The Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF) is offering bursaries for the 2025 academic year to support students in need of financial assistance. This initiative aims to empower individuals from the Paarl and Mbekweni areas, as well as members of specific churches, by providing opportunities for higher education.
About the Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF)
Established in 1926, the Athlone Institute Trust (AIT) recognized the need for higher educational facilities for coloured students in the Paarl area. In 1998, the Bursary Project Committee was founded, later renamed to the Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF) in 2006. Since its inception, AIBPROF has assisted over 1,500 students in pursuing tertiary education. In 2020 alone, the AIT awarded R600,000 in bursaries and loans to 42 students across various fields.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the AIBPROF bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: South African citizens by birth.
- Residency: Permanent residents of Paarl or Mbekweni in the Western Cape province, or parishioners of one of the five member churches of the Athlone Institute Trust (St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Immanuel UR Church, Bethel United Congregational Church, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Zions Uniting Reformed Church).
- Religious Affiliation: Members of the aforementioned churches or any bona fide denomination/religious institution in Paarl or Mbekweni.
- Academic Requirements:
- Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need.
- Community Involvement: Willingness to participate in community service within the Paarl/Mbekweni area.
- Mentorship Program: Willingness to engage in the mentoring program.
Bursary Coverage
The bursary provides partial coverage for registration and tuition fees. The exact value of the bursary will be determined by the Athlone Institute Trust based on individual circumstances.
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Application Process
Interested applicants must submit their applications online through the AIBPROF Bursary Application portal. It’s essential to complete the application form accurately and provide all required supporting documents. Incomplete applications may lead to disqualification.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants need to submit certified copies of the following documents:
- Identification:
- ID document.
- Academic Records:
- Matric certificate (for first-year applicants).
- Full academic record (for current students).
- Proof of Registration:
- Confirmation of registration at the tertiary institution.
- Proof of payment for the current year’s registration fee.
- Proof of Residence:
- Document verifying permanent residence in Paarl or Mbekweni.
- Financial Information:
- Latest payslips of parents, guardians, or spouse (if employed).
- Affidavit if parents, guardians, or spouse are unemployed.
- Additional Forms:
- Student Account Information form (to be completed by the tertiary institution).
- Official Testimonial by a Religious Leader.
- Declaration of Information Submitted form.
Applicants can download the necessary forms from the AIBPROF website.
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Application Deadline
The closing date for applications is 28 February 2025. Late submissions will not be considered, so it’s advisable to apply well before the deadline.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or assistance regarding the bursary application process, applicants can contact:
- Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 846, Huguenot, 7645
- Phone: 021 862 7777
The AIBPROF bursary is a valuable opportunity for students from the Paarl and Mbekweni areas, as well as members of specific churches, to pursue higher education without the burden of full financial costs. By meeting the eligibility criteria and submitting a complete application by the deadline, applicants can take a significant step toward achieving their academic and career goals.
Education is a powerful tool that can uplift individuals, families, and entire communities. Through this bursary initiative, deserving students receive not only financial assistance but also the opportunity to be part of a mentorship program that encourages personal and academic growth. This added support system ensures that beneficiaries have guidance throughout their academic journey, making them more likely to succeed in their chosen fields.
