Absa CSI Trust Opens 2025/2026 Graduate Historical Debt Relief Programme: Full Guide for Applicants
The Absa CSI Trust has officially reopened applications for its 2025/2026 Graduate Historical Debt Relief Programme, a highly impactful initiative aimed at helping eligible graduates settle their outstanding historical university fees and finally obtain their academic certificates. This year’s cycle continues to focus on graduates in priority sectors such as STEM, the Digital Economy, and the Green Economy — fields critical to South Africa’s long-term economic development.
For many capable graduates across the country, the inability to access academic records due to unpaid fees remains a major barrier to employment. This programme seeks to eliminate that barrier, giving graduates a fair chance to enter the workforce and participate meaningfully in the economy.
A Newsworthy Intervention for Debt-Stranded Graduates
Across South Africa, thousands of graduates complete their studies but remain stuck in limbo because universities withhold their certificates until historical debt is paid. Employers typically require official academic records, and without them, graduates struggle to secure job opportunities or pursue further studies.
The Absa CSI Trust Graduate Historical Debt Relief Programme is designed to bridge this gap by:
- Clearing historical student debt owed directly to universities
- Enabling eligible graduates to receive their certificates
- Facilitating access to employment opportunities through the Youth Employment Service (YES)
- Creating an economic pathway for graduates in high-demand fields
The programme is implemented in partnership with the Feenix Trust, which oversees and manages the debt clearance process for selected beneficiaries.
Universities Covered for the 2025/2026 Cycle
This funding initiative applies exclusively to graduates from the following South African higher education institutions:
- University of Limpopo (UL)
- University of Venda (UNIVEN)
- Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
These institutions have been chosen due to their high numbers of academically successful students who are unable to graduate because of historical debt constraints.
Who Qualifies for the Programme?
The programme targets graduates who have completed their qualifications but cannot access their certificates solely because of unpaid fees.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:
- Must be a South African citizen
- Must have completed a qualification in a STEM, Digital Economy, or Green Economy field
- Must not be currently enrolled at any tertiary institution
- Must have studied at UL, UNIVEN, TUT, MUT, or UNIZULU
- Must be unable to graduate due to outstanding historical student fees
- Must be unemployed at the time of application
- Household income must be less than R700 000 per year
This set of criteria ensures that the programme reaches graduates who are most affected by financial exclusion and employment barriers.
Why This Programme Is Critical for South Africa’s Future
South Africa’s economy requires more graduates equipped with science, technology, engineering, and environmental skills. Yet many students in these fields remain unable to transition into the labour market due to incomplete academic documentation.
By clearing historical debt, the Absa CSI Trust unlocks:
- Employment opportunities
- Further study opportunities
- Professional accreditation pathways
- Economic mobility for young graduates
Additionally, the partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES) offers selected graduates the opportunity to gain structured work experience, which significantly increases employability in a challenging job market.
This intervention therefore supports both individual graduates and the broader national need for skilled professionals.
Required Documents for Application
Applicants must prepare certified copies (certified within the last six months) of the following documents:
1. South African ID
A certified copy of the applicant’s ID is required for identity and citizenship verification.
2. Official Proof of Qualification Completion
This may include a letter of completion, academic statement showing completion status, or any university-issued document confirming that the qualification requirements have been fulfilled.
3. Completed EEA1 Form
Applicants must complete the EEA1 form as follows:
- Insert full name under “Name of Employee”
- Insert university student number under “Employee workplace number”
An incorrectly completed EEA1 form can delay or disqualify the application.
How to Apply Online
All applications must be submitted through the official Feenix application portal.
Application Portal
Absa Debt Relief Programme Online Application
https://bursaries.feenix.org/absa/apply-now/
During the application, when asked “How did you hear about this programme?”, applicants should enter:
Applicants are advised to submit early to avoid last-minute delays or documentation issues.
Important Deadline
Application Closing Date: 1 December 2025
Late submissions will not be accepted. The evaluation process requires time, so applicants must ensure that their documentation is complete, clear, and certified before uploading.
Programme Impact and National Value
The Absa CSI Trust Graduate Historical Debt Relief Programme has become one of the most significant debt-relief interventions in the country. Beyond clearing financial arrears, it promotes:
- Reduced youth unemployment
- Access to work readiness programmes
- Increased participation in critical skills sectors
- Social and economic inclusion
By focusing on graduates who have already demonstrated academic ability, the programme ensures that investments are made in individuals positioned to immediately contribute to progress in technology, science, innovation, and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can final-year students apply?
No. Only graduates who have already completed their studies may apply.
2. Does the programme cover all courses?
No. Only qualifications in STEM, Digital Economy, or Green Economy fields are eligible.
3. Is money paid to the graduate?
No. Payments are made directly to the university through Feenix.
4. What if I graduated but still owe fees?
You must be unable to obtain your certificate because of the outstanding debt. If you have already received your certificate, you may not qualify.
5. Does being employed disqualify me?
Yes. Only unemployed graduates qualify.
6. Can I apply if I studied at another university?
Not for this cycle. The programme only applies to UL, UNIVEN, TUT, MUT, and UNIZULU.
Final Thoughts
The 2025/2026 Absa CSI Trust Graduate Historical Debt Relief Programme continues to provide a lifeline for graduates who have achieved academically but remain excluded from the job market due to unresolved student debt. By addressing historical debt and creating pathways into employment, the programme supports both individual progress and national economic development.
Eligible graduates are strongly encouraged to apply before the 1 December 2025 deadline. With the right documentation and timely submission, this programme could unlock long-awaited opportunities and help graduates take the next step in their careers.
