ABOUT THE BURSARY PROVIDER – ASSET
The Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET), a non-profit organisation situated in the Western Cape was founded in January 2003. The organisation previously operated under the wing of the SAIRR (South
African Institute of Race Relations), who formed the Bursary Programme in 1972. The SAIRR have a longstanding history of assisting disadvantaged students with their educational needs and today the ASSET bursary supporting around 500 students each year.As a way of giving back to the disadvantaged community, ASSET have a bursary programme to allow students to pursue their studies who lack the funds to pay for their tuition. Funding is received from not only local and national donors, but also international donors.
ABOUT THE ASSET BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED & COVERAGE VALUE
ASSET is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2025 academic year.
Bursaries are awarded each year, for studies towards a first Undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma or higher certificate) in ANY field of study, within the Western Cape.
ASSET bursaries are awarded from the ASSET Educational Trust (AET), as well as from other individuals, trusts and organisations who wish to support tertiary students in the Western Cape. These bursaries aim to provide financial assistance to Western Cape students who are deserving in terms of merit and need.
www.zabursaries.co.za is committed to keeping you up to date with the latest bursary opportunities, and this article covers all details about the ASSET Bursary.
MORE ABOUT THE ASSET BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE, SELECTION & SERVICE CONTRACT
The value of the bursary varies, but generally covers a portion of tuition fees, registration and books. Awards are paid directly to tertiary institutions.
Bursaries are awarded based on 2 main factors: merit and financial need.
Students will be funded for the duration of their undergraduate studies, on condition that they maintain good academic results, and they re-apply each year.
Bursaries are awarded after a Selection Committee meeting, in early February each year. Shortlisted candidates are then contacted by no later than the end of February 2025 – if you do not receive any feedback by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Asset bursaries do NOT have to be repaid, however bursary recipients are required to join the ASSET Alumni Association and give back during studies or after graduation. Students must complete a minimum of 100 voluntary hours.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSET BURSARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must reside within the Western Cape province
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying full time, towards a first undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma or higher certificate)
- You must meet the criteria for your selected field of study
- You must be registered one of these institutions within the Western Cape: University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, University of Stellenbosch or Cape Peninsula University of Technology (the bursary will NOT fund studies at private institutions)
- You must pass the means test and fall within the “Missing Middle” (have a total monthly income of less than R18 000 for a family with 2 children – this can increase by R2000 per child for up to four children, with a combined income of between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum)
- You must NOT have lost NSFAS funding due to poor performance exclusion
- Preference will be given to students with the greatest financial need, provided they meet the merit criteria
- Preference will be given to students from rural areas and/ or informal settlements, whose social background has restricted their access to equal education
- Preference will be given to students who have achieved University entrance, despite attending a school deemed to be ‘dysfunctional’
- Preference will be given to students who have achieved above average results, in subjects related to their course of study
- Preference will be given to students who have an excellent attendance record and have been committed to the ASSET Learner Development Programme (Saturday School)
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE ASSET BURSARY
Download and complete the relevant application form:
New or first-time applicants: ASSET Bursary Application Form (New Applicants) (.pdf)
Existing/ returning bursary holders: ASSET Bursary Application Form (Renewal) (.pdf)
Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the ASSET Bursary.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
New or first-time applicants:
- ID document (certified copy)
- 2024 mid-year results from your tertiary institution or high school (final results must be submitted as soon as they are available) (certified copy)
- Full academic transcripts, if you are a 2nd/ 3rd/ final year student (certified copy)
- Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ pension advice if on pension/ proof of SASSA grant if receiving a social grant) (certified copy)
- Motivational letter to support your application – write about yourself and your life goals
- 1 contactable reference who knows you well (not your School Principal)
Renewal:
- ID document (certified copy)
- 2024 mid-year results from your tertiary institution (final results must be submitted as soon as they are available) (certified copy)
- Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed/ affidavit if unemployed/ pension advice if on pension/ proof of SASSA grant if receiving a social grant) (certified copy)
- Motivational letter to support your application – write about your course of studying and your experiences as a student so far
- 1 contactable reference
Applications must be submitted in one of the following ways:
– Email: bursary@asset.org.za
(Insert the words “ASSET Bursary Application 2025” in the email subject line).
– Post or hand delivery:
Bursary Department
Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET)
5 Long Street
Mowbray
7700
Western Cape
Note: applications submitted via fax will NOT be accepted.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE ASSET BURSARY
30 September 2024.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact ASSET directly:
Tel: 021 685 1025
Email: bursary@asset.org.za
