What is the CRET Bursary Programme?
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is a partner entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, which is an independent Public Benefit Organisation that develops education and small and medium enterprises for an inclusive, empowered society.
In 1996, Cyril Ramaphosa began supporting disadvantaged students with bursaries to attend university. He did this by donating money he earned from his public speaking engagements. This resulted in the establishment of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) in 2000.
CRET has a different approach to the management of its education programme and aims to recruit candidates that would ordinarily be overlooked by other bursary programmes, which may only seek out top academic achievers. This is a bursary scheme that considers the holistic needs of selected student as well as their potential, and with support, nurturing and mentoring, will rise above their circumstances to become future leaders.
We also look for real leadership capability in our candidates and expect a demonstrable ingrained ethos of community service and a commitment to “paying it forward”. Today, there are over 200 beneficiaries of the programme, and CRET has been fortunate enough to develop exponentially with the support of additional corporate sponsors and partners.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any student from a financially needy background who can demonstrate such need. Our goal is to provide financial assistance for those students who, without additional support would not apply to study further and/or complete their chosen qualification. Preference will be given each year to essential and scarce skills education applicants as determined by the Department of Labour, various SETAs, and other labour and economic advisors.
Further non-negotiable criteria:
- Learners, or unemployed youth between the ages of 16 and 30 years, who want to complete a recognised undergraduate, or other qualification, through a recognised South African institution (overseas and post-graduate study is not negotiable)
- The bursary is only awarded to South African citizens with a valid South African ID number
- Bursary applicants must already have applied for study at the accredited institution and provide proof thereof, on application
- The bursary applicant is not permitted to change the area of specialisation on which basis the bursary was applied for, based on the acceptance letter from the institution
- The applicant should demonstrate good academic, leadership and empathetic ability, with high values and developmental communication skills.
How does a student apply?
Prospective bursars must apply through the link on our website here and apply via the EasyBurse link here before the closing date of 31 October 2019, prior to the year of intended study. All applications for 2020 study are to be submitted online. No other application avenues will be considered. Where can prospective students find out more about the bursary programme? Information on the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary Programme can be accessed from here
What are the study priority areas?
CRET bursary applicants may apply to study any entry level/first time study module/undergraduate qualification of their choice provided that the duration of studies is no longer than 5 years and the institution is accredited by the relevant Higher Education authority.
Is the bursary only offered to first year students?
Students in any year of study are eligible to apply, as long as the applicant does not already hold a higher education qualification and is not applying for post graduate studies.
Are students studying towards a certificate qualification eligible?
All application for skills development programmes will be considered, dependant on the requirements and decision outcomes by the Bursary Selection Committee.
Are distance education and part-time students eligible for a bursary?
Yes, provided they are eligible in all other respects.
Are recipients of other bursaries eligible to apply for a CRET bursary?
If an applicant has already been granted a bursary, the CRET programme may consider their application based on additional need. However, any bursary applicant to the CRET Programme is encouraged to have proven application for other bursary opportunities, including NSFAS.
Will late applications be considered?
No. Applications close on 31 October 2019 so please apply before the deadline.
How much is a CRET bursary worth?
Institutions have different cost structures, so the total value of a bursary differs from institution to institution. CRET bursaries are personalised to cover the successful recipient’s essential expenses., based on an individual estimation and needs requirement.
What does the bursary cover?
Expenses covered are dependent on need, but may include tuition, books and other learning materials, accommodation expenses and meals, and where motivated, a small stipend for living expenses, dependent on other expenses The allocation to any individual student is capped at a specific value which is discussed with the student prior to signing of a Bursary Agreement. This agreement is binding for one year.
Is a CRET bursary recipient required to serve at the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, or its partner entities, upon completion of qualification?
Students are not obligated to work for the Foundation upon the completion of their qualification and employment opportunities are not guaranteed by the Trust.
Must a CRET bursary be repaid?
No, the CRET bursary does not legally obligate bursary recipients to repay the funds invested into their studies upon completion of their desired qualification or failure to complete their studies. A bursary is allocated on a completion date basis, but is renewable each year, dependant on academic results, commitment to the programme, communication policies, and other criteria which is shared on the successful signing of a bursary contract.
Are foreign students eligible for a CRET bursary?
No, the CRET bursary is only awarded to South African students residing and studying in accredited South African institutions. Study abroad or post graduate study is also not considered.
Closing Date: 31 August 2019
