The Compensation Fund, under the Department of Employment and Labour, invites South African students to apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary Programme 2026.
Bursary Application Closing Date: 31 March 2026
Bursary Location: South Africa (Recognised TVET Colleges, CET Colleges and Higher Education Institutions)
About the Compensation Fund
The Compensation Fund provides compensation to workers who are injured, disabled or contract diseases while performing their duties at work. It also provides compensation to dependants in cases where employees have died due to occupational injuries or diseases.
The Fund supports:
- Permanent workers
- Casual workers
- Apprentices
- Trainees
Through this bursary scheme, the Fund aims to assist beneficiaries and their dependants to access education and training opportunities for reintegration into the workplace or self-employment.
About the Compensation Fund Bursary Programme 2026
The Compensation Fund is inviting applications for the 2026 academic year.
Bursaries will be awarded to two groups of applicants:
Group 1: COID Beneficiaries with Permanent Disablement (PWD)
Bursaries will be awarded to unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement resulting from occupational injuries or diseases.
Funding will support studies that enable beneficiaries to:
- Reintegrate into the workplace
- Improve skills
- Become self-employed
Group 2: Dependants of COID Beneficiaries
This group includes:
- Dependants of COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement
- Dependants of fatally injured employees
- Applicants aged between 17 and 35 years
Bursaries will cover studies within the following fields (but not limited to):
- Accounting / Financial Science
- Actuarial Science
- Economics / Econometrics
- Engineering
- Health and Clinical Science
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Marine / Maritime Studies
- Quality Control and Environmental Health
- Mathematics & Science Education
- Statistics & Data Science
Continuing students may also be considered for:
- Advanced Diploma / Honours in Accounting Science (CTA Stream)
- Chiropractic
- Actuarial Science
- Medical Orthotist and Prosthetist (at public universities)
What the Bursary Covers
The Compensation Fund Bursary will cover:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed study materials
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
Bursaries are awarded for one academic year at a time and are renewable annually based on:
- Satisfactory academic performance
- Availability of funds
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 2 months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all minimum requirements before applying.
Group 1 Requirements
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be currently unemployed
- Be of working age
- Be a COID beneficiary with permanent disablement (PWD)
- Be studying or intend studying in one of the listed fields
- Be accepted at a recognised TVET, CET College or Higher Education Institution
- Intend to improve skills to return to work or become self-employed
Group 2 Requirements
You must:
- Be a South African citizen
- Be between 17 and 35 years old
- Be a dependant of a COID beneficiary with permanent disablement or a dependant of a fatally injured employee
- Be studying or accepted to study in one of the listed fields (other qualifications may be considered)
- Be accepted at a recognised TVET, CET College or Higher Education Institution
Failure to meet all requirements will result in disqualification.
Required Supporting Documents
Group 1 Documents
- Certified copy of ID
- COID pension number or claim number
- Latest academic transcript (if currently studying)
- Proof of acceptance from institution
- Tuition fees quotation
- Prescribed Learning Resources quotation (if available)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of disability (verified by Health Care Professional or Disability Support Office)
Group 2 Documents
- Certified copy of applicant’s ID
- Certified copy of ID / unabridged birth certificate showing COID beneficiary details
- Certified copies of parents/guardians ID or death certificates
- COID pension number or claim number
- Matric June results (if in Matric)
- Latest academic transcript (if currently studying)
- Proof of acceptance from institution
- Tuition fees quotation
- Prescribed Learning Resources quotation (if available)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- Pre-entry assessment (for apprenticeship applicants)
- Proof of income (payslip, affidavit, SASSA proof, pension proof, or other income proof)
All documents are compulsory. Missing documents may result in disqualification.
How to Apply
Download and complete the Compensation Fund Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf):
Submit your completed application form together with supporting documents via one of the following methods:
Email Submission
Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
Use the subject line: “COID Bursary 2026”
Hand Delivery
Compensation House
Cnr. Hamilton and Soutpansberg Road
Prinshof
Pretoria
Closing Date
31 March 2026
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid last-minute delays.