The Ultimate Guide to Cyril Ramaphosa Bursaries: Don’t Miss Out! in South Africa
Introduction
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme is a beacon of hope for many South African students facing financial barriers to higher education. Established by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, this bursary program aims to provide comprehensive support to disadvantaged students, enabling them to pursue tertiary education and develop into future leaders. This guide provides an in-depth look at the CRET Bursary, including its history, eligibility criteria, application process, and the benefits it offers to successful applicants.
History and Mission of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation
The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, an independent non-profit organization, was established in 1996 by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Initially, the foundation provided bursaries to disadvantaged students using funds from Ramaphosa’s public speaking engagements. This initiative laid the groundwork for the formation of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) in 2000. The foundation’s mission is to enhance the lives of South African youth by creating opportunities through education and enterprise development (Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation).
Overview of the CRET Bursary Programme
The CRET Bursary Programme is designed to support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic potential. The bursary provides full financial coverage for various educational expenses, including tuition fees, textbooks, study materials, laptops, accommodation, meals, a monthly living allowance, and transport where necessary (SASSA Bursaries Hub).
Fields of Study
The bursary is available for undergraduate studies in several fields, including:
- Sciences (excluding MBChB)
- Technology
- Engineering
- Commerce and Finance
- Business and Commerce
- Education
- Environmental Science
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Sustainable Development (Mzansigraduates).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CRET Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship and Age: Applicants must be South African citizens between the ages of 16 and 27.
- Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate financial need, with a household income not exceeding R650,000 per annum.
- Academic Status: Applicants must be current matriculants or undergraduate students enrolled at a recognized South African university, TVET College, or other recognized learning institution.
- Motivation: A strong motivational essay is required as part of the application process.
- Field of Study: Applicants must be pursuing studies in one of the eligible fields mentioned above (Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation).
Application Process
The application process for the CRET Bursary is conducted online through the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust’s website. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying:
- Registration: Applicants must first register an account on the CRET application portal.
- Application Form: Fill out the online application form with the required personal and academic information.
- Supporting Documents: Submit clear copies of the following supporting documents:
- ID document
- Academic records
- Proof of tertiary application or acceptance
- Proof of parents/guardians’ income
- Motivational essay
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Proof of undertaking a psychometric test relevant to the chosen field of study (Joub).
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Deadline: The application deadline for the 2024 academic year is December 10, 2023. Late applications will not be accepted (Youth Village).
Selection Process
The selection process for the CRET Bursary is rigorous and involves several stages:
- Initial Screening: Applications are initially screened to ensure all eligibility criteria are met.
- Formal Assessment: Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in a formal assessment process, which can include psychometric evaluations and interviews.
- Final Selection: Successful candidates are selected based on their academic potential, financial need, and overall suitability for the bursary (Zabursaries).
Benefits of the CRET Bursary
The CRET Bursary offers a range of benefits designed to support students throughout their academic journey:
- Financial Coverage: The bursary covers tuition fees, textbooks, study materials, laptops, accommodation, meals, a monthly living allowance, and transport where necessary.
- Holistic Support: In addition to financial support, the bursary provides access to career guidance, personal development opportunities, and mentoring.
- Leadership Development: The program aims to nurture future leaders by providing students with the necessary resources and support to excel in their studies and beyond (Bursaries Africa).
Impact and Success Stories
The CRET Bursary Programme has had a significant impact on the lives of many South African students. By providing comprehensive support, the program has enabled students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. Many recipients of the bursary have gone on to become successful professionals and leaders in their respective fields, contributing to the development of South Africa (Joub).
Conclusion
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme is a vital initiative that addresses the financial barriers faced by many South African students. By offering comprehensive support, the program aligns with its mission of fostering future leaders and empowering youth through education. Aspiring students who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for this opportunity, unlock their potential, and contribute to building a brighter future for themselves and their nation.