The DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 is now open for applications. If you are a South African citizen with a disability, currently in Matric or have completed Matric, and you are pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in scarce and critical skills fields, this opportunity could help you fund your education. The Disability Empowerment Concerns (DEC) Trust is a South African non-profit organisation established in 1996 to advance the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027: who qualifies, what fields are covered, what expenses are included, and how to apply before the closing date.
About the DEC Trust
The Disability Empowerment Concerns (DEC) Trust is a South African non-profit organisation established in 1996 to advance the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities. It generates financial sustainability for its beneficiary organisations through business investments and provides educational support like the DEC Trust Bursary.
The DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 invites students to apply for their bursary programme for the 2027 academic year.
Organisation: Disability Empowerment Concerns (DEC) Trust • Established: 1996 • Focus: Students with disabilities • Academic Year: 2027
What Fields of Study Are Covered?
The DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 will be awarded for undergraduate or postgraduate studies within the following scarce and critical skills fields, aligning with South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand and the Department of Home Affairs Critical Skills List:
Education
- Teaching qualifications specialising in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
Finance, Accounting and Financial Technologies
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Finance
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Renewable Energy, Environmental and Sustainability Sciences
- Sustainability-related qualifications
Health Sciences
- Allied Health Professions
- Medical Sciences
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Rehabilitation Sciences
Information Technology, Computer Science and Digital Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science and Analytics
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Software Development
Marketing and Business
- Business Management
- Marketing
- Sales Management
Technical and Vocational Qualifications
- Artisan qualifications
- Electrical Trades
- Mechanical Trades
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Other recognised technical and vocational qualifications leading to occupations in high demand
What Expenses and Benefits Does the Bursary Cover?
The DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 will provide full cover for the following expenses:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks and stationery
- Accommodation in residence or approved private accommodation
- Living allowance
- Laptop
Additional Benefits
- Assistive devices, assistive technology, and disability-related support services required for successful participation in academic studies, when these devices are not provided through the institution’s disability unit
Eligibility Requirements for the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027
Before you apply for the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities 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 have a disability
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- You must be studying or intend on studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification within one of the scarce fields listed above
- You must have applied and been accepted to study at a recognised and accredited public university in South Africa
- You must have achieved a minimum overall average of 65% in your most recent studies (in Matric or university)
- You must NOT be receiving any other bursary, scholarship, or financial assistance from another public or private funding source for 2027
Selection Criteria
Bursary recipients for the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 will be selected based on the following main criteria:
- Disability status and support requirements
- Admission to a registered university
- Academic performance
- Registration for an approved scarce and critical skills qualification
- Demonstrated commitment to successfully completing the qualification and contributing to addressing South Africa’s scarce and critical skills needs
- Availability of bursary funding
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive any feedback, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Required Documents
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation for the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027. All documents must be certified.
- ID document
- Matric students: Grade 11 final results and Matric latest results
- University students: Complete academic record, including latest 2026 academic results
- Proof of admission to a public university
- Proof of disability from a medical practitioner
How to Apply for the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027
Follow these steps to submit your application for the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027. The application process is managed through StudyTrust.
Step 1: Read the Instructions
Before making an application, applicants must read the StudyTrust bursary instructions.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements listed above, including being a South African citizen with a disability, having a 65% average, and not receiving other funding.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the required documents listed above, ensuring they are certified copies. This includes your ID, academic results, proof of admission, and proof of disability from a medical practitioner.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Click the button below to go to the official DEC Trust application portal on StudyTrust. Fill in all required fields carefully and upload your documents.
Direct application link: https://studytrust.org.za/dec-trust/
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
⏰ Closing Date for the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027: 30 September 2026. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted. Please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.
Contact Information
If you have any queries related to the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027, please contact StudyTrust (the administrators for this bursary) directly:
- Telephone: 011 482 1501 / 011 403 1632
- Email: apply@StudyTrust.org.za
DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 – Quick Summary
- Organisation: Disability Empowerment Concerns (DEC) Trust
- Bursary Name: DEC Trust Bursary Programme
- Established: 1996
- Academic Year: 2027
- Who can apply: South African citizens with disabilities
- Fields of study: Scarce and critical skills (Education, Engineering, Finance, Health Sciences, IT, Marketing/Business, Technical/Vocational)
- Study level: Undergraduate or Postgraduate
- Institution type: Recognised and accredited public university
- Minimum academic requirement: 65% overall average
- Key requirement: Not receiving any other bursary or financial assistance
- What is covered: Full tuition fees, textbooks, stationery, accommodation, living allowance, laptop
- Additional benefit: Assistive devices and disability-related support services
- Selection criteria: Disability status, admission, academic performance, scarce skills qualification, commitment, funding availability
- Required documents: ID, academic results, proof of admission, proof of disability from medical practitioner
- Application method: Online via StudyTrust website
- Closing date: 30 September 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027
1. Can I apply if I do not have a disability?
No. The DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 is specifically for students with disabilities. You must provide proof of disability from a medical practitioner.
2. What is the minimum academic requirement?
The DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 requires a minimum overall average of 65% in your most recent studies (Matric or university).
3. Can I apply if I am receiving NSFAS funding?
No. The DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 requires that you are NOT receiving any other bursary, scholarship, or financial assistance from another public or private funding source for 2027.
4. Does the bursary cover assistive devices?
Yes. The DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 covers assistive devices, assistive technology, and disability-related support services when these devices are not provided through the institution’s disability unit.
5. Can I apply if I am studying at a TVET college?
The DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 requires applicants to study at a recognised and accredited public university. TVET colleges are not covered under this bursary.
6. What is the selection process?
Selection for the DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027 is based on disability status, admission to university, academic performance, registration for a scarce skills qualification, commitment to completing the qualification, and availability of funding. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
7. When was the DEC Trust established?
The Disability Empowerment Concerns (DEC) Trust was established in 1996 to advance the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities.
8. Where can I find more bursaries for students with disabilities?
Visit EduFunds bursaries for disabled students page for more funding opportunities.
Looking for more study funding? Explore all bursaries for 2027 on EduFunds.co.za
Disability Empowerment Concerns (DEC) Trust
Bursary Programme 2027
Empowering students with disabilities • Building scarce skills • Creating an inclusive South Africa