The South Deep Education Trust (SDET) is inviting eligible students to apply for its 2027 Undergraduate Bursary Programme. The bursary supports qualifying Grade 12 learners and current university or TVET college students from communities associated with South Deep Mine.
The programme aims to help students access higher education by providing financial assistance for tuition, accommodation, textbooks and other essential study expenses.
Closing date: 6 November 2026
Applications are limited, and qualifying applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Read the eligibility requirements carefully before submitting your application.
South Deep Education Trust Bursary 2027: Quick Overview
Bursary provider: South Deep Education Trust (SDET)
Academic year: 2027
Study level: Undergraduate
Eligible applicants: Grade 12 learners and current tertiary students who meet the criteria
Fields of study: Diploma or degree programmes in technical and non-technical fields
Household income limit: R350,000 per year
Funding: Tuition, accommodation, textbooks, laptop allowance, monthly stipend and additional student support
Closing date: 6 November 2026
Application method: Online
About the South Deep Education Trust Bursary
The South Deep Education Trust introduced its bursary programme to help eligible students from South Deep Mine’s host communities and surrounding areas pursue tertiary education.
The programme supports students who demonstrate academic potential and financial need. In addition to financial assistance, successful applicants may receive mentorship, tutoring and personal development support.
The bursary is administered through Tshikululu Social Investments, which provides the official application process.
Fields of Study Covered
The SDET Bursary Programme supports eligible applicants pursuing a diploma or degree in any technical or non-technical field, subject to the programme’s requirements.
Applicants should confirm that their intended qualification and institution meet the requirements in the official 2027 application guide.
What Does the SDET Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants may receive funding for the following expenses:
Full tuition fees.
On-campus or off-campus accommodation.
Textbooks and prescribed study materials.
A laptop allowance.
A monthly stipend for 10 months.
Equipment for certain specialised qualifications, considered on a case-by-case basis.
Personal development support, mentorship and additional tutoring, where approved.
Bursary recipients are also encouraged and supported to complete one week of vacation work or community volunteering each year.
Important: Students who fail individual modules may be responsible for paying the costs of repeating those modules themselves.
South Deep Education Trust Bursary Requirements
Applicants must meet the applicable eligibility criteria to be considered.
General requirements
Applicants must:
Meet the programme’s community eligibility requirements.
Come from a household with a total annual income of R350,000 or less.
Intend to study, or already be studying, towards a diploma or degree at a South African public university or public TVET college.
Not be dependants of employees of Gold Fields, its divisions or associated companies, or dependants of trustees of the South Deep Education and Community Trusts.
Meet the applicable academic requirements.
Meet the programme’s funding conditions, including restrictions on receiving other bursaries or tertiary funding where applicable.
Eligible communities
The 2027 programme information identifies South Deep Mine’s host communities and surrounding areas, including:
Westonaria
Bekkersdal
Simunye
Poortjie
Borwa
Hillshaven
Zuurbekom
Applicants should consult the official application guide to confirm whether their residence qualifies.
Requirements for Grade 12 learners
Applicants currently in Grade 12 should:
Achieve a minimum overall average of 75% in the National Senior Certificate, excluding Life Orientation.
Obtain provisional acceptance for first-year diploma or degree studies at a South African public university or public TVET college.
Meet the household-income and community requirements.
Have no existing bursary, scholarship or other funding assistance for their tertiary studies.
Requirements for current tertiary students
First-time applicants who are already studying at a university or TVET college should have achieved a minimum 65% average in their most recent year of study.
Returning SDET bursary applicants must have passed their most recent year of study with an average of at least 50%, subject to the programme rules.
Students who fail a module may need to cover the cost of repeating it themselves.
Documents Required for the SDET Bursary Application
Prepare the supporting documents required by the official application guide. These may include:
Certified copy of your South African ID, certified within the previous three months.
Proof of residence dated within the previous three months.
Recent bank confirmation letter.
Latest Grade 12 results or Matric certificate, where applicable.
Official academic record for students already studying.
University or TVET college acceptance letter or proof of registration, as applicable.
Certified copies of parents’ or guardians’ identity documents.
Parents’ or guardians’ proof of income, pension or social grant; an affidavit may be required if there is no proof of income.
Tuition fee and/or accommodation estimate.
Check the official guide for the exact documents applicable to your circumstances. Missing documents or late applications may result in disqualification.
How to Apply for the South Deep Education Trust Bursary 2027
Applications are submitted online through the official Tshikululu Social Investments application platform.
Follow these steps:
Visit the official SDET bursary announcement using the link below.
Read the 2027 application guide carefully.
Register or log in to the application platform.
Find the South Deep Trusts section and select the Bursary Programme, then Undergraduate.
Complete the application form with accurate information.
Upload all required supporting documents.
Review your application and submit it before the closing date.
Official application information:
https://www.tshikululu.org.za/application/call-for-applications-south-deep-education-trust-undergraduate-bursaries-2027/
SDET Bursary 2027 Closing Date
The reported closing date for the South Deep Education Trust Undergraduate Bursary Programme is 6 November 2026.
Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible because the number of bursaries is limited. Confirm the deadline and application instructions on the official Tshikululu website before submitting.
Late or incomplete applications may not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the South Deep Education Trust Bursary open for 2027?
Yes. The 2027 undergraduate bursary programme is advertised as open for applications, with a reported closing date of 6 November 2026.
2. Who can apply for the SDET Bursary?
Eligible Grade 12 learners and current university or TVET college students from qualifying South Deep Mine host communities and surrounding areas may apply, provided they meet the academic, household-income and other programme requirements.
3. What is the household income limit?
The total annual household income must be R350,000 or less.
4. Does the bursary cover accommodation?
Yes. The programme may cover on-campus or off-campus accommodation, along with tuition, textbooks, a laptop allowance and a monthly stipend.
5. Which courses are funded?
The programme supports diploma and degree studies in technical and non-technical fields, subject to the official eligibility requirements.
6. Can students who already receive another bursary apply?
The programme has restrictions on other tertiary funding. Grade 12 applicants must meet the stated requirement of having no existing bursary, scholarship or other tertiary funding. Current students should check the official guide for the conditions that apply to them.
7. Where can I apply?
Apply through the official South Deep Education Trust bursary announcement on the Tshikululu Social Investments website.
Final Reminder
The South Deep Education Trust Bursary 2027 may provide valuable financial support to eligible students who need assistance with tertiary education. Before applying, confirm that you meet the community, household-income and academic requirements and prepare all the necessary documents.
Explore more funding opportunities on the NextStepZA Bursaries page:
https://nextstepza.co.za/bursaries/