Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Application for 2026/2027. Are you a hardworking and ambitious South African student from an underprivileged background looking for financial support to pursue your tertiary education? The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme 2026/2027 is a powerful opportunity that aims to transform lives by supporting deserving students through comprehensive funding and personal development. Founded by President Cyril Ramaphosa, CRET is committed to creating access to quality education for students who demonstrate academic potential, leadership qualities, and a passion for change.

Unlike traditional bursaries, the CRET bursary provides holistic support that goes beyond tuition fees. It includes funding for registration, tuition, books, accommodation, meals, and living expenses, along with structured mentorship, career guidance, and skills development. The programme is open to students pursuing any field of study at a recognised South African public tertiary institution, making it ideal for learners with diverse academic interests.

In this article, you’ll find all the important information about the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Application for 2026/2027, including eligibility criteria, benefits, required documents, application steps, and the closing date. Whether you’re a matriculant preparing for university or a current student facing financial hardship, this bursary could be the opportunity you need to achieve your dreams and make a lasting impact in your community.

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 to explore answers to question like “How to apply for the CRET bursary 2026/2027,” “CRET bursary eligibility and requirements,” and “bursaries for disadvantaged students in South Africa.”

About Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET)

The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is a bursary programme established by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to uplifting the lives of South African youth through education and enterprise development.

The Foundation’s journey began in 1996, when President Cyril Ramaphosa started funding university studies for disadvantaged students using earnings from his public speaking. This initiative led to the formal creation of the CRET programme in 2000, with the goal of supporting academically strong students from financially challenged backgrounds, especially those who may not qualify for other bursaries.

About Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme – Fields of Study

CRET is now accepting applications for the 2026/2027 academic year. The bursary is open to students pursuing undergraduate qualifications in the following fields:

Commerce and Finance
Education
Engineering
Sciences (excluding MBChB/Medicine)
Technology
Scarce or critical skills training, such as:
- Boilermaking
- Welding
- Plumbing
- Occupational Health & Safety (OHS)
- Renewable Energy
- Waste Management
- Green Technology
- Entrepreneurship

CRET’s approach goes beyond academics, it considers the potential and personal circumstances of each applicant. The programme aims to nurture future leaders by supporting students who may be overlooked by traditional bursaries.

What Bursary Covers

The CRET bursary is comprehensive and may cover:

Full tuition fees
Textbooks and study materials
Accommodation
Meals
Monthly living allowance
Transport (if necessary)

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback, your application was unfortunately not successful.

Shortlisted applicants will undergo an assessment process, which may include a psychometric test and a formal interview.

Eligibility Requirements for Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Application 2026/2027

To apply for the CRET bursary, you must meet the following minimum criteria:

Be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID
Be between 16 and 27 years old
Be in Matric or have already completed Matric
Be studying or planning to study full-time toward an undergraduate qualification in one of the approved fields
Be accepted or registered at a recognised tertiary institution (University, University of Technology, TVET College, etc.)
Be financially in need, with a total household income not exceeding R650,000 per year

How to Apply for Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary 2026/2027

Applications must be submitted online via the CRET website: Click here to access Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursaries Application 2026

Required Supporting Document(for shortlisted applicants)

Make sure you have the following certified documents ready:

South African ID document
Most recent academic record
Proof of tertiary acceptance for 2026 (on the institution’s letterhead)
Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
Proof of household income (latest payslips, affidavit, grant/pension proof)
Proof of home address
Psychometric test results (you may complete a free online test that aligns with your study field)

All documents are compulsory. Incomplete applications may be disqualified.

Closing Date of Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Application 2026/2027

The deadline for the bursary application is 13 December

No late applications will be accepted. Be sure to apply before the deadline.

Contact Details of Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET)

If you have questions or need help with your application, contact the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET):

Tel: 011 592 6560
Email: info@cyrilramaphosa.org