Kathu Solar Park Bursary South Africa 2026 is now open for applications! Students from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District in the Northern Cape can apply for funding to study any field at recognised tertiary institutions across South Africa.
About the Bursary Provider – Kathu Solar Park
The Kathu Solar Park Bursary South Africa 2026 is offered by Kathu Solar Park, a 100 MW concentrated solar power (CSP) plant located near Kathu in the Northern Cape. The facility features molten salt storage, allowing it to deliver energy for 4.5 hours at full load and currently powers approximately 179,000 households.
The project is supported by investors led by Engie, including the Public Investment Corporation, SIOC Community Development Trust, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Investec, Lereko Metier, and the Kathu Trust. Construction was completed by Acciona and SENER, serving as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) providers.
Fields Covered by the Kathu Solar Park Bursary 2026
Bursaries are available for students residing in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality who are enrolled in full-time studies at recognised tertiary institutions.
- Undergraduate: All fields of study are eligible, giving students freedom to pursue careers in science, engineering, arts, commerce, or social sciences
- Postgraduate: All fields of study are eligible
The bursary programme was launched in 2022 to support local youth from communities including Kathu, Kuruman, and Deben, and has since helped more than 40 students pursue higher education.
What the Kathu Solar Park Bursary 2026 Covers
The bursary provides financial assistance for:
- Tuition fees at public or accredited private institutions
- Accommodation costs for students who need to stay away from home
- Meals and living expenses
- Learning materials such as textbooks and stationery
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive a response, consider your application unsuccessful.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must reside in Kathu or the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality
- Must currently be in Matric or have completed Matric
- Must intend to study full-time at a recognised tertiary institution
- Must demonstrate academic merit and financial need (household income not exceeding R600,000 per year)
- Preference may be given to students with the strongest academic performance and greatest financial need
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at: Kathu Solar Park Bursary Application 2026
Ensure all supporting documents are included before submission:
- ID document (certified copy)
- Matric mid-year results or certificate (if completed Matric)
- Full academic transcript (if currently studying)
- Proof of registration/acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Proof of residential address
- Proof of household income (payslips, SASSA grant, pension slip, or affidavit if unemployed)
- Motivational letter explaining why you are applying for this bursary
Closing Date
31 October 2025
Applications received after this date will not be considered. Apply early to secure your bursary.
Contact the Bursary Provider
- Email: b.ndlovu@studytrust.org.za
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does the Kathu Solar Park Bursary South Africa 2026 cover?
It covers tuition, accommodation, meals, and learning materials for eligible students.
2. Who can apply for this bursary?
South African citizens residing in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality who are studying full-time at recognised tertiary institutions.
3. How do I apply?
Apply online via the StudyTrust bursary portal and submit all required supporting documents.
4. What is the closing date?
Applications close on 31 October 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
5. Can I apply if I’m studying outside the Northern Cape?
No. Only students residing and studying within the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality are eligible.