The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme 2025

In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This iconic statement rings true today more than ever, particularly in South Africa, where access to quality education can create lasting change and opportunities for individuals and communities alike. The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa embraces this vision through its commitment to providing educational opportunities for young South Africans through its bursary programme.

Since its inception in 2021, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa has sought to develop the skills of the country’s youth and support the nation’s broader transformation efforts. The bursary programme has become a beacon of hope for students in the country, providing them with the opportunity to pursue higher education in the field of Information Technology (IT), Computer Science, and Engineering.

This article delves into the key aspects of the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme, shedding light on who is eligible to apply, the application process, and the objectives of this remarkable initiative.

Empowering South African Youth through IT Education

The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa is deeply committed to helping young South Africans bridge the gap in the country’s IT sector. The foundation’s bursary programme aims to support students who are passionate about pursuing careers in computer science, engineering, and information technology. By providing financial assistance to students, the foundation hopes to create more opportunities for individuals from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly those in the “missing middle” category – individuals whose family income is too high to qualify for most government bursaries but too low to afford university tuition fees.

In a country like South Africa, where education and employment opportunities are often limited by socio-economic status, this bursary programme is designed to address one of the key barriers preventing many students from achieving their academic and career aspirations. The trust’s ongoing commitment to equipping students with the tools they need to excel in their fields is essential to creating a future where technology can help drive social and economic development.

Eligibility Criteria for the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme

The bursary programme is aimed at South African students who are eager to advance their education in IT and related fields. However, to ensure the bursary reaches those who need it the most, there are specific eligibility criteria in place.

Who Can Apply?

1. Financial Criteria: The programme targets students from the “missing middle” class, with a combined family income of between R350,000 and R600,000 per year. This income bracket is often too high for students to qualify for government funding, but too low to afford the high costs of tertiary education.
2. Study Programme: Students must be studying or planning to study fields that are directly related to IT, including Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Information Technology. The bursary is available to students enrolled in their first to fourth years of study. This includes students in undergraduate degree programmes as well as those in BTech (NQF level 7) and Honours (NQF level 8) programmes.
3. Institutional Criteria: The bursary is open to students accepted or already registered at any public or private institution in South Africa that is recognized and registered with the Department of Education.
4. Citizenship: Only South African citizens are eligible to apply for the bursary programme.
5. Equity Focus: While all eligible students can apply, preference will be given to applicants who fall within South Africa’s equity demographics. The foundation is committed to supporting historically disadvantaged communities, and thus equity students will be prioritized.

Application Process and Key Dates

The application period for the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme runs annually from May 1st to September 30th. This provides ample time for prospective students to gather the necessary documents, complete their application forms, and ensure that they meet all the bursary requirements.

Key Steps in the Application Process:

1. Review the Bursary Application Page: Interested students must visit the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa’s official Bursary Applications page. Here, they will find detailed instructions on the application process and necessary documentation. It is crucial that all applicants read and understand these instructions before starting their application.
2. Complete the Application Form: Applicants need to fill out the bursary application form, which requires them to provide personal information, details about their educational background, and information about their family’s financial situation.
3. Submit Required Documents: Along with the completed application form, students must submit various documents. These typically include proof of acceptance or registration at an accredited institution, proof of family income (e.g., pay slips or tax returns), and academic transcripts showing the student’s academic performance.
4. Consideration of Preferences: As mentioned, preference will be given to equity students, so applicants from historically disadvantaged backgrounds will be highly considered.
5. Deadline for Submission: All applications must be submitted by the closing date, September 30th. Late applications will not be considered.

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Why the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme Matters

The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme is more than just a financial aid initiative; it is an investment in the future of the country. South Africa’s rapidly evolving digital landscape requires skilled individuals who can contribute to the country’s growing tech industry. This bursary programme plays an important role in creating a pipeline of skilled workers who can drive innovation and economic growth within the technology sector.

Furthermore, the foundation’s emphasis on helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds reflects its dedication to promoting social equity and inclusion. By giving students from lower-income families the chance to pursue higher education, the bursary programme helps to level the playing field, providing opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach for many.

Ultimately, by supporting students in their educational journeys, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa is helping to empower the next generation of tech leaders, engineers, and innovators who will go on to shape South Africa’s future.

Check also: Implats Bursary 2025

The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary Programme is a significant initiative aimed at providing the youth of South Africa with access to quality education in the fields of information technology, computer science, and engineering. By supporting students from the “missing middle” income group, the programme helps bridge the gap in access to tertiary education and creates more opportunities for historically disadvantaged individuals.

For students in the eligible fields of study, this bursary could be the key to unlocking their potential, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals while contributing to South Africa’s growth and transformation. As the country continues to embrace the digital age, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust’s commitment to developing young talent in the tech sector will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the future of South Africa’s economy and society.