Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme

The CRET Bursary Programme is a scheme that offers financial support to underprivileged students to pursue their academic dreams. This programme is an initiative of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, a non-profit organization that strives to create opportunities through education and enterprise development. The CRET bursary programme takes a different approach by targeting candidates who may not be selected by other bursary programmes. This scheme considers the holistic needs of the student as well as their potential, entrepreneurial and leadership capability, community service, and their commitment to paying it forward.

CRET bursary applicants may apply for any undergraduate qualification, as long as it is no longer than five years, and the institution is accredited by the relevant higher education authority. All applications for skills development programs are considered, dependent on the requirements and decisions of the Bursary Selection Committee. Students in any year of study may apply, and the bursary does not require repayment. The CRET bursary covers essential expenses such as tuition, books, learning materials, accommodation, and meals, based on individual estimation and needs requirement.

The bursary does not legally obligate bursary recipients to work for the Foundation upon completion of their qualification. The bursary is allocated on a completion date basis but is renewable each year, dependent on academic results, commitment to the programme, communication policies, and other criteria, which is shared upon the successful signing of a bursary contract. The CRET bursary is only awarded to South African students residing and studying in accredited South African institutions. Study abroad is not considered.

Applicants may apply for a university bursary, university of technology bursary, TVET bursary, or CET (skills development) bursary.