Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) Bursary South Africa 2027 | Apply Now

About the Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET)

The Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET), a non-profit organisation situated in the Western Cape founded in January 2003. As a way of giving back to the disadvantaged community, ASSET have a bursary programme to allow students to pursue their studies who lack the funds to pay for their tuition.

ASSET bursaries are awarded from the ASSET Educational Trust (AET), as well as from other individuals, trusts and organisations who wish to support tertiary students in the Western Cape. These bursaries aim to provide financial assistance to Western Cape students who are deserving in terms of merit and need.

The Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) Bursary South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.

Organisation: Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) • Founded: January 2003 • Location: Western Cape • Academic Year: 2027

What Fields of Study Are Covered?

The Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) Bursary South Africa 2027 is awarded each year for studies towards a first Undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma, or higher certificate) in ANY field of study, within the Western Cape.

Selected Universities

The Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) Bursary South Africa 2027 is available for students at the following institutions:

• University of Cape Town
• University of the Western Cape
• University of Stellenbosch
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Note: The bursary will NOT fund studies at private institutions.

What Expenses Does the Bursary Cover?

The value of the Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) Bursary South Africa 2027 varies, but generally covers a portion of tuition fees, registration, and books. Awards are paid directly to tertiary institutions.

Note: Bursaries are awarded based on 2 main factors: merit and financial need.

Eligibility Requirements for the Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) Bursary South Africa 2027

Before you apply for the Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) Bursary South Africa 2027, check that you meet all the requirements below. If you miss any requirement, your application will not be considered.

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must reside within the Western Cape province
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying full-time towards a first undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma, or higher certificate)
• You must meet the criteria for your selected field of study
• You must be registered at one of the institutions listed above within the Western Cape
• You must pass the means test and fall within the “Missing Middle” (have a total monthly income of less than R18,000 for a family with 2 children, with a combined income of between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum)
• You must NOT have lost NSFAS funding due to poor performance exclusion

Preference Will Be Given To:

• Students with the greatest financial need, provided they meet the merit criteria
• Students from rural areas and/or informal settlements, whose social background has restricted their access to equal education
• Students who have achieved University entrance, despite attending a school deemed to be ‘dysfunctional’
• Students who have achieved above average results in subjects related to their course of study
• Students who have an excellent attendance record and have been committed to the ASSET Learner Development Programme (Saturday School)

Required Documents

Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form for the Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) Bursary South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.

New or First-Time Applicants

• ID document
• 2026 mid-year results from your tertiary institution or high school (final results must be submitted as soon as they are available)
• Full academic transcripts (if you are a 2nd/3rd/final year student)
• Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed / affidavit if unemployed / pension advice if on pension / proof of SASSA grant if receiving a social grant)
• Motivational letter to support your application – write about yourself and your life goals
• 1 contactable reference who knows you well (not your School Principal)

Renewal Applicants

• ID document
• 2026 mid-year results from your tertiary institution (final results must be submitted as soon as they are available)
• Proof of household income (latest payslips if employed / affidavit if unemployed / pension advice if on pension / proof of SASSA grant if receiving a social grant)
• Motivational letter to support your application – write about your course of studying and your experiences as a student so far
• 1 contactable reference

Important Information

• Students will be funded for the duration of their undergraduate studies, on condition that they maintain good academic results, and they re-apply each year
• Bursaries are awarded after a Selection Committee meeting in early February each year. Shortlisted candidates are contacted by no later than the end of February 2027. If you do not receive any feedback by this time, please consider your application unsuccessful
• ASSET bursaries do NOT have to be repaid, however bursary recipients are required to join the ASSET Alumni Association and give back during studies or after graduation. Students must complete a minimum of 100 voluntary hours

Contact Information

If you have any queries related to the Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) Bursary South Africa 2027, please contact ASSET directly:

• Telephone: 021 685 1025
• Email: bursary@asset.org.za

ASSET Bursary South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary

• Organisation: Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET)
• Bursary Name: ASSET Bursary Programme
• Founded: January 2003
• Academic Year: 2027
• Who can apply: South African citizens residing in the Western Cape
• Fields of study: ANY field (first undergraduate qualification)
• Eligible institutions: UCT, UWC, Stellenbosch, CPUT (NO private institutions)
• Income requirement: “Missing Middle” (R350,000 – R600,000 per annum / < R18,000 monthly for family of 2 children)
• Key requirement: Must NOT have lost NSFAS funding due to poor performance
• What is covered: Portion of tuition fees, registration, and books (paid to institution)
• Basis of award: Merit and financial need
• Voluntary work requirement: Minimum 100 hours (join ASSET Alumni Association)
• Required documents: ID, mid-year results, academic transcripts, proof of income, motivational letter, reference
• Application method: Email OR post/hand delivery (NO fax)
• Email subject line: “ASSET Bursary Application 2027”
• Closing date: 30 September 2026
• Notification period: By end of February 2027