Hey future changemakers! Are you from the Northern Cape or Limpopo and dreaming of university, TVET, or college? Well, get ready because the incredible SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) Bursary 2026 is here to turn those dreams into reality! This bursary is all about empowering students from specific beneficiary communities, helping you get the education you deserve and make a real difference back home. Let’s dive in and see how you can snag this amazing opportunity!
The SIOC-CDT Bursary is an initiative by the Sishen Iron Ore Company-Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT). They’re on a mission to invest in the socio-economic development of communities where SIOC operates, and a huge part of that is funding bright, deserving students like you! Since 2006, they’ve helped hundreds of students pursue their tertiary education dreams at public institutions across South Africa, covering almost all your study costs. So, if you’re ready to further your studies, this could be your golden ticket!
About SIOC-CDT Bursary
The Sishen Iron Ore Company-Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) was established in 2006 by the Sishen Iron Ore Company (PTY) LTD, which is owned by Kumba Iron Ore (KIO) (PTY) LTD. The Trust’s core mission is to invest in the socio-economic development of the communities where SIOC operates. Through various programmes, including this amazing bursary, SIOC-CDT aims to uplift and empower residents by providing access to quality education and opportunities for growth.
Fields of Study Covered
Good news! The SIOC-CDT Bursary welcomes applications for almost all fields of study. However, they do give preference to students pursuing qualifications in these high-demand areas:
- Agriculture: Veterinarian, Agricultural Engineer, Food Technologist, Environmental Officer, Agricultural Economist
- Business & Economics: Accounting, Auditing, Tax, Actuarial Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Project Management
- Education: BEd FET (Mathematics, Physical Science, Natural Sciences, EMS), Foundation Phase, Special Needs Education, Languages
- Engineering & Science: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Geology, Town Planning, Environmental Health
- Health Sciences: Medicine (MBChB), Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Biochemistry, Medical & Biological Lab Sciences
- Information Technology: Computer Science, Software Development, Data Analytics, Web Development, Communication Technology
- Law: LLB
- Tourism: Hospitality, Arts & Culture Heritage, Ecotourism
What Does It Cover?
The SIOC-CDT bursary provides comprehensive financial support, meaning you can focus on your studies without worrying about the major expenses. Here’s what it typically covers:
- Registration & tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed study material
- A brand-new laptop
- A monthly stipend to help with living expenses
- Assistive devices (specifically for students with disabilities)
Who Can Apply?
Think this bursary might be for you? Here’s who the SIOC-CDT Bursary is looking for:
- You must be a South African citizen.
- You need to be under 35 years old by the bursary’s closing date.
- You must reside in or originate from one of these SIOC-CDT beneficiary communities:
- Northern Cape: Gamagara Local Municipality, Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality, Tsantsabane Local Municipality, Joe Morolong Local Municipality
- Limpopo: Thabazimbi Local Municipality
- You should currently be in Matric (2025) or have already completed your Matric.
- You must be studying or planning to study full-time or part-time in the 2026 academic year.
- You need to be accepted or provisionally accepted at a public University, University of Technology, TVET or FET College in South Africa.
- You should have a minimum academic average of 65% in your most recent results.
- Your household income must be less than R600,000 per year (before deductions).
- You must be in genuine need of financial support (this is compulsory).
- Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply!
How to Apply?
Ready to submit your application for the SIOC-CDT Bursary 2026? You have two options:
Method 1: Online Application (Preferred)
The easiest way to apply is online. Click the link below to access the official application form:
Apply Online for the SIOC-CDT Bursary 2026
Method 2: Manual Application
If you prefer a manual application, you can download the form and submit it in person:
📄 Download the application form here: SIOC-CDT Bursary Application Form 2026 (PDF)
Submit your completed forms to one of these SIOC-CDT offices:
- SIOC-CDT Office Park: Corner Hendrick Van Eck and Ian Flemming Road, Kathu 8446
- Thabazimbi Hub: 11 Jourdan Street, Mollies Building, Thabazimbi 0380
Required Supporting Documents
Don’t forget these important documents! You’ll need to submit certified copies (not older than 3 months) of the following with your application:
- Your South African ID document.
- Your Matric mid-year/prelim results (if you’re currently in Matric) OR your Matric certificate (if you’ve already completed Matric).
- Your latest tertiary results (if you are currently studying).
- Proof of acceptance, provisional acceptance, or application to a South African public tertiary institution.
- Your parents/guardians’ proof of income (recent payslips or an affidavit if they are unemployed).
- Your parents/guardians’ 3 months recent bank statements.
- Proof of residence (e.g., a municipal bill, a letter from your landlord, or an affidavit).
- A medical note confirming disability (if applicable).
Heads up: Incomplete applications will unfortunately not be considered, so make sure you have everything ready!
Selection Process
Once you’ve applied, here’s what to expect:
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.
- If you don’t hear back, please consider your application unsuccessful this time around. Keep trying!
So, what are you waiting for? If the SIOC-CDT Bursary 2026 sounds like your ticket to a brighter future, don’t hesitate! Get your application in before the **25 November 2025** deadline. And while you’re at it, head over to Bursaries Room to discover even more incredible funding opportunities to fuel your academic journey!
