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