Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET): Bursaries 2025

ASSET is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2025 academic year.

Bursaries are awarded each year, for studies towards a first Undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma or higher certificate) in ANY field of study, within the Western Cape.

ASSET bursaries are awarded from the ASSET Educational Trust (AET), as well as from other individuals, trusts and organisations who wish to support tertiary students in the Western Cape. These bursaries aim to provide financial assistance to Western Cape students who are deserving in terms of merit and need.

The value of the bursary varies, but generally covers a portion of tuition fees, registration and books. Awards are paid directly to tertiary institutions.

Bursaries are awarded based on 2 main factors: merit and financial need.

Students will be funded for the duration of their undergraduate studies, on condition that they maintain good academic results, and they re-apply each year.

Asset bursaries do NOT have to be repaid, however bursary recipients are required to join the ASSET Alumni Association and give back during studies or after graduation. Students must complete a minimum of 100 voluntary hours.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must reside within the Western Cape province
• You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric
• You must be studying or intend on studying full time, towards a first undergraduate qualification (degree, diploma or higher certificate)
• You must meet the criteria for your selected field of study
• You must be registered one of these institutions within the Western Cape: University of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape, University of Stellenbosch or Cape Peninsula University of Technology (the bursary will NOT fund studies at private institutions)
• You must pass the means test and fall within the “Missing Middle” (have a total monthly income of less than R18 000 for a family with 2 children – this can increase by R2000 per child for up to four children, with a combined income of between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum)
• You must NOT have lost NSFAS funding due to poor performance exclusion
• Preference will be given to students with the greatest financial need, provided they meet the merit criteria
• Preference will be given to students from rural areas and/ or informal settlements, whose social background has restricted their access to equal education
• Preference will be given to students who have achieved University entrance, despite attending a school deemed to be ‘dysfunctional’
• Preference will be given to students who have achieved above average results, in subjects related to their course of study
• Preference will be given to students who have an excellent attendance record and have been committed to the ASSET Learner Development Programme (Saturday School)