SASLHA BURSARY SOUTH AFRICA 2026 — The South African Speech Language and Hearing Association (SASLHA) is inviting applications for the Myrtle L Aron Bursary Programme for the 2026 academic year. This specialized bursary supports deserving, underprivileged students pursuing Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology degrees at recognized South African universities. Designed to develop communication healthcare professionals, the bursary targets students entering their 3rd or 4th year of study who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. With its unique requirements including a video submission and professional testimonials, this opportunity represents a significant investment in South Africa’s communication health sector.
About SASLHA
The South African Speech Language and Hearing Association (SASLHA) is the professional body responsible for promoting Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology professions in South Africa. As an industry leader, SASLHA ensures the best interests of its members are upheld while remaining committed to making accessible and appropriate services available to all people with communication disorders. The organization aims to develop and coordinate professionals with specialized skills and resources within the communication health sector, upholding a holistic approach to healthcare that recognizes the fundamental importance of communication in overall wellbeing.
As South Africa’s premier professional body for communication health, SASLHA’s Myrtle L Aron Bursary represents a strategic investment in developing the next generation of Speech-Language Therapists and Audiologists who will serve communities across the country.
Key Programme Information
- Bursary Name: Myrtle L Aron Bursary Programme
- Application Deadline: 16 February 2026
- Study Fields: Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
- Study Levels: 3rd or 4th year students only
- Membership Required: SASLHA student membership (free)
- Contact: 086 111 3297 / admin@saslha.co.za
- Application Method: Online form submission
- Unique Requirement: 2-minute video submission
This bursary specifically targets advanced students in communication health fields who have already completed foundational training and are entering their final years of professional study.
Eligibility Criteria For SASLHA Bursary South Africa 2026
- SASLHA student member (or willing to sign up)
- Matric certificate completed
- Studying Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology
- Completed 2nd or 3rd year of study
- Entering 3rd or 4th year in 2026
- Registered at accredited SA university
- Strong academic record demonstrated
- Financial need must be evident
- Cannot change degree course after applying
First-year and second-year students are not eligible. This bursary specifically supports students who have already committed to and progressed significantly in their communication health studies.
Fields of Study For SASLHA Bursary South Africa 2026
- Speech-Language Pathology: Assessment and treatment of communication and swallowing disorders
- Audiology: Assessment and management of hearing and balance disorders
These two closely related fields represent the core communication health professions regulated and promoted by SASLHA, addressing critical needs in South African healthcare.
Unique Application Requirements
The Myrtle L Aron Bursary features several distinctive application requirements that go beyond typical bursary applications, reflecting the professional nature of communication health fields.
- Professional Testimonials: Letters from clinical supervisors or relevant professionals
- Video Submission: 2-minute recording answering specific prompts
- Bank Statements: 3 months of recent personal bank statements
- SASLHA Membership: Current student membership required
- Affidavit of Authenticity: Confirmation that all documents are original/certified
The video requirement is particularly distinctive – applicants must personally address why they deserve the award and their plans for contributing to the profession.
How to Apply For SASLHA Bursary South Africa 2026
Application Method: All applications must be submitted through SASLHA’s official online Google Form. The application process includes several unique requirements not found in typical bursary applications.
Application Steps:
- Sign up for free SASLHA student membership if not already a member
- Prepare all required supporting documents
- Create your 2-minute video response (compress to under 10MB)
- Access the official SASLHA bursary application form
- Complete all required fields in the online form
- Upload all supporting documents and video
- Submit before 16 February 2026 deadline
- Keep confirmation of your submission
Free SASLHA Membership: Applicants must first sign up for free student membership before applying for the bursary.
⏰ Closing Date: Applications must be submitted by 16 February 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. The video requirement means applicants should start preparing well before the deadline.
Required Documents Checklist
All documents must be certified copies unless otherwise specified. Missing any required item will result in disqualification from consideration.
Academic & Personal Documents
- Certified copy of ID document
- Certified copy of Matric certificate
- Full academic record/most recent subjects
- Testimonials from clinical supervisor/professional
Financial & Media Documents
- 3 months recent personal bank statements
- 2-minute video recording (under 10MB)
- Signed affidavit confirming document authenticity
- SASLHA membership confirmation
The video must address: “Tell us something about yourself, why you believe you deserve this award and how you plan on contributing to the profession in the short and medium term.”
Video Submission Guidelines
The video requirement is a distinctive aspect of this bursary application, designed to assess communication skills – essential for Speech-Language and Audiology professionals.
- Duration: Maximum 2 minutes
- Content: Must address the three specified prompts
- Format: Record on cell phone or laptop
- Size: Compressed to less than 10MB
- Focus: Professional yet personal presentation
- Assessment: Communication clarity and content quality
This video serves dual purposes: assessing your suitability for the bursary and evaluating your communication skills – critical for success in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology professions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get the free SASLHA student membership?
You must sign up through the SASLHA membership portal at this link. Student membership is free, but you must complete the application process and receive confirmation before applying for the bursary.
2. Can first or second-year students apply?
No. Only students who have completed their 2nd or 3rd year and are entering their 3rd or 4th year in 2026 are eligible. This bursary targets advanced students committed to the profession.
3. What should I include in the 2-minute video?
Address three points clearly: 1) Something about yourself and your background, 2) Why you believe you deserve this award, and 3) How you plan on contributing to the Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology profession in the short and medium term. Practice to stay within the 2-minute limit.
4. Who should write my testimonials?
Testimonials should come from clinical supervisors, lecturers, or relevant healthcare professionals who have directly observed your academic or clinical work. They must be on official letterhead and should specifically address your suitability for a career in communication health.
5. What if I change my degree after applying?
The application conditions explicitly state that you may NOT change your degree course after submission. If you switch programmes, you would be disqualified from the bursary and would likely need to repay any funds already received.
6. How do I compress my video to under 10MB?
Use free tools like HandBrake, online compressors, or your phone’s editing features. Record in 720p resolution, keep to exactly 2 minutes, and export as MP4 with H.264 encoding. Test the file size before final submission.
7. What constitutes sufficient “financial need”?
Financial need is demonstrated through your 3-month bank statements and overall application narrative. SASLHA states this bursary targets “deserving, underprivileged candidates” who would struggle to continue their studies without financial assistance.
8. Can I apply for both Speech and Hearing fields?
No. Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology are distinct undergraduate degrees. You should apply for the bursary corresponding to your specific registered degree programme at your university.
9. What if my clinical placement is not yet complete?
You can still apply if you meet the academic year requirements. Your testimonials can come from academic lecturers if you haven’t yet worked extensively with clinical supervisors. Be transparent about your clinical experience level.
10. Where can I get help with my application?
For official queries, contact SASLHA at admin@saslha.co.za or 086 111 3297. For application tips, consult your university’s financial aid office or communication sciences department. Also explore our healthcare bursaries for more opportunities.
For more bursaries and funding opportunities, visit EduFunds.co.za
SASLHA Myrtle L Aron Bursary – Developing South Africa’s Communication Health Professionals