SANZAF Bursaries 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
I am thrilled to announce that the bursary applications for the South African National Zakah Fund (SANZAF) for 2024 are now open! As a leading faith-based organization providing humanitarian aid, SANZAF offers two excellent bursary opportunities to financially assist students in need – the SANZAF Zakah Bursary and the SANZAF Northern KwaZulu-Natal Bursary.
In this comprehensive guide, I will provide detailed information on eligibility criteria, application process, required documents and helpful tips for both bursaries to improve your chances of success. Whether you are currently in Matric or already studying, read on to determine if you qualify and how to apply for these bursaries that could fully or partially cover your academic expenses.
Overview of SANZAF
Firstly, an introduction to SANZAF. SANZAF is South Africa’s largest Muslim faith-based organization, established in 1978. Their vision is to provide humanitarian aid to the poor in South Africa, motivated by the Islamic pillar of Zakah (mandatory charity).
For over 40 years, SANZAF has delivered social support programs across South Africa. Their work focuses on five key areas – education, skills training, food security, orphan care and water provision. Through Zakah and other funding sources, SANZAF assists over 275,000 people annually via sustainable development projects.
SANZAF offers bursaries to promote access to education. They partner with individuals, companies, organizations and government to provide financial assistance to students facing financial difficulties. Alongside bursaries, their educational initiatives also include school upgrades, Early Childhood Development programs, tertiary accommodation and more.
SANZAF Zakah Bursary 2024
Now, let’s look at the details for the SANZAF Zakah Bursary 2024:
Key Facts
- Open to: South African citizens or foreign nationals with a valid study permit, residing in the province you are applying from.
- Financial eligibility: Applicants must prove financial need and come from a previously disadvantaged background.
- Study level: Available for current Matric learners or students already enrolled at a tertiary institution (whether sponsored before or self-funded).
- Fields of study: All fields of study are supported – there are no restrictions.
- Value: Varies per student depending on specific financial need. Can cover expenses like registration fees, partial or full tuition fees, accommodation, meals and more.
- Locations: National reach across all provinces. Apply in the province where you reside.
- Deadline: 31 December 2023. However, they may still consider late applications if funds are available.
- Application portal: https://seed.sanzaf.org.za/
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the SANZAF Zakah Bursary, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Citizenship/Residency
- South African citizens
- Foreign nationals with valid study permits
- Permanent residents
2. Province of Residence
- You must be residing in the province where you submit your application
3. Financial Need
- Demonstrate financial need
- Provide proof of household income
- Come from a previously disadvantaged background
4. Academic Performance
- If currently in Matric – most recent results
- Tertiary students – previous year’s results
- Overall good academic track record
5. Study Level
- Current Matric learners
- Students already registered at a tertiary institution
- Whether sponsored before or self-funded
- Any year of study
6. Field of Study
- All fields of study are supported – there are no restrictions
Meeting all above criteria is essential to be eligible for this bursary.
Application Process
Follow this step-by-step application process:
Step 1): Create Profile
Firstly, you need to create a student profile on SANZAF’s online application portal:
- Go to: https://seed.sanzaf.org.za/
- Click “Apply Now” and then “Create Profile”
- Enter your details (ID number, contact details, household information etc.)
Step 2): Submit Application
Once your profile is complete, submit your bursary application:
- Log in to your profile
- Click “Funding Opportunities” and select “SANZAF Zakah Bursary”
- Complete all sections of the online application form
- Upload your supporting documents (see next section)
- Submit your application before the deadline
Step 3): Attend Interview
- Shortlisted applicants may be invited for an in-person interview
- Use this opportunity to showcase your background, motivation and need
Step 4): Receive Outcome
- If successful, you will receive an offer letter stating the bursary details
- Accept offer + provide banking details online to receive funds
Be sure to complete all steps for a chance to obtain this bursary!
Supporting Documents
The following supporting documents must accompany your application:
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport + study permit (if foreign)
- Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA letter etc.)
- Academic record (Matric applicants – final Grade 11 report + Term 1 Grade 12 report; Tertiary students – previous year’s results)
- University/College acceptance letter or proof of registration
- Accommodation quote/proof of residence
- Tuition fees estimate/quote for relevant institution
- Motivation letter (1 page) highlighting your academic and career goals, financial situation and why you deserve this bursary
- Reference letter vouching for your character
- Disability grant letter (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if parent is deceased)
Gather certified copies of all these documents before starting your application to streamline the process.
Bursary Details
The SANZAF Zakah Bursary provides financial assistance for the following expenses:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees (full or partial amount)
- Textbooks
- Accommodation + meals
- Laptop (if academically required)
- Other academic expenses (calculators etc.)
The exact rand value offered per bursary recipient varies depending on specific financial need demonstrated. For Matric applicants, funding generally covers first year expenses. For current tertiary students, you can re-apply annually subject to satisfactory academic performance.
Application Tips
Follow these top tips when applying for the SANZAF Zakah Bursary:
- Start early! Open your student profile and collect documents before the December rush.
- Double check eligibility for every listed criteria before applying.
- Highlight need clearly in all application areas – motivation letter, interview etc.
- Reference should suggest you are hardworking and deserving of support.
- Apply before 31 December 2023 to maximize your chances. But they may still consider late applications while funds remain.
I sincerely hope this summary assists you in applying for the SANZAF Zakah Bursary 2024. With proper preparation, you can submit a strong application showcasing your background, academic ability and financial need.
SANZAF Northern KwaZulu-Natal Bursary
SANZAF also offers a fantastic regional bursary focused on the Northern KwaZulu-Natal province specifically. Details as follows:
Key Facts
- Region: Exclusively for students residing in Northern KwaZulu-Natal
- Study level: Matric and tertiary
- Field of study: Any
- Value: Up to R60,000 per bursary
- Deadline: 20 January 2024
- Application form: https://seed.sanzaf.org.za/
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you must:
- Reside in the Jozini, Mtubatuba, Hlabisa or Big 5 False Bay municipalities in Northern KwaZulu-Natal
- Be a South African citizen
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have good academic records
Application Process
To apply:
- Download application form from the SANZAF website
- Complete form + gather supporting documents
- Submit to nearest SANZAF branch or email address on the form
- Attend an interview if shortlisted
Documents Required
Please include:
- Certified ID copy
- Proof of household income
- Latest academic results
- University acceptance letter
- Study costs breakdown
- Motivation letter
Bursary Use
This bursary covers expenses like:
- Registration and tuition
- Textbooks
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Transport
Given the geographical focus, this bursary provides an excellent opportunity for eligible students in the specified region to fund their studies.
Conclusion
In closing, I highly encourage prospective students facing financial constraints to apply for the SANZAF bursaries. Whether national via the Zakah Bursary or regionally through the Northern KZN Bursary, they offer substantial assistance subject to meeting listed criteria.
Use the comprehensive details provided in this guide to determine your eligibility and submit a complete, compelling application before the respective deadlines.
Every journey starts with a first step. Let your first step to achieving your academic goals be through applying for a SANZAF bursary today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the SANZAF bursaries:
1. When is the closing date for applications?
The Zakah Bursary deadline is 31 December 2023. The Northern KZN Bursary deadline is 20 January 2024. Apply as early as possible.
2. Which expenses do the bursaries cover?
Possible covered expenses are registration fees, tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, devices and more. The exact rand amount offered depends on your financial circumstances demonstrated.
3. Can I apply if I have applied for/hold another bursary?
Yes, you can still apply. Just indicate details of any other funding you receive.
4. How do I upload supporting documents?
Certified copies of documents should be uploaded directly on the online application portal when submitting your form. Include all required documents listed to boost your chances.
5. Where do I submit a manual application?
For the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Bursary, you can submit manual applications (plus documents) to your nearest SANZAF branch office if unable to apply online.
I hope these FAQs help clarify any queries you may have. Please contact SANZAF directly for additional questions.
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Bursaries for 2024 Undergraduate South Africa – Funding Your Education
Bursaries for Education 2024/2025