facing severe financial constraints preventing self-funded studies
- Displaying strong academic capabilities thus far
- Showing leadership, community upliftment or creative talents
- Planning to enroll at a accredited South African public university or TVET college
- Agreeing to an ongoing mentorship program if awarded
If you meet all those key eligibility criteria, proceed to prepare your bursary application submission.
Step 2) Have Your Key Supporting Documents Ready
In order to complete your online Masifunde application form, you first need to have electronic copies of these compulsory supplementary materials:
1. Certified copy of your ID document – no more than 3 months old
2. Final Matric results certificate – National Senior Certificate or IEB equivalent
3. Tertiary academic transcripts – if already an undergraduate or postgrad student
4. University/College acceptance letter – if applying to start studies
5. Detailed income affidavit – proving household financial need
6. Reference letters – optional to demonstrateExtracurricular certificates, awards and leadership credentials also boost your motivation.
Having those documents readily available to upload will greatly speed up submission.
Step 3) Visit the Masifunde Online Application Portal
Access the Masifunde Youth Bursary Application Webpage and click the red “Apply Here” button to start your application on their secure online portal.
Step 4) Set Up Your Student Profile Account
You first need to register an account profile on the Masifunde portal – providing your essential background details like names, ID number, contact information, gender, ethnicity etc.
Ensure all details you input are absolutely accurate. Wrong information could invalidate your application.
Step 5) Access and Complete All Relevant Application Sections
With your student account created, you can now start filling out the various sections of the full online bursary application form:
1. Personal Details – Review auto-filled details. Update if required.
2. Residency Info – Capture addresses, phone contacts, next of kin etc
3. Academics – Indicate Matric details, results, tertiary studies etc
4. University Info – Provide institution name, acceptance status, intended enrollment etc
5. Financial Situation – Supply income affidavits and funding requirement estimates
6. Motivation Essay – Draft a strong essay highlighting why you deserve the bursary
7. Supporting Docs – Upload all supplementary materials needing
8. Review & Submit – Once all sections done, submit your final application
Be sure to provide complete, accurate information throughout the form to give your candidacy the best prospects.
Step 6) Have All Sections Submitted Before the Deadline
You can save your application progress to complete over time. Just ensure every section is uploaded and submitted by the final deadline of 31 January 2024.
No late or incomplete applications are accepted by Masifunde’s selection committee. So diarize this date!
Step 7) Check Online Profile for Application Status Updates
After applying, you’ll be able to track and manage your bursary application status directly through the online portal.
It will indicate which stage your application is at – reviewed, shortlisted, interviewed or final outcome.
Check regularly for notifications so you attend any required interviews promptly or respond to additional requests from Masifunde.
Note: Alternatively, you can call 041 367 4950 to engage directly with the Masifunde bursary support team regarding your application status. But the online dashboard provides the most instant progress updates.
Follow those steps closely to ensure you submit a fully compliant Masifunde Youth bursary program application well before the approaching deadline this year!
Frequently Asked Application Questions
Here are answers to some common questions students have around completing the Masifunde online application form:
How do I get my ID certified?
Take your original ID book + a copy to your nearest police station. An officer will verify your identity and stamp the copy as a certified true copy of the original. This validation is required for your bursary application.
What details must be included in the income affidavit?
Your income affidavit should specify monthly income amounts for each employed family member, expenses like rent/loans, number of dependents in the household etc. This comprehensively substantiates your financial constraints.
Can I still apply if I’m not accepted to university yet?
Yes, you can. Simply provide your intended institution/degree choice. Any later offer letters can then be forwarded to Masifunde to add to your existing application before final selections.
***What makes for a strong motivation essay? ***
Emphasize academic strengths, leadership activities, financial difficulties preventing your progress, future career goals, and how this bursary will empower your success as a youth role model uplifting communities.
Still have more questions? Don’t hesitate to call the Masifunde team directly for further guidance around completing your bursary funding application for 2024!