DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities

Who can apply

• 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

How to apply

Applications are submitted directly to DEC Trust - we do not collect applications. Read the eligibility criteria, prepare your supporting documents, then complete your application on the official page.

Full details

DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities South Africa 2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE DEC TRUST BURSARY COVER?

The Disability Empowerment Concerns (DEC) Trust is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2027 academic year.

Bursaries will be awarded to students with disabilities, for undergraduate or postgraduate studies within the following scarce and critical skills fields, that align 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 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects

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
• Renewable Energy
• 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 DOES THE DEC TRUST BURSARY COVER?

The bursary will provide full cover for the following expenses: tuition fees, prescribed textbooks and stationery, accommodation in residence or approved private accommodation, living allowance and laptop.

Students will also receive the following 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.

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE DEC TRUST BURSARY?

Bursary recipients 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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive any feedback, please consider your application unsuccessful.

WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE DEC TRUST BURSARY?

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE DEC TRUST BURSARY?

Applications must be submitted online at: DEC Trust Bursary for Students with Disabilities 2027

Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the DEC Trust bursary.

Applicants must read the StudyTrust bursary instructions page before applying.

WHAT DOCUMENTS MUST I SUBMIT FOR THE DEC TRUST BURSARY?

Submit clear copies of the following documentation along with your email application (the submission of these documents is compulsory - if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):

• ID document (certified copy)
• 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

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE DEC TRUST BURSARY?

30 September 2026.

(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted - please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER?

For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact StudyTrust (the administrators for this bursary) directly:

• Tel: 011 482 1501 / 011 403 1632
• Email:[email protected]

WHAT DOES DEC TRUST DO?

The Disability Empowerment Concerns (DEC) Trust is a South African organisation dedicated to advancing the social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities. Established in 1996, the Trust creates sustainable opportunities through strategic investments, partnerships and education initiatives that empower individuals to reach their full potential. Rather than providing short-term assistance, DEC focuses on building long-term impact by supporting programmes that improve access to education, skills development, employment and economic participation.

As part of its commitment to developing future leaders, the DEC Trust Bursary Programme assists South African students with disabilities who are pursuing qualifications in scarce and critical skills fields at recognised public universities. Beyond financial support, the Trust aims to help students overcome barriers to higher education, enabling them to graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to South Africa’s inclusive economic growth.

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