Compensation Fund Bursary Scheme 2026 — The Compensation Fund invites unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement (PWD), their dependents, and dependents of fatally injured employees to apply for the External Bursary opportunity. This comprehensive support programme aims to enable beneficiaries to gain qualifications for workplace reintegration or self-employment through technical and vocational education.
About the Compensation Fund
The Compensation Fund is a department within the Department of Employment and Labour that provides compensation for disablement caused by occupational injuries or diseases sustained by employees in the course of their work. The fund also provides compensation for dependents of employees who have died as a result of occupational injuries or diseases.
The External Bursary Scheme is part of the Fund’s Vocational Rehabilitation Programme, designed to support COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) beneficiaries in gaining skills and qualifications for sustainable employment or entrepreneurship.
This bursary represents the Compensation Fund’s commitment to transforming lives through education and skills development for affected individuals and families.
Bursary Coverage
- Tuition Fees – Full coverage of course fees
- Prescribed Study Material – Textbooks and required materials
- Monthly Stipend – Living allowance for students
- Accommodation – Housing support where needed
Renewable: The award is renewable annually for the duration of the study programme, subject to fund availability and satisfactory academic performance.
Target Group
- COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement (within working age)
- Dependents of COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement (age 17–35)
- Dependents of fatally injured employees (age 17–35)
The bursary supports programmes that enable beneficiaries to be reintegrated into the workplace or become self-employed.
Eligibility Requirements for Compensation Fund Bursary Scheme 2026
- Fully completed application form
- COID Pension number / Claim number
- Certified copies of parent/guardian ID or death certificate
- Applicant’s identity document
- Proof of acceptance from public PSET institution
- Enrolled for full-time study (part-time considered for disabilities)
- Certification of disability by Health Care Professional
Training Institutions
- TVET Colleges (Technical and Vocational Education and Training)
- CET Colleges (Community Education and Training)
- HEIs (Higher Education Institutions)
Applicants must have acceptance at a recognised public Post School Education and Training (PSET) institution.
Application Process for Compensation Fund Bursary Scheme 2026
- Download the bursary application form from www.labour.gov.za OR collect from your nearest Provincial Labour Centre
- Complete all sections of the application form
- Gather all required supporting documents
- Submit your application by post, courier, hand delivery, or email
- Recommended qualifications are listed on page 4 of the application form
Submission Methods & Deadlines
- Post/Courier: The Sub-Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Employment and Labour, Compensation Fund, Private Bag X 955, Pretoria, 0001
- Hand Delivery (Sep-Dec 2025): 167 Thabo Sehume Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria
- Hand Delivery (Jan 2026+): Compensation House, Cnr. Hamilton and Soutpansberg Rd, Prinshof, Pretoria
- Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
📅 Application Period: Open throughout 2026, but applications are encouraged by 31 March 2026 for priority consideration.
Contact Information
- Phone: (012) 319 9264 / (012) 319 5774 / (012) 319 9124
- Toll-Free: 0800 321 322 / 0860 10 5350
- SMS: 44967
- Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
Important: If you don’t receive a response within two months after submission, consider your application unsuccessful. For beneficiaries with disabilities struggling to access training, contact the Fund for information on organised Vocational Skills Programmes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who qualifies for the Compensation Fund Bursary?
Unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement, their dependents (age 17-35), and dependents of fatally injured employees (age 17-35).
2. What does the bursary cover?
Tuition fees, prescribed study materials, monthly stipend, and accommodation costs.
3. When is the closing date?
The bursary is open throughout 2026, but applicants are encouraged to apply by 31 March 2026 for priority consideration.
4. How do I get the application form?
Download from www.labour.gov.za or collect from your nearest Provincial Labour Centre.
5. Can I study part-time?
Students must enroll full-time. Only under exceptional circumstances will students with disabilities be allowed to study part-time.
6. What institutions are accepted?
Recognised TVET Colleges, CET Colleges, and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
7. How will I know if I’m successful?
If you don’t receive a response within two months after submission, consider your application unsuccessful.
8. Is the bursary renewable?
Yes, it’s renewable annually for the study duration, depending on fund availability and academic performance.
9. What if I don’t have a COID number?
You must be a registered COID beneficiary or dependent. Contact the Compensation Fund if you need assistance with registration.
10. Are there specific qualifications required?
Recommended qualifications are listed on page 4 of the application form. Programmes should enable workplace reintegration or self-employment. For more government bursaries, explore our bursaries database or check other funding opportunities.
For more government bursaries and funding opportunities, visit EduFunds.co.za
Compensation Fund, Department of Employment and Labour