The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme was established by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation to provide financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic results but lack the means to further their studies.
The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of South African youth through education and enterprise development. The Foundation’s history dates back to 1996 when President Cyril Ramaphosa began offering bursaries to disadvantaged students using funds from his public speaking engagements. The CRET was officially formed in 2000 to continue this mission.
About the CRET Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) invites students to apply for their bursary support programme for the 2025 academic year. Bursaries are available for undergraduate studies in the following fields:
- Commerce and Finance
- Education
- Engineering
- Sciences (excluding MBChB)
- Technology
- Scarce or critical skills training (including Boiler Making, Welding, Plumbing, OHS, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Green Technology, Entrepreneurship, etc.)
The CRET bursary aims to support students who may be overlooked by other bursary programmes. The programme considers the holistic needs of candidates, their potential, and their ability to become future leaders with the right support, nurturing, and mentoring.
More About the CRET Bursary Programme – Expenses Covered & Selection
The bursary covers:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and other study materials
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Monthly living allowance
- Transport (if required)
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback, please consider your application unsuccessful. Candidates will need to participate in a formal assessment process, which may include psychometric evaluations and formal interviews.
Eligibility Requirements for the CRET Bursary
To apply, you must meet these criteria:
- Be a South African citizen
- Have a valid South African ID number
- Be between 16 and 27 years old
- Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Be studying or planning to study towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields
- Be studying or have applied/registered at a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology, TVET College, or other recognized learning institution)
- Be in financial need, with a total household income of no more than R650,000 per annum
How to Apply for the CRET Bursary
Submit your application online at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=TdcE1u0DLUi-QUANBGydH_z8ZB69ab1Jt95ifofBjxNUQU9BOEI2WVNHWUI3VFExMUtVRUQ4UUYxSy4u
Enter “busa.hlayiso.com” when asked how you heard about the CRET bursary.
Shortlisted candidates will need to submit clear copies of the following documents, so please have them ready:
- ID Document (certified copy)
- Most recent academic record (certified copy)
- Proof of tertiary acceptance for 2025 (on institution’s letterhead)
- Motivational letter supporting your application
- Proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income (latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, proof of pension or grant if applicable)
- Proof of home address
- Proof of undertaking a psychometric test (supporting your chosen field of study) – applicants may download and complete a free psychometric evaluation test and submit their results with their supporting documents
Closing Date
13 December 2024 – make sure to apply before this date to be considered.
Contact the Bursary Provider
For any queries related to this bursary programme, contact the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) directly:
- Tel: 011 592 6560
- Email: [email protected]