Education is a crucial step toward securing a stable future, but for many South Africans, financial challenges make it difficult to pursue higher learning. Recognizing this, the Compensation Fund, part of the Department of Labour in South Africa, has introduced the Compensation Fund Bursary to support individuals who have been affected by workplace injuries and diseases.
About the Compensation Fund Bursary
The Compensation Fund Bursary is designed to support South African students who have been directly or indirectly affected by workplace injuries or diseases. The fund aims to provide financial relief and enable individuals to obtain education that allows them to re-enter the workforce or become self-employed.
This bursary covers various expenses such as tuition fees, study materials, accommodation, and a monthly stipend, ensuring that recipients can focus entirely on their education.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary is open to two specific groups:
Group 1: Unemployed COID Beneficiaries with Permanent Disabilities
If you have suffered a permanent disability due to an occupational injury or disease, you may qualify for this bursary. The goal is to equip you with skills and qualifications that enable you to rejoin the workforce or start your own business.
Group 2: Dependents of COID Beneficiaries or Fatally Injured Employees
If you are a dependent (aged 17-35) of a COID beneficiary who has a permanent disability, or a dependent of an employee who died due to workplace-related injuries or diseases, you are eligible to apply.
Fields of Study Covered
The Compensation Fund Bursary supports a wide range of fields of study, including but not limited to:
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Accounting Science
- Actuarial Science
- Aeronautical Engineering/ Aerospace Control/ Aviation
- Data Science
- Economic Science
- Environmental Health
- Financial Mathematics
- Mathematical Science/ Statistics
- Risk Management and Forensic Science
Engineering Disciplines
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Production and Process Engineering
Information Technology (IT) & Digital Fields
- Computer Science (specializing in AI, Data Science, Cyber Security, Robotics, and Software Engineering)
- Digital Marketing/ Graphic Design/ Animation/ Film and Production
- Cloud Computing/ Quantum Computing
Health and Education
- Health and Clinical Science
- Teaching (Mathematics, Science, ICT, Early Childhood Development)
Creative and Technical Fields
- Architecture
- Culinary Arts
- Brand Communication and Management
Vocational Training
- Apprenticeship Qualifications for those who left school at Grade 9 and hold a General Education Certificate (GEC).
Other fields may also be considered, depending on the applicant’s career goals and available funding.
Bursary Benefits
The Compensation Fund Bursary provides financial support covering:
- Tuition Fees
- Prescribed Study Materials
- Accommodation (where applicable)
- Monthly Stipend for Living Expenses
This financial support allows students to focus entirely on their studies without the burden of financial stress.
Read more: Understanding the Differences: Bursaries vs Scholarships in 2025
Bursary Renewal
The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time but is renewable each year based on two factors:
- Satisfactory Academic Performance
- Availability of Funds
Recipients must maintain good academic standing to continue receiving funding for the full duration of their qualification.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet all the minimum requirements for your group.
Group 1 (Unemployed COID Beneficiaries with Permanent Disabilities)
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be unemployed and of working age
- Must be a COID beneficiary with a permanent disability due to a workplace injury/disease
- Must be accepted into a TVET College, CET College, or Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- Must intend to re-enter the workforce or start a business
Group 2 (Dependents of COID Beneficiaries or Fatally Injured Employees)
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be between 17 and 35 years old
- Must be a dependent of a COID beneficiary with a permanent disability OR a dependent of a deceased worker
- Must be enrolled or accepted at a TVET College, CET College, or Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- Other qualifications may be considered
How to Apply
To apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary 2025, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Complete the Application Form
Download the 2025 Compensation Fund Bursary Application Form (Attach PDF link)
Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents
You must submit certified copies of the following documents:
Group 1 (COID Beneficiaries with Permanent Disabilities)
- ID Document (Certified Copy)
- COID Pension Number or Claim Number
- Latest Academic Transcript (If currently studying)
- Proof of Acceptance from an Institution
- Tuition Fee Quotation (If available)
- Proof of Residence
- Proof of Disability (Verified by a Healthcare Professional)
Group 2 (Dependents of COID Beneficiaries or Fatally Injured Workers)
- ID Document (Certified Copy)
- Parent/Guardian’s ID or Death Certificate (Certified Copy)
- COID Pension Number or Claim Number
- Matric June Results (If currently in Matric)
- Latest Academic Transcript (If currently studying)
- Proof of Acceptance from an Institution
- Tuition Fee Quotation (If available)
- Proof of Residence
- Proof of Disability (If applicable)
- Proof of Income (Payslip, SASSA Grant, Pension, or Affidavit for Unemployment)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
Subject Line: “COID Bursary 2025”
Alternatively, you can submit by hand or post:
Hand Delivery
Compensation Fund Head Building
167 Thabo Sehume & Madiba Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria, 0002
Post/Courier
The Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Employment and Labour, Compensation Fund,
Private Bag X 955, Pretoria, 0001
Closing Date
Deadline: 31 March 2025
Late applications will not be accepted. Apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Also check: PN Foundation Bursary Programme 2025
Need More Info?
Contact Compensation Fund:
Tel: 012 319 9264 / 012 319 5774 / 012 319 9124
Email: cfexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
The Compensation Fund Bursary 2025 is a fantastic opportunity for unemployed COID beneficiaries and their dependents to receive financial aid for their education. If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t miss out—apply today and take the first step toward a brighter future.
