South Deep Education Trust (SDET) Bursary 2027

Closing Date6 November 2026
Bursary ProviderSouth Deep Education Trust (SDET)
Bursary Programme Full NameSouth Deep Education Trust Undergraduate Bursary Programme
Study LevelGrade 12 learners entering tertiary study and current university or TVET college students
Academic Year2027

WHAT FIELDS OF STUDY DOES THE SOUTH DEEP EDUCATION TRUST BURSARY COVER?

The South Deep Education Trust (SDET) Bursary supports undergraduate studies in any technical or non-technical field. Applicants can pursue a diploma or degree at a public university or public TVET college in South Africa.

The programme is available to qualifying Grade 12 learners who have provisional acceptance for their first year of tertiary study, as well as students who are already studying at a university or TVET college.

The bursary is intended for eligible learners and students from South Deep Mine’s host communities and surrounding areas. These include Westonaria, Bekkersdal, Simunye, Poortjie, Borwa, Hillshaven and Zuurbekom.

For the 2027 academic year, the programme considers both technical and non-technical qualifications. It is therefore not restricted to mining, engineering or other mining-related courses.

Similar Bursaries:

WHAT ARE THE SOUTH DEEP EDUCATION TRUST BURSARY REQUIREMENTS?

Applicants must meet the following general eligibility requirements:

  • Come from a low-income household with a total annual household income of R350,000 or less.
  • Reside in the South Deep Mine host community or surrounding areas, including Westonaria, Bekkersdal, Simunye, Poortjie, Borwa, Hillshaven or Zuurbekom.
  • Not be a dependant of an employee of Gold Fields, any of its divisions or associated companies, or a trustee of the South Deep Education and Community Trusts.

Applicants must also meet the academic requirements for their respective study categories.

Grade 12 Applicants

Grade 12 applicants must:

  • Achieve an average pass mark of at least 75% in the National Senior Certificate, excluding Life Orientation.
  • Have provisional acceptance for first-year study towards a diploma or degree.
  • Choose a technical or non-technical qualification at a public university or public TVET college in South Africa.
  • Not have an existing bursary, scholarship or other form of funding assistance for their tertiary studies.

Current University and TVET College Students

Students who are already studying at a university or TVET college are considered under two categories:

  • First-time applicants: Must have achieved an average pass mark of at least 65% in their most recent year of study.
  • Returning SDET bursary applicants: Must have passed their most recent year of study with an average pass mark of at least 50%.

The Trust does not cover the cost of repeating a failed module. Students who fail a module must pay the cost of repeating that module themselves, even if they meet the applicable average-mark requirement.

WHAT DOES THE SOUTH DEEP EDUCATION TRUST BURSARY COVER?

The South Deep Education Trust Bursary provides financial and personal development support to successful applicants. The funding covers:

  • Full tuition
  • Accommodation
  • Textbooks
  • Equipment
  • Laptop allowance
  • Monthly stipend
  • Personal development

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SOUTH DEEP EDUCATION TRUST BURSARY?

Applications are submitted online through the South Deep Education Trust Bursary Application 2027 official page.

Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Visit the official page.
  2. Register for an account or log in if you already have one.
  3. Scroll to the South Deep logo and select the Start Application button.
  4. Under the Category dropdown, select South Deep Trusts → Bursary Programme → Undergraduate.
  5. Complete the relevant application and provide the requested information.
  6. Upload the required supporting documents and submit your application.

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE SOUTH DEEP EDUCATION TRUST BURSARY?

  • Certified copy of the applicant’s ID, with certification dated within the last three months.
  • Proof of address not older than three months, such as a bank letter, utility bill or letter from the tribunal office.
  • Bank confirmation letter issued within the last three months.
  • Acceptance letter from a tertiary institution.
  • Official stamped or certified copy of academic results showing the applicant’s personal details and the school or institution attended.
  • Certified copies of the parents’ or guardians’ IDs, not older than three months.
  • Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income, pension or social grant receipt. If there is no proof of income, an affidavit explaining this must be provided.
  • Tuition fee and/or accommodation estimation document.

WHEN IS THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE SOUTH DEEP EDUCATION TRUST BURSARY?

Applications are now closed for 2027 intake. They closed on 6 November 2026.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE SOUTH DEEP EDUCATION TRUST ABOUT THE BURSARY?

For enquiries about the South Deep Education Trust Bursary Programme, applicants can contact the South Deep Education Administration through Tshikululu Social Investments:

Email: southdeepeducation@tshikululu.org.za

Telephone: 011 544 0300 (press 1 for the Administration team).

Application platform: Tshikululu Grant Platform

ABOUT THE SOUTH DEEP EDUCATION TRUST

The South Deep Education Trust (SDET) is an education-focused trust established to support learners and students from communities associated with South Deep Mine. Its bursary programme was introduced in 2015 to help Grade 12 learners and current tertiary students from the mine’s host communities access further education.

Tshikululu Social Investments administers the bursary application process. Through the programme, the Trust provides financial assistance and additional development support to eligible students pursuing technical and non-technical qualifications at public tertiary institutions.