Hey future changemakers! Are you or a loved one a COID beneficiary looking to kickstart your academic journey in 2026? The Compensation Fund is here to help you get the education you deserve! This incredible bursary scheme is designed to empower individuals affected by occupational injuries or diseases, as well as their dependents, by providing comprehensive financial support for your studies.
The Compensation Fund External Bursary Scheme for 2026 is a fantastic opportunity aimed at making higher education accessible. It supports unemployed COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) beneficiaries with permanent disablement, their dependents, and the dependents of employees who were fatally injured. If you’ve been accepted into a recognised TVET College, CET College, or any Higher Education Institution in South Africa, this bursary could be your ticket to a brighter future. It’s all about helping you gain skills to re-enter the workforce or even become self-employed!
Who Can Apply?
This bursary is specifically designed for:
- Unemployed COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement (within the working-age bracket).
- Dependents of COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement, and dependents of fatally injured employees (aged between 17 and 35 years).
To be eligible, you must also:
- Be accepted at a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, Community Education and Training (CET) College, or Higher Education Institution (HEI).
- Be enrolled to study on a full-time basis. (Students with disabilities may be allowed to study part-time under exceptional circumstances).
- Aim for learning programmes/qualifications that will help you reintegrate into the workplace or become self-employed. Check page 4 of the application form for recommended qualifications!
What Does It Cover?
This bursary isn’t just about tuition – it’s comprehensive support to help you focus on your studies! If successful, the Compensation Fund Bursary covers:
- Full tuition fees
- Prescribed study materials
- A monthly stipend
- Accommodation costs
The best part? This award is renewable every year for the duration of your study programme, depending on funding availability and your academic performance. Keep those grades up!
How to Apply?
Ready to jumpstart your 2026 academic year? Here’s how to apply:
- Get the Form: Download the official bursary application form directly from the Department of Employment and Labour website: www.labour.gov.za. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Provincial Labour Centre to pick up a form.
- Gather Your Documents: Make sure you have all these certified copies and details ready:
- A fully completed application form.
- Your COID Pension number or Claim number.
- Certified copies of your parent(s) or guardian(s) identity document(s) / death certificate (if applicable to dependents).
- Your own certified identity document.
- Proof of acceptance from a public Post School Education and Training (PSET) institution.
- Certification and verification of your physical disability by a Health Care Professional or Disability Support Office / WCL forms (Final medical report), if applicable.
- By Post/Courier:
The Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Employment and Labour, Compensation Fund, Private Bag x 955, Pretoria, 0001 - Hand Delivery (September – December 2025):
167 Thabo Sehume Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria - Hand Delivery (from January 2026):
Compensation House, Cnr. Hamilton and Soutpansberg Rd, Prinshof, Pretoria - By Email: Send your complete application to CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
Remember, the application deadline is 31 March 2026. Don’t leave it until the last minute!
If you have further questions or need assistance, you can contact the Compensation Fund directly:
- Phone: (012) 319 9264 / (012) 319 5774 / (012) 319 9124
- Customer Care Toll-Free: 0800 321 322 / 0860 10 5350
- SMS: 44967
This bursary is a fantastic opportunity to overcome financial barriers and achieve your academic dreams. If you meet the criteria, don’t hesitate – apply for the Compensation Fund External Bursary 2026 today and take a huge step towards your future! Don’t forget to explore more amazing bursary opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!