Compensation Fund Bursary 2026 Applications Now Open | Closing Date: 31 March 2026
The Compensation Fund Bursary 2026, administered by the Department of Employment and Labour, is now officially open. This bursary provides funded access to education and training for individuals and families whose lives have been affected by workplace injuries, occupational diseases, or work-related fatalities.
For many South Africans, an occupational injury or disease does not only impact health—it disrupts education, income, and long-term career prospects. This bursary programme exists to restore dignity, rebuild livelihoods, and create sustainable pathways into employment or self-employment through education.
If you are a COID beneficiary, a person living with a permanent disability caused by work, or a dependant of an injured or deceased worker, this bursary could be a life-changing opportunity.
Compensation Fund Bursary 2026: Key Dates and Overview
- Bursary Name: Compensation Fund External Bursary Programme
- Academic Year: 2026
- Closing Date: 31 March 2026
- Funding Body: Department of Employment and Labour (Compensation Fund)
Although applications remain open throughout the 2026 academic year, early application is strongly encouraged due to limited funding and processing timelines.
Who the Compensation Fund Bursary Is For
This Compensation Fund Bursaries 2026 is specifically designed for individuals linked to Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) claims. It targets groups who often face structural barriers to education due to injury, disability, or loss of a breadwinner.
Eligible Applicant Categories
You may apply if you fall into one of the following groups:
- Unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disabilities (within working age)
- Dependants of COID beneficiaries with permanent disabilities
- Dependants of employees who were fatally injured on duty (aged 17–35)
The programme recognises that education is a critical tool for rehabilitation, reintegration, and economic participation.
Approved Institutions for Study
Applicants must have been accepted or registered at a recognised South African public institution within the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.
Eligible Institutions Include:
- TVET Colleges
- CET Colleges
- Public Universities
- Universities of Technology
Private institutions are generally not funded unless explicitly stated in official Compensation Fund guidelines.
What the Compensation Fund Bursary Covers
The Compensation Fund Bursaries 2026 is a comprehensive funding package, designed to remove financial barriers that prevent beneficiaries from completing their studies.
Covered Costs Include:
- Full tuition fees
- Prescribed textbooks and study materials
- Monthly stipend for basic living expenses
- Accommodation (where applicable and approved)
The bursary is renewable annually for the full duration of the qualification, subject to:
- Availability of funds
- Satisfactory academic performance
- Continued compliance with bursary conditions
Fields of Study Supported
The bursary prioritises qualifications that promote:
- Reintegration into the workplace
- Self-employment and entrepreneurship
- Acquisition of vocational, technical, or academic skills
While recommended qualifications are listed in the official application form, applicants are not strictly limited to those fields—particularly where disability, injury, or educational disadvantage influences study choices.
The Compensation Fund takes a rehabilitative and developmental approach, recognising diverse pathways to economic independence.
Eligibility Requirements: What You Must Have
To be considered, applicants must meet all mandatory requirements. Incomplete applications are not processed.
More Resources for Students:
- Online courses
- Learning Programmes 2026
- Youth Opportunities
- Internships Programme
- Academy Training Learnerships
Mandatory Documentation and Criteria
Applicants must submit:
- A fully completed bursary application form
- A valid COID Pension Number or Claim Number
- Certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID
- Certified copies of parent(s) or guardian’s ID or death certificate (for dependants)
- Proof of acceptance from a recognised PSET institution
- Proof of full-time enrolment
Note: Students with disabilities may be permitted to study part-time under exceptional circumstances.
Medical Confirmation (Where Applicable)
Applicants with permanent disabilities must provide medical confirmation completed by:
- A registered Health Care Professional, or
- A recognised Disability Support Office, or
- Final WCL medical report
How to Apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary 2026
Step 1: Download the Official Application Form
Applicants must use the official 2026 form available from the Department of Employment and Labour:
Always ensure you are using the latest version of the form.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Applications may be submitted via post, hand delivery, or email.
Post / Courier Address
Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Department of Employment and Labour
Compensation Fund
Private Bag X955
Pretoria
0001
Hand Delivery (September – December 2025)
167 Thabo Sehume Street
Delta Heights Building
Pretoria
Hand Delivery (From January 2026)
Compensation House
Corner Hamilton & Soutpansberg Road
Prinshof
Pretoria
Email Submissions
Ensure all documents are clear, certified, and included before submission.
Important Application Notes
- If you do not receive feedback within two months, consider your application unsuccessful
- Only complete applications with all supporting documents are assessed
- The Compensation Fund reserves the right to approve or decline any application
- Submitting early reduces the risk of delays or document issues
Why the Compensation Fund Bursary Matters
This bursary is not only financial assistance—it is a social rehabilitation and empowerment initiative.
It helps to:
- Restore independence for injured workers
- Support families of deceased employees
- Enable persons with disabilities to participate economically
- Break cycles of poverty caused by workplace injury or disease
Few bursary programmes in South Africa have such a direct human and social impact.
Contact Details and Enquiries
For assistance or further information:
- Phone: (012) 319 9264 / (012) 319 5774 / (012) 319 9124
- Customer Care (Toll-Free): 0800 321 222 / 0860 10 5350
- SMS: 44967
Final Thoughts: Apply Early for the 2026 Academic Year
The Compensation Fund Bursary 2026 offers a meaningful second chance to individuals and families affected by workplace injury, disease, or loss. Through funded education, it creates long-term opportunities for dignity, stability, and economic participation.
If you meet the criteria, do not delay. Prepare your documents, complete the application carefully, and submit well before 31 March 2026.
Education can be the turning point—and this bursary exists to make that possible.
