ASSET Educational Trust Bursary Programme

Bursary Details

Bursary Awards are intended to provide financial assistance to students who are resident in the Western Cape and are deserving in terms of merit and need.

ASSET Bursaries are not intended to cover all costs, but to allow as many deserving students as possible to gain access into the tertiary institution, this we call “ getting the foot in the door”. It is therefore expected that the balance of costs should be secured by the students in the form of loans and/or other bursary awards.

The Bursary Programme was established in 1972 under the auspices of the South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) Western Cape Region. ASSET took over the programme in 2003 and the on-going generosity of donors has ensured that the bursary programme continues, and it has been supporting approximately 500 students annually.

Currently funds only BTech and PGCE.

Candidate Requirements

1. Household income considered

The means test is the most important criteria for selection and is adjusted according to inflation each year.

• A total monthly income below R18 000 for a family with 2 children, this will increase by R2000 per child for up to four children   
• Combined annual income that is one cent above R350 000 up to R600 000 (missing middle).

Priority is given to those in most financial need provided the merit criteria is met.

2. Social background:

Priority is given to candidates whose social background has impeded access to equal education especially those from rural areas and/or informal settlements.

3. Individual potential:

a) Assessment of the character of an applicant helps to determine the ability to succeed, therefore applicants are required to motivate their bursary applications in writing. 

b) the selection committee may use this information to assess the strength of character e.g. leadership potential and communication skills.

4. Educational background:

Candidates who have attended schools which are deemed to be ‘dysfunctional’ but have nevertheless, obtained a University entrance, will be given priority.

5. Academic potential:

Priority will be given to candidates whose results show above average ability in subjects relevant to their chosen course of study.

6. Saturday school (excellent attendance):

Priority is given to candidates who have excellent attendance and have shown commitment on the ASSET Learner Development Programme (Saturday School) and qualifying results at HEI’s.

Field of Study
Any Field of Study