The Rietkloof Wind Farm and Brandvalley Wind Farm are calling on prospective and current students from the Laingsburg, Maitjiesfontein, and Sutherland areas to apply for the 2026 Rietkloof Wind Farm and Brandvalley Wind Farm bursary program. This initiative is part of their ongoing efforts to support the development of future leaders in the renewable energy sector, and more broadly, to empower young South Africans to pursue higher education in a variety of fields.
These bursaries are aimed at students who are currently enrolled in or planning to enroll at accredited public or private institutions of higher learning in South Africa. If you live within a 50 km radius of the towns Laingsburg, Maitjiesfontein, or Sutherland, and you meet the academic and financial criteria, you could be eligible for this opportunity. The application period for 2026 runs from May 1 to November 30.
Who Can Apply for the Rietkloof Wind Farm and Brandvalley Wind Farm Bursary?
The bursary is open to students who meet the following criteria:
- Current Students: Applicants must be enrolled at an accredited South African public or private tertiary institution (including Universities of Technology, Universities, and FET Colleges).
- Prospective Students: Students planning to start their studies in 2026 may also apply.
- Geographic Eligibility: To be eligible, applicants must reside within a 50 km radius of the towns of Laingsburg, Maitjiesfontein, or Sutherland. This ensures that the bursary benefits the local communities that are connected to the Rietkloof Wind Farm and Brandvalley Wind Farm.
- South African Citizenship: Only South African citizens will be considered for the bursary.
- Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with a family income that does not exceed R600,000 per year.
- Academic Excellence: Selection is based on the academic performance of applicants. This includes:
- Grade 12 results (final or mid-year).
- Tertiary academic record for current students.
In cases where there are several applicants with similar academic excellence, preference will be given to applicants with the greatest financial need.
Bursary Details
The Rietkloof Wind Farm and Brandvalley Wind Farm Bursary covers various aspects of a student’s educational journey, from tuition fees to additional academic expenses. However, it’s important to note that the bursary allocations are limited by the available budget for each year.
Key Bursary Features:
- Bursary Amounts: The bursaries will be allocated based on the available budget and will cover tuition fees. Additional academic-related expenses may also be included based on individual needs.
- Institutions: The bursaries are available for both public and private accredited tertiary institutions. This includes universities, universities of technology, and further education and training colleges (FETCs).
- Postgraduate Students: While the primary focus is on undergraduate students, applications for honors and BTech degrees or other postgraduate qualifications are also encouraged. The selection committee will assess how these qualifications will improve the applicant’s chances of employment.
Selection Criteria
The bursaries will be awarded based on the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence: Applicants must demonstrate good academic performance, whether through their final or mid-year Grade 12 results or their ongoing academic record at a tertiary institution.
- Financial Need: The bursary prioritizes students who need financial assistance, with an annual family income not exceeding R600,000. In cases where multiple applicants display academic excellence, preference will be given to the one demonstrating the greatest financial need.
- Geographical Preference: Priority will be given to applicants who live in the areas surrounding the Rietkloof Wind Farm and Brandvalley Wind Farm, which includes Laingsburg, Maitjiesfontein, and Sutherland. This is part of the initiative to support the local communities and promote sustainable development.
- Tertiary and Postgraduate Qualifications: Bursary applications for postgraduate students (honors, BTech, etc.) will be assessed based on how the additional qualification would enhance the applicant’s employment prospects, particularly in the renewable energy sector or other related fields.
How to Apply for the Rietkloof and Brandvalley Wind Farm Bursary
To apply for the Rietkloof Wind Farm and Brandvalley Wind Farm Bursary, you must follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Application Process:
- Visit the Application Platform: Applications must be completed through StudyTrust’s online application platform, which is hosted by Devman.
- Create an Account: If you do not already have an account on the StudyTrust platform, create one by providing the necessary details.
- Complete the Application Form: Ensure that all fields are filled out accurately. The form will ask for your personal information, academic history, and financial details.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Required supporting documents include:
- Certified copies of your ID.
- Academic transcripts (Grade 12 results or tertiary academic records).
- Proof of family income (to demonstrate financial need).
- Any other documents as specified in the application instructions.
- Submit the Application: Once your application is complete and all documents are attached, submit it via the platform.
- Send Supporting Documents: You must email the completed application form and documents to b.ndlovu@studytrust.org.za.
Also check: Promaths Bursary 2025
Closing Date:
The application period runs from May 1 to November 30 each year. All applications must be submitted by 30 November to be considered for the following year’s bursary program.
It is crucial to read the instructions carefully on the Bursary Applications page before you begin your application to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements and submit everything on time.
Important Notes:
- Application Season: The bursary application season runs from May 1 to November 30 each year. Don’t miss the deadline for submissions.
- Documentation: Ensure that all required documents are certified and up-to-date. Incorrect or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Family Income: If your family income is higher than R600,000 per year, you will unfortunately not be eligible for this bursary.
- Contact for Queries: If you have any questions about the application process, you can reach out to b.ndlovu@studytrust.org.za for further assistance.
The Rietkloof Wind Farm and Brandvalley Wind Farm Bursary is an excellent opportunity for students from the Laingsburg, Maitjiesfontein, and Sutherland areas to access financial support for their tertiary education. By focusing on academic excellence and financial need, the bursary aims to assist deserving South African students in fulfilling their potential and contributing to the development of the country, particularly in the renewable energy sector.