The Bursary Programme was established in 1972 under the auspices of the SAIRR Cape Western Region. It provides financial assistance for needy students who apply for study or who are studying at tertiary institutions in the Western Cape. ASSET took over the programme in 2003 and thanks to the on-going generosity of donors it continues to support approximately 500 students annually.
Bursaries are variable but in general cover 75% of the cost of tuition together with an annual book allowance. Bursars are able to access loans to cover the shortfall and any other costs e.g. hostel accommodation through our partnership with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The Bursary Programme has benefited greatly from a partnership with NSFAS. It enables us to offer bursars a bursary/loan package to cover their needs and to help more students than would otherwise be possible. It also has the advantage of encouraging bursars to be responsible for part of the cost of their studies.
NSFAS awards a 40% rebate on loans if bursars pass all their courses. Loans are repayable to NSFAS once the bursar is in employment.
For information on how to apply for a bursary click here.