The Athlone Institute Bursary South Africa 2026 — The Athlone Institute Trust (AIT) invites applications for its bursary programme for the 2026 academic year. Established in 1926, AIT provides financial assistance to students from the Paarl and Mbekweni areas, as well as parishioners of its five member churches, to pursue tertiary education at accredited South African institutions.
Important Notice
NO ONLINE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR 2026. Application forms must be collected in person or requested via email.
⏰ Closing Date: Applications close on 27 February 2026.
About The Athlone Institute Trust
The Athlone Institute Trust (AIT) was established in 1926 when residents of the Paarl area recognised the need for higher educational facilities for coloured students. The Trust aims to make funds available to assist students with their tertiary studies.
Eligibility Requirements for The Athlone Institute Bursary South Africa 2026
- South African citizen
- Permanent resident of Paarl or Mbekweni OR parishioner at one of the five AIT member churches
- Member of AIT member churches OR any bona-fide denomination/religious institution in Paarl or Mbekweni
- Completed Matric with certificate
- Proof of financial need
- Proven strong academic record
- Enrolled for undergraduate/postgraduate studies in current year (full-time or part-time)
- Studying at Council for Higher Education accredited institution
- Current students must have passed previous year of study
- Willing to partake in community service within Paarl/Mbekweni area
- Willing to participate in mentoring programme
Where to Collect Forms
- URC Immanuel
- Holy Trinity Anglican Church
- St Stephens Anglican Church
- URC Zions
- Bethel Congregational Church
- Drakenstein Pharmacy:
- Jan van Riebeeck Road, Paarl
Alternative: Email admin@athlonebursary.co.za to request application forms.
Qualification Details
- Applicable To: Full-time and part-time students
- Institutions: Tertiary institutions registered and accredited by Council for Higher Education
- Study Levels: Undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications
- Institution Types: TVET Colleges, Universities, Universities of Technology
- Geographic Focus: Paarl and Mbekweni area residents or AIT church parishioners
Bursaries support students residing within Paarl/Mbekweni or parishioners of AIT’s five member churches.
How to Apply for The Athlone Institute Bursary South Africa 2026
Application Method: Physical collection of forms ONLY. No online applications accepted for 2026.
⏰ Closing Date: All applications must be submitted by 27 February 2026.
Visit one of the collection points listed or email admin@athlonebursary.co.za to request application forms.
Required Documents
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified proof of registration at tertiary institution
- Certified proof of registration fee payment for current year
- Proof of residence
- Certified copies of parents/guardians/own/spouse’s recent payslips OR sworn affidavits if unemployed
- First Year Students: Certified copy of Matric results
- Senior/Postgraduate Students: Certified full academic record
- Completed Student Account Information form (from institution)
- Completed Official Testimonial by Religious Leader form
- Completed Declaration of Information Submitted form
All documents must be certified copies. Original documents may be requested for verification.
Required Forms to Download
- Student Account Information Form: Download Here (To be completed by Tertiary Institution)
- Official Testimonial by Religious Leader: Download Here
- Declaration of Information Submitted: Download Here
These forms must be completed, signed, and submitted with your application package.
Programme Requirements
- Willingness to participate in community service within Paarl/Mbekweni area
- Participation in the AIT mentoring programme
- Maintenance of strong academic performance
- Regular progress reporting to AIT
- Adherence to AIT code of conduct and values
- Financial need must be clearly demonstrated
- Church/religious institution membership verification required
- Residency verification for Paarl/Mbekweni residents
Successful applicants commit to community service and mentoring as part of the bursary agreement.
Geographic & Church Eligibility
- Geographic Area: Paarl or Mbekweni area (Western Cape)
- AIT Member Churches:
- St Stephen’s Anglican Church
- Immanuel United Reformed Church
- Bethel United Congregational Church
- Holy Trinity Anglican Church
- Zions United Reformed Church
- Alternative Religious Affiliation: Any bona-fide denomination/religious institution in Paarl or Mbekweni
Applicants must either reside in Paarl/Mbekweni OR be parishioners at AIT member churches OR members of any religious institution in these areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is The Athlone Institute Bursary?
A bursary programme established in 1926 providing financial assistance to students from Paarl and Mbekweni areas, as well as parishioners of five member churches, to pursue tertiary education at accredited South African institutions.
2. Who is eligible to apply?
South African citizens who are permanent residents of Paarl/Mbekweni OR parishioners at AIT member churches, with Matric, financial need, strong academic record, enrolled at accredited institutions, and willing to participate in community service and mentoring.
3. How do I apply for the bursary?
NO ONLINE APPLICATIONS for 2026. Collect forms from listed locations (URC Immanuel, Holy Trinity, St Stephens, URC Zions, Bethel Congregational Church, Drakenstein Pharmacy) or email admin@athlonebursary.co.za. Closing date: 27 February 2026.
4. What documents are required?
Certified ID, proof of registration and fee payment, proof of residence, income documents, academic records, plus completed Student Account Information, Religious Leader Testimonial, and Declaration forms.
5. What institutions are covered?
Tertiary institutions registered and accredited by the Council for Higher Education, including TVET Colleges, Universities, and Universities of Technology for full-time or part-time studies.
6. Is there a geographic restriction?
Yes, applicants must be permanent residents of Paarl or Mbekweni area in Western Cape OR parishioners at AIT’s five member churches located in these areas.
7. What are the AIT member churches?
St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Immanuel United Reformed Church, Bethel United Congregational Church, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, and Zions United Reformed Church.
8. Are postgraduate students eligible?
Yes, both undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled at accredited institutions are eligible to apply.
9. What are the additional requirements?
Willingness to participate in community service within Paarl/Mbekweni, participation in mentoring programme, maintenance of academic performance, and demonstration of financial need.
10. Can I apply online?
No, online applications are NOT accepted for 2026. Forms must be collected physically or requested via email. For more bursary opportunities, explore our bursaries database or check Western Cape bursaries.
For more community-based bursaries and 2026 funding opportunities, visit EduFunds.co.za
The Athlone Institute Trust
Established 1926
Paarl, Western Cape