The Compensation Fund, under the Department of Employment and Labour, has officially opened applications for the Compensation Fund External Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 March 2026
This bursary is specifically aimed at unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disabilities, employees who sustained occupational injuries or diseases, as well as their dependants, including dependants of fatally injured employees. The programme is designed to restore dignity, promote skills development, and improve long-term employability through access to education and training.
If you or your family have been affected by a workplace injury or occupational disease, this bursary offers a powerful second chance through funded education.
(Applications are open throughout the 2026 academic year; however, applicants are encouraged to apply early.)
Who the Bursary Is For
The Compensation Fund External Bursary targets the following groups:
- Unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disabilities (within working age)
- Dependants of COID beneficiaries with permanent disabilities
- Dependants of fatally injured employees (ages 17–35)
Applicants must have been accepted at one of the following institutions:
- TVET Colleges
- CET Colleges
- Public Higher Education Institutions (Universities & Universities of Technology)
What the Bursary Covers
This is a comprehensive bursary, covering key study-related costs:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed study material
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
The bursary is renewable annually for the duration of the study programme, subject to:
- Availability of funds
- Satisfactory academic performance
Fields of Study Supported
The bursary supports learning programmes and qualifications that enable beneficiaries to:
- Reintegrate into the workplace
- Become self-employed
- Acquire vocational, technical, or academic skills
Recommended qualifications are listed in the official application form, but applicants are not limited only to those fields, particularly where disability or educational barriers exist.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet ALL of the following:
- Fully completed bursary application form
- Valid COID Pension Number or Claim Number
- Certified copies of:
- Applicant’s South African ID
- Parent(s) or guardian’s ID or death certificate (for dependants)
- Proof of acceptance from a recognised PSET institution
- Enrolment as a full-time student
- Note: Students with disabilities may be allowed to study part-time under exceptional circumstances
- Medical confirmation of permanent disability (where applicable), completed by:
- Health Care Professional or
- Disability Support Office / WCL forms (final medical report)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary 2026
Step 1: Download the Application Form
👉 Click here to download the Compensation Fund External Bursary Application Form 2026
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Applications may be submitted via post, hand delivery, or email.
Post / Courier
The Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Employment and Labour
Compensation Fund
Private Bag X955
Pretoria
0001
Hand Delivery (September – December 2025)
167 Thabo Sehume Street
Delta Heights Building
Pretoria
Hand Delivery (From January 2026)
Compensation House
Corner Hamilton & Soutpansberg Road
Prinshof
Pretoria
Email Applications
📧 CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
Important Notes
- If you do not receive a response within two months after submission, consider your application unsuccessful
- Only complete applications with all supporting documents will be processed
- The Compensation Fund reserves the right to approve or decline applications
Why This Bursary Matters
This bursary goes beyond financial support. It is a rehabilitative and empowerment initiative that helps:
- Injured workers rebuild their lives
- Families of deceased workers access education
- Persons with disabilities gain skills for economic participation
It is one of the most socially impactful bursary programmes in South Africa.
Enquiries & Contact Details
For assistance or further enquiries:
- Phone: (012) 319 9264 / (012) 319 5774 / (012) 319 9124
- Customer Care Toll-Free: 0800 321 222 / 0860 10 5350
- SMS: 44967