Paying for university or college is one of the biggest worries for many families in the Northern Cape and parts of Limpopo. The SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) 2027 bursary programme is built to ease that worry for students from its beneficiary communities. This guide explains everything you need to know before you apply, in plain language.
Direct Application Link
Apply online (preferred method): https://duxpd.co.za/sioc-cdt-online-bursary-application-form/
The official form says online applications are preferred and encouraged. Only use the link above, and never pay anyone to apply for you.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) |
| Academic year | 2027 |
| Type | Post-matric bursary (undergraduate and postgraduate) |
| Closing date | Monday, 30 November 2026 at 12:00 (midday) |
| Communities | Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane, Thabazimbi |
| Maximum age | 35 years by the closing date |
| Academic requirement | NSC average of 65% or higher |
| Household income limit | R600,000 combined gross income per year |
| Application methods | Online or manual (hand delivery) |
What Is SIOC-CDT?
SIOC-CDT supports the communities linked to its beneficiary areas. Its bursary programme helps learners and students from these places study further and prepare for a sustainable livelihood. The idea is simple: if local young people qualify in useful fields, whole communities benefit.
Who Can Apply?
You must meet all of the following:
- You live in, or come from, one of the five beneficiary communities: Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana, Joe Morolong, Tsantsabane or Thabazimbi.
- You are not older than 35 by the closing date.
- You have been accepted, or provisionally accepted, at a relevant public higher education institution for 2027.
- You need financial help to study.
- Your household’s combined gross annual income is R600,000 or less.
- You achieved an NSC average of 65% or above.
People with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply.
Important: Good marks alone are not enough. If you do not live in or come from a listed community, you do not qualify, however strong your results are.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
Successful applicants can receive support for:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Prescribed study material
- A laptop (a once-off donation)
- A monthly stipend
- Assistive devices for students with disabilities
The exact stipend amount and payment rules will be set out in your bursary agreement if you are selected. Read it carefully before you sign.
Priority Fields of Study
SIOC-CDT gives priority to certain fields. Check whether your course fits one of these:
- Agriculture: Veterinary science, livestock product analysis, environmental officer, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, food technology
- Health sciences: MBChB, pharmacy, dentistry, advanced EMS, nursing, medical laboratory sciences, biochemistry
- Education: BEd FET Mathematics, Physical Science, Natural Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Foundation Phase, Language, Special Needs
- Law: LLB
- Tourism: Hospitality management, arts and culture heritage, eco-tourism management
- Business and economics: Accounting, economics, auditing and tax, actuarial science, statistics and mathematics, project management
- Engineering and sciences: Quantity surveying, civil engineering, architecture, geology, electrical engineering, town planning, environmental health
- Information technology: Computer science and communication, software development, data science and analytics, web design and development
Documents You Need
Gather these early. Some take days to arrange.
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- A certified copy of your latest matric results. If you are in second year or higher, include your latest academic results instead.
- A certified copy of your final NSC results if you finished matric before 2026
- Proof of acceptance or provisional acceptance at a public university or TVET college, or proof that you have applied
- Proof of residence that is no older than three months
- Proof of income for your parent(s) or guardian(s), such as recent payslips. If they are unemployed, a sworn affidavit declaring this.
- A SASSA grant certificate, if it applies to you
- Your last three months of bank statements
- A medical certificate confirming your disability, if it applies to you
How to Apply
Option 1: Online
- Gather and scan your documents first.
- Open the form: https://duxpd.co.za/sioc-cdt-online-bursary-application-form/
- Fill in every section carefully and truthfully.
- Upload your documents and submit before the deadline.
Option 2: Manual
Download the official form here: https://www.edupstairs.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SIOC-CDT_Bursary-application-form_2027-FINAL_10.09.2026-002.pdf
Complete it legibly and in full. The form warns that incomplete or unreadable applications may not be considered. Delivery is your responsibility, so make sure it arrives by the closing time. Hand deliver it to one of these offices:
- Kathu: SIOC-CDT Office Park, Block A, Ground Floor, corner of Hendrick Van Eck and Ian Flemming Road, Kathu, 8446
- Thabazimbi: SIOC-CDT Thabazimbi Business Hub, 11 Jourdain Street, Mollies Building, Thabazimbi, 0380
Key Dates
- 30 November 2026, 12:00: Applications close.
- 14 January 2027: The form notes that final results must be submitted by this date. Check your form for the exact wording.
Some third-party websites list a different closing date. Go by the official form and advertisement: 30 November 2026 at midday.
What Happens After You Apply?
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted for an interview. Applying, being shortlisted, being interviewed or being provisionally selected does not guarantee a bursary. Keep your phone on and your contact details correct.
Tips for a Stronger Application
- Start now. Certified copies and proof of residence take time.
- Check your area first. Confirm your community is on the list.
- Match your course to the priority list. It improves your fit with the programme.
- Answer honestly. The form asks about relationships with SIOC-CDT or DUX staff and about other SIOC-CDT programmes you have benefited from. Be truthful.
- Check every page. Missing signatures or documents are a common reason for rejection.
- Submit early. Do not wait for the last day, when websites can be slow.
- Apply to other bursaries too. One application is never a safe plan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying from outside the five communities
- Using documents older than three months for proof of residence
- Forgetting parent or guardian income proof
- Handwriting that cannot be read on a manual form
- Missing the midday cut-off
- Paying a “agent” who promises a guaranteed bursary. This is a scam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can postgraduate students apply?
Yes. The programme covers undergraduate and postgraduate study, if you meet the other requirements.
Can I apply if I am studying at a TVET college?
The documents list includes proof of acceptance at a university or TVET college. Check the form and advertisement for details on your programme.
What if my household earns more than R600,000?
You would not meet the income requirement.
Do I need to be accepted before applying?
You need acceptance or provisional acceptance, or proof that you have applied.
Is there an application fee?
None is mentioned in the official material. Never pay anyone to apply.
Final Word
The SIOC-CDT bursary offers real help: fees, accommodation, books, a laptop and a monthly stipend. If you come from one of the five communities and study a priority field, start your documents today and apply before 30 November 2026 at 12:00.
Apply here: https://duxpd.co.za/sioc-cdt-online-bursary-application-form/
Disclaimer: This article is a guide, not an official SIOC-CDT publication. It is based on the official 2027 application form and advertisement as reported on 8 October 2026. Always confirm details with SIOC-CDT before applying.
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