Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student facing financial constraints but determined to pursue tertiary education? The Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary Programme 2026/2027 offers vital financial support to academically deserving students who need assistance to further their studies at a recognised South African institution. Established through the Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust, the bursary reflects a long-standing commitment to promoting education, empowerment, and equal access to learning opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary is designed to help cover essential study-related expenses, which may include tuition fees and other approved academic costs. While the bursary does not aim to fund luxury expenses, it plays a critical role in easing the financial burden on students and their families, enabling recipients to focus fully on their academic goals. The Trust typically prioritises students who demonstrate financial need, sound academic performance, and a strong commitment to completing their qualifications.

This bursary is open to students across a wide range of fields of study, making it an excellent opportunity for learners pursuing careers in education, health sciences, social sciences, commerce, science, engineering, and other recognised disciplines. Preference is often given to students who have exhausted other funding options and can show that bursary support will make a meaningful difference in their ability to continue studying.

By applying for the Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just financial assistance, they gain the opportunity to secure their academic future and move one step closer to meaningful employment and long-term socioeconomic stability.

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 find out more about the eligibility criteria, fields of study supported, application process, and closing date for the Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary Application 2026/2027.

About Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust

The Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust was established in 1981 by Ethel Eriksen, who donated funds to support postgraduate university education. Since its inception, the Trust has helped numerous South African students over more than two decades by providing financial assistance for Master’s and Doctoral qualifications.

The Trust’s mission is to empower talented students to pursue advanced studies and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s academic, professional, and social development.

About Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Bursary Programme 2026/2027

The Trust invites eligible students to apply for its 2026 academic year bursary programme.

Fields of Study Covered

All fields of study are eligible
Funding is available for:
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral (PhD) degrees

This makes the bursary particularly attractive to students across diverse academic disciplines.

Bursary Coverage Value and Selection Process

Bursary Value

The Trust awards partial bursaries
Maximum value: R20 000 per annum
Funds are paid directly to the university
Bursaries are awarded for one academic year only
Successful applicants must reapply each year if continued funding is required

Applicants must be able to cover the remaining study costs through personal means or additional funding.

Selection Process

The selection process follows these steps:

All applications are screened for completeness
(Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified)
Valid applications are reviewed by the Board of Trustees
Applicants are notified of the outcome by end of December 2026

Eligibility Requirements for Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Must be a South African citizen
Must have completed an Honours degree
Must be studying or intending to study towards a Master’s or Doctoral qualification
Must be registered or accepted at a recognised university in South Africa
Must have a strong academic record
Must be able to fund the shortfall not covered by the bursary

Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in the application not being considered.

How to Apply for Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Applications must be submitted online via the official bursary platform: Click here to access the Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary online Application portal 2026.

Applicants are required to register an account before logging in and completing the application.

Applicants will be required to Register an Account before they can Login and apply.

Important Application Notes

The application consists of 6 steps
You may save and return to your application at any time
Applications must be submitted before the closing date
Once submitted, no changes can be made
Supported browsers include:
- Internet Explorer 9 or higher
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants must upload clear copies of the following documents (mandatory):

Certified copy of South African ID
Certified copy of latest academic results
Proof of university application (if not yet accepted)
Proof of university acceptance (if accepted)
Breakdown of estimated income and expenditure
Total amount of funding requested

Required Essays (Maximum 1 000 Words Each)

Applicants must submit the following essays:

Personal background essay
(Family, circumstances, personality, strengths and weaknesses, passions)
Academic and personal achievements essay
(Post-Matric achievements, leadership roles, community involvement, and field of study motivation)
Future study plans and career goals
Vision for South Africa over the next decade

References

Two academic references, completed on the official EE Trust Reference Form (PDF)

Incomplete submissions may result in disqualification.

Closing Date for Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Application Deadline: 30 September

Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.

Contact the Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust

For bursary-related enquiries, contact the Trust directly:

Email: eeetrust@eject.co.za

Contact Page: Ernst & Ethel Eriksen Trust – Contact Them