South Africa Department of Social Development Bursaries

South Africa Department of Social Development Bursaries 2024-2025

The National Department of Social Development has noticed that there is a great scarcity within this field, therefore, they are offering successful candidates the opportunity to study and become qualified. They are allowing candidates whom are currently studying within this sector, along with those interested to study in this field, to apply for bursaries towards a Social Work Degree. Candidates who are currently studying under one of their bursaries, or whom already have funding assistance, may not apply as they already have support.

Candidates can expect the following from these bursaries:

• Fully paid Tuition
• Fully paid Prescribed Books
• Fully paid Registration
• Fully paid Accommodation, only that as supplied by the University

The Department opens their bursaries for all candidates, however, preference will be given to candidates with a disability, candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, and candidates from youth care facilities. Also, candidates who do not hold any other form of funding or bursary, and whom are permanent residents of their province, thus, candidates must apply within their province.
Bursaries will be awarded to candidates that comply with all the requirements, whom have been accepted at an Institute of Higher learning within their province. Social Work is one of the scarce skills within South Africa, these bursaries are to aid in promoting careers in this field. Strengthening the workforce in all provinces by delivering a workforce, committed to making a change by helping others.
Bursary holders will receive aid for education, skills development and training. This bursary scheme also helps with delivering Employment Equity amongst all South Africans.   

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT BURSARIES AVAILABLE

The Department offers bursaries within the field of Social Work, they may include these as listed, as well as other fields related to Social Work.

• Clinical Psychology
• Family & Child Social Care
• Occupational Therapy
• Medical & Public Health Care
• Mental Health
• Population Studies
• Substance Abuse Care
• Demography
• School Social Care

BURSARY REQUIREMENTS

Candidates who wish to apply for these bursaries must fulfill the requirements.
These are as follow:

• Candidates must be a South African Citizen
• Candidates must hold a valid South African ID document
• Candidates must comply with the requirements as set by the University of application
• Candidates must provide proof of parents/guardians income
• Candidates must have successfully completed their Grade 12 year / Matric
• Candidates must have a minimum of a C symbol combined for Matric

Candidates must ensure that the application form is filled in completely, signed and all documentation certified and attached. Candidates must also be willing to enter into a service contract with the Department.

Documentation that has to be attached to your application are as follow:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Grade 12 Results
• All and any Academic Records
• Applicants ID documentation
• Parents / guardians ID documentation
• Parents / guardians Proof of Income
• Proof of acceptance at the University of choice

Candidates ought to apply for admission to the University of their choosing, and must be accepted to study there within their chosen field. Candidates must complete their studies within the prescribed time period as is stated for their selected field of study.
The selected candidate will be determined by their financial needs and academic performances. Candidates whom are currently completing their Grade 12 education, or who have just finished may apply. In addition to those currently studying in this area of fields.
Applications missing any of the requirements, will not be considered!

BURSARY APPLICATION

Online application process for these bursaries are not available, however, candidates may inquire about the application form from the Universities within South Africa or download the Application form and information from their site online. Enquiries may also be made to the following individuals:
The National Department of Social Development
Ms. Vuyelwa Mngadi
012 – 312 7294
VuyelwaM@dsd.gov.za
Ms. Kefiloe Bosman / Fokase
012 – 312 7223
KefiloeB@dsd.gov.za
 
Completed applications should be delivered to your provincial offices of the Department of Social Development.

CLOSING DATE

Applications can be made during May and June each year, these are for study the following year. It is suggested that candidates apply for submission to a variety of Universities.
Students are encouraged to carefully consider this career path. Social Work is not made for everyone, if you do not feel within your heart that this is your ‘calling’, then do not apply. If you feel it is and not just another job opportunity, you will fit right in. You must be willing to work with people in rural areas, disabled and the disadvantaged. Social Work is a passion, not a means to an end in respect to work.