Compensation Fund Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Compensation Fund Bursary Application for 2026/2027. Are you a South African student eager to pursue your studies in the medical, healthcare, or related fields but need financial assistance? The Compensation Fund Bursary for 2026/2027 is a valuable funding opportunity aimed at empowering deserving students to further their education while contributing to the country’s healthcare and occupational safety sectors. Managed by the Department of Employment and Labour, the Compensation Fund supports the development of critical skills that are essential for improving the well-being and rehabilitation of injured or ill workers.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover all the essential details about the Compensation Fund bursary — including eligibility criteria, approved fields of study, benefits, and the full application process. Whether you aspire to become a doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse, or other healthcare professional, this bursary can help you achieve your academic and career goals.

In addition, satrends.co.za offers a wide range of other bursary categories to suit your preference. Click on the links below to access other kinds of bursaries.

Universities in South Africa Bursaries Available for 2026

Government Departments Bursaries Available for 2026

Field of Studies Specified Bursaries Available for 2026

Keep reading for answers to question like Compensation Fund bursary 2026, Compensation Fund scholarship South Africa, healthcare bursaries 2026, medical bursaries South Africa, Department of Employment and Labour bursary, occupational therapy bursary, nursing bursary South Africa.

About Compensation Fund

The Compensation Fund, part of South Africa’s Department of Labour, supports workers who are injured, disabled, or fall ill because of their work, as well as families of employees who die from work-related causes.

It provides financial compensation to permanent employees, casual workers, apprentices, and trainees who lose income due to occupational injuries or diseases.

About Compensation Fund Bursary Programme – 2026/2027

Fields Covered

The Compensation Fund Bursary Scheme is open for applications for the 2026 academic year.

Bursaries are available for two groups:

Group 1: Unemployed COID beneficiaries with a permanent disability caused by occupational injuries or diseases. Funding will be for programmes that help them return to work or start their own business.

Group 2: Dependants (aged 17–35) of COID beneficiaries with a permanent disability or of employees who died from work-related causes. Funding is available for a wide range of study fields, including but not limited to:

Accounting Science
Actuarial Science
Agriculture
Architecture
Aviation / Aeronautical Engineering
Culinary Arts
Data Science
Engineering (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Production, etc.)
Environmental Health
Graphic & Digital Design / Marketing / Animation / Film Production
Health & Clinical Science
IT & Computer Science (AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Robotics, etc.)
Mathematics & Statistics
Risk & Forensic Science
Teaching (Maths, Science, ICT, Early Childhood Development)
Apprenticeship programmes (for candidates who left school after Grade 9 with a GEC)

Bursary Benefits, Renewal & Selection

The bursary covers:

Tuition fees
Prescribed study materials
Accommodation
Monthly stipend

Bursaries are awarded for one year at a time and can be renewed for the duration of the qualification, depending on academic performance and available funding.

If you do not hear back within two months of the closing date, your application was unsuccessful.

Eligibility Requirements for Compensation Fund Bursary Application 2026/2027

Group 1 Applicants:

South African citizen
Currently unemployed and of working age
COID beneficiary with permanent disability due to occupational injury/disease
Accepted into a recognised TVET College, CET College, or Higher Education Institution
Studying or planning to study in an approved field
Aiming to return to work or start a business

Group 2 Applicants:

South African citizen aged 17–35
Dependant of a permanently disabled COID beneficiary or a deceased employee from a work-related incident
Accepted into a recognised TVET College, CET College, or Higher Education Institution
Studying or planning to study in an approved field (other qualifications may be considered)

How to Apply for Compensation Fund Bursary 2026/2027

Download and complete the Compensation Fund Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf). Click here to download.
Prepare certified copies of all required documents for your group (ID, proof of COID status, academic records, acceptance letter, fee quotations, proof of residence, proof of disability/income where applicable).
Submit your application in one of these ways:

Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za

Use the subject line: “COID Bursary 2026”

Hand Delivery:

Compensation Fund Head Building
167 Thabo Sehume & Madiba Street
Delta Heights Building
Pretoria, 0002

Post / Courier:

The Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Employment and Labour – Compensation Fund
Private Bag X955
Pretoria, 0001

Closing Date for Compensation Fund Bursary Application 2026/2027

31 March

Late applications will not be considered.

Contact Details of Compensation Fund

Tel: 012 319 9264 / 012 319 5774 / 012 319 9124

Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za