DEC Trust is committed to advancing disability inclusion, education, skills development, and economic empowerment in South Africa.
This bursary provides financial assistance exclusively to South African students with disabilities who are studying in scarce and critical skills fields aligned with national priority lists.
About the Bursary
The DEC Trust Bursary aims to:
- Increase participation of persons with disabilities in high-demand occupations
- Support students in completing qualifications in critical sectors
- Remove financial barriers to higher education
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must be a person with a disability (medical proof required)
- Must be accepted at a public university in South Africa
- Must study in an approved scarce/critical skills field
- Must not receive another bursary for the same period
- No age restriction
Requirements by Study Level
Grade 12 Applicants
- Valid South African ID
- Latest Grade 11 results
- Current Grade 12 results
- Minimum 65% average
Current University Students
- Valid South African ID
- Minimum 65% academic average
- Full academic record (including latest results)
Approved Fields of Study
The bursary supports qualifications in the following areas:
IT & Digital Technologies
- Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science & Analytics
- Information Systems
- Computer Engineering
Engineering
- Civil, Electrical, Mechanical
- Mining, Chemical
- Engineering Technology
Health Sciences
- Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy
- Medical Sciences
- Allied Health & Rehabilitation
Finance & Business
- Accounting, Finance
- Actuarial Science
- FinTech
- Marketing
- Business Management
- Sales Management
Environment & Sustainability
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Science & Management
- Sustainability Studies
Education
- Teaching (STEM subjects)
Technical & Vocational
- Artisan trades
- Electrical & Mechanical trades
- Welding, Plumbing
Other qualifications aligned with South Africa’s critical skills lists may also be considered.
Bursary Value
The bursary may cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation (residence/private)
- Textbooks & stationery
- Living allowance
- Laptop
- Assistive devices & disability-related support
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Disability status and support needs
- University admission
- Academic performance
- Field of study (must be approved)
- Commitment to completing studies
- Availability of funding
How to Apply
- Apply via the Study Trust online platform
- Submit required documents:
- Certified ID copy
- Proof of disability
- Proof of university admission
- Academic results
Closing Date
- Applications open: 01 June
- Applications close: 30 September
Important Notes
- Read all instructions carefully before applying
- Incomplete applications may not be considered
- Fields of study may be updated based on national priorities