The Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund (VEBF) is now open for 2025/2026 academic year applications. As the social development arm of Communicare NPC, Vulamathuba is committed to empowering individuals through access to education, training and skills development within the City of Cape Town Metro.
This bursary supports talented individuals from previously marginalised communities who have academic potential but lack financial resources. Priority is given to Communicare tenants in good standing, followed by applicants from surrounding communities.
About the Bursary
The VEBF aims to promote economic mobility by enabling students to pursue accredited tertiary qualifications at public institutions, including:
- TVET Colleges
- Universities
- Universities of Technology
Bursaries are available for full-time or part-time study up to undergraduate level. Students with disabilities, employed or unemployed individuals, Grade 12 learners, and applicants who previously matriculated are all welcome to apply.
The bursary prioritises fields aligned with critical, scarce and in-demand skills in South Africa.
👉 Download the Scarce Skills List Here
CritcalSkills_102023.pdf (as per official link)
Bursary Value & Coverage
The VEBF will allocate up to:
- R40 000.00 toward tuition
- R5 000.00 for prescribed academic materials
(Total maximum: R45 000.00)
The Bursary Covers:
- Registration fees
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and academic materials
- Examination fees (where applicable)
Not Covered:
- Electronic devices (laptops, tablets, etc.)
- Stationery
- Previous outstanding study fees or loans
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be between 19 and 50 years old
- Be employed or unemployed
- Be Grade 12 learners, past matriculants, or current tertiary students
- Intend to study towards an undergraduate or artisan qualification
- Be accepted or applying to a recognised and accredited tertiary institution
- Have a household income not exceeding R400 000 per year
- Be from the City of Cape Town Metro, preferably Communicare tenants
Compulsory Programme Requirements
If awarded the bursary:
- Recipients must complete 100 hours of community service or a special project assigned by Vulamathuba.
- After graduating, bursars must “work back” a portion of the bursary within Communicare or a nominated organisation.
- The bursary may be renewed, but this is at VEBF’s discretion.
- The bursary may be suspended if academic progress is unsatisfactory.
- If a student abandons their studies, the bursary may convert to a loan.
Important Dates
- Applications Close: Friday, 12 December 2025
- Provisional Awards Announced: 13 February 2026
Applicants not contacted within two months after the closing date should consider their application unsuccessful.
How to Apply for the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund 2025/2026
There are two ways to access the application forms:
1. Download the Application Form (PDF)
👉 Click here to download the Vulamathuba Bursary Fund Application Form 2026
Download Form
2. Apply Online
👉 Click here to apply online for the Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund 2025/2026
Apply Online
Contact Details
For queries or support:
📧 applications@vulamathuba.org.za
📞 021 421 6008
Contact person: Sivuyisiwe Johannes
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