Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme

What is the CRET Bursary Programme? The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is a programme of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, which is an independent non-profit organisation that improves lives and creates opportunities through education and enterprise development. In 1996 Cyril Ramaphosa began supporting disadvantaged students with bursaries to attend university. He did this by donating money he earned from his public speaking engagements. This resulted in the establishment of the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) in 2000. CRET has a different approach to the management of its education programme and aims to recruit candidates that would ordinarily be overlooked by other bursary programmes, which may only seek out top academic achievers. This is a bursary scheme that considers the holistic needs of selected student as well as their potential, and with support, nurturing and mentoring, will rise above their circumstances to become future leaders. We also look for entrepreneurial and leadership capability in our candidates and expect a demonstrable ingrained ethos of community service and a commitment to “paying it forward”. Today, there are over 200 beneficiaries of the programme, and CRET has been fortunate enough to develop exponentially with the support of additional corporate sponsors and partners. What are the study priority areas? CRET bursary applicants may apply to study any entry level/first time study module/undergraduate qualification of their choice provided that the duration of studies is no longer than 5 years and the institution is accredited by the relevant Higher Education authority. Is the bursary only offered to first year students? Students in any year of study are eligible to apply. Are students studying towards a certificate qualification eligible? All application for skills development programmes will be considered, dependant on the requirements and decision outcomes by the Bursary Selection Committee. Are recipients of other bursaries eligible to apply for a CRET bursary? If an applicant has already been granted a bursary, the CRET programme may consider their application based on additional need. However, any bursary applicant to the CRET Programme is encouraged to have proven application for other bursary opportunities, including NSFAS. How much is a CRET bursary worth? Institutions have different cost structures, so the total value of a bursary differs from institution to institution. CRET bursaries are personalised to cover the successful recipient’s essential expenses., based on an individual estimation and needs requirement. What does the bursary cover? Expenses covered are dependent on need, but may include tuition, books and other learning materials, accommodation expenses and meals, and where motivated, a small stipend for living expenses, dependent on other expenses The allocation to any individual student is capped at a specific value which is discussed with the student prior to signing of a Bursary Agreement. This agreement is binding for one year. Is a CRET bursary recipient required to serve at the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, or its partner entities, upon completion of qualification? Students are not obligated to work for the Foundation upon the completion of their qualification and employment opportunities are not guaranteed by the Trust. Must a CRET bursary be repaid? No, the CRET bursary does not legally obligate bursary recipients to repay the funds invested into their studies upon completion of their desired qualification or failure to complete their studies. A bursary is allocated on a completion date basis, but is renewable each year, dependant on academic results, commitment to the programme, communication policies, and other criteria which is shared on the successful signing of a bursary contract. Are foreign students eligible for a CRET bursary? No, the CRET bursary is only awarded to South African students residing and studying in accredited South African institutions. Study abroad is also not considered. APPLICATION CATEGORIES • Apply for a University Bursary • Apply for a University of Technology Bursary • Apply for a TVET Bursary • Apply for a CET (skills development) Bursary

Who can apply for the CRET Bursary? Financially needy students who require additional support to continue their studies or complete their chosen qualification are eligible for the CRET Bursary. Priority is given to applicants pursuing essential and scarce skills education as defined by various labor and economic advisors, including the Department of Labour and SETAs. Non-negotiable criteria for eligibility include: Applicants must be between 16 and 27 years of age, learners, or unemployed youth who wish to pursue a recognized undergraduate or other qualification at a public institution in South Africa. Applicants must be South African citizens with a valid ID number. Applicants must have applied for their selected course at an accredited institution and provide evidence of this during the application process. Applicants must pursue the area of specialization indicated in the application and accepted by the institution. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership skills, empathy, and excellent developmental communication skills. Financial need will be assessed, and the applicant's basic household income must not exceed R650 000 per annum.

Applications for the CRET 2025 Bursary closed on 13 December 2024. Please look out for updates on Bursaries.co.za for updates on the CRET 2026 applications coming soon. Information on the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary Programme can be accessed from www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org/project/cret/