JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Application for 2026/2027

JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Application for 2026/2027

Detailed guide on JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Application 2026/2027. Are you a South African student seeking financial support to pursue your academic goals but facing economic challenges? The JB Marks Education Trust Fund (JBMETF) Bursary Programme for the 2026/2027 academic year is now open, offering funding to deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to study at recognised tertiary institutions. Established in honour of struggle icon JB Marks, the Trust is committed to advancing access to quality education and skills development, particularly for historically marginalised communities in South Africa.

The JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary provides financial assistance that may cover tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other essential study-related costs, depending on available funding and individual needs. Beyond financial aid, the Trust aims to empower students through education, enabling them to become skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to social and economic development within their communities and the country at large.

By applying for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary 2026/2027, students gain more than just funding, they gain an opportunity to transform their lives through education and become agents of change aligned with the values of social justice, equality, and empowerment.

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, supported fields of study, application process, and closing date for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Programme 2026/2027.

About JB Marks Education Trust Fund

The JB Marks Education Trust Fund was established in 1997 by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in response to the growing need for educational empowerment among mineworkers and their families. The Trust focuses on funding NUM members and their dependents who are studying towards qualifications that contribute to South Africa’s critical economic sectors, particularly construction, mining, and energy.

The Trust is named after John Beaver Marks, a renowned South African activist and leader who strongly believed that education was a key tool for worker empowerment and emancipation. Since its inception, the JB Marks Education Trust Fund has funded over 1,000 bursars and awarded more than R280 million to over 2,000 beneficiaries, making it one of the most impactful education funding initiatives linked to organised labour in South Africa.

Most of the Trust’s funding is sourced from the Mineworkers Investment Trust (MIT) through dividends received from the Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC), ensuring sustainable long-term support for students.

About the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Programme

Fields Covered

In partnership with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), the JB Marks Education Trust Fund invites eligible students to apply for bursary funding for the 2026 academic year.

The bursary is strictly awarded to:

• NUM members, and
• Dependents of NUM members, including children and spouses.

Each year, the Trust awards bursaries for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. On average:

• Around 200 undergraduate bursaries are awarded annually, and
• Approximately 50 postgraduate bursaries are granted each year.

This funding supports studies at recognised public tertiary institutions and prioritises qualifications aligned with the Trust’s mandate.

Coverage Value and Selection Process

The value of the bursary is not fixed and is determined by two main factors:

1. Availability of funds, and
2. The student’s chosen field of study.

Successful applicants will be notified through an official acceptance letter, delivered via email, post, or physical delivery, and results will also be communicated to NUM national branches.

Applicants who do not receive any correspondence by 31 January 2026, and whose names do not appear on the NUM regional lists, should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Terms and Conditions

Before applying, applicants should carefully note the following bursary terms and conditions:

• The bursary cannot be used to settle existing study loans or debts.
• Students who drop out within the first six months of study will be required to repay the bursary.
• If a student changes their course or institution after the bursary has been awarded, the funding will be immediately withdrawn.
• Students who receive any other form of study funding must forfeit the bursary and repay the funds received.

Failure to comply with these conditions may result in immediate termination of funding.

Eligibility Requirements for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Application 2026/2027

To qualify for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary, applicants must meet all of the following minimum requirements:

• You must be a NUM member or a dependent of a NUM member (child or spouse)
• You must be studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification
  • Postgraduate funding is only available to NUM members who have never previously been funded by the Trust
• You must be registered at a recognised public tertiary institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology, or College)
• Students enrolled at private institutions will not be funded
• You must not be receiving funding from any other source

Applications that do not meet all eligibility criteria will not be considered.

How to Apply for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary 2026/2027

All applications must be submitted online via the official application portal: Click here to access the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Application portal for 2026

Applicants must upload clear, certified copies of the following supporting documents (missing documents may lead to disqualification):

• Applicant’s South African ID document
• Most recent academic results (Matric or tertiary)
• NUM member’s ID document
• NUM member’s latest payslip
• Proof of acceptance from a recognised public institution (on official letterhead)
• Proof of dependency (if surnames differ), such as:
• • Abridged Birth Certificate
  • Clinic Immunisation Card
  • Magistrate’s Guardianship Letter
  • Medical Aid Beneficiary Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate

JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Closing Date 2026/2027

The closing date for applications is:

Application Deadline: 1 July

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, so applicants are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.

Contact Details of JB Marks Education Trust Fund

For further information or assistance regarding the bursary programme, contact the Trust directly:

• General enquiries: info@jbmarksedutrust.co.za
• Technical issues: applications@jbmarksedutrust.co.za
• Telephone: 011 492 0601