Cyril Ramaphosa Bursary 2025 – President Cyril Ramaphosa is South Africa’s fifth head of state. He was a successful businessman and union leader who was involved in the anti-apartheid struggle in the past. He served as South Africa’s deputy president from 2014 to 2018 before becoming president.

South Africa’s educational system benefits greatly from the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) work, of which the Cyril Ramaphosa Bursary is a component. In this article, learn more about the Cyril Ramaphosa Bursary 2025, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, and when the application is due.

About Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation

The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, previously called the Shanduka Foundation, was founded in 2004 by Cyril Ramaphosa and the Shanduka Group. The Foundation is a nonprofit with a mission to enhance people’s lives. In 2015, the name of the Foundation was changed to the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation. The Foundation collaborated with the Adopt-a-School Foundation to drive social impact, including the Thari Programme, Kagiso Shanduka Trust, Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, and Black Umbrellas.

The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) was established by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation to assist deserving students in South Africa in obtaining higher-level credentials that potential employers recognize. In addition to seeking out high achievers, CRET also looks for those who can demonstrate promise for future advancement given the correct environment and resources. Financial aid is just one of the many services CRET will provide; they also offer mentoring, emotional support, and peer groups. Twice yearly, all beneficiaries will have the chance to participate in intensive work-study programs designed to help them hone their soft skills and build their professional networks. Moreover, recipients can participate in activities that foster teamwork and personal growth while being part of a nurturing family atmosphere.

 About Cyril Ramaphosa Bursary 2025

When the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation established the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme, it was to help defray the costs of higher education for deserving students from low-income families who had already shown significant academic promise.

The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is a separate nonprofit with the stated mission of enhancing the quality of life for young people in South Africa by fostering entrepreneurial spirit and educational possibilities.

In 1996, President Cyril Ramaphosa began using the funds from his public speaking engagements to establish bursaries for low-income students to attend university. This was the beginning of the Foundation. This purpose was the foundation for establishing the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) in 2000.

CRET takes a different approach to managing its education program and aims to recruit candidates ordinarily overlooked by other bursary programs, which may only seek out top academic achievers. This bursary scheme considers the holistic needs of the selected students and their potential, and with support, nurturing, and mentoring, they will rise above their circumstances to become future leaders.

Eligibility Cyril Ramaphosa Bursary 2025

• Any student from a financially needy background who can demonstrate such need. The goal of the bursary is to provide financial assistance for those students who, without additional support, would not apply to study further.
• Preference will be given yearly to applicants for essential and scarce skills education, as determined by the Department of Labour, various SETAs, and other labor and economic advisors.
• Students or young adults without jobs between 16 and 30 who wish to enroll. Also, graduates from an accredited South African university (no exceptions for international or postgraduate programs) can enroll.
• The bursary is exclusively given to South African citizens with a current South African identification number.
• Applicants seeking bursaries must submit an application to the approved institution and produce evidence of their enrollment upon request.
• Also, the trust does not allow applicants to alter the field of study used to apply for the bursary.
• In addition to strong ideals and the capacity to communicate effectively in a developmental context, the candidate should exhibit strong academic skills, leadership skills, and empathy.

Requirements Cyril Ramaphosa Bursary 2025

Attach certified copies of the following documents:

• A certified copy of your ID document
• A certified copy of your grade 11 latest results, if currently in Matric
• A certified copy of your matric latest results, if currently in Matric
• A certified copy of your Matric certificate, if completed Matric
• A certified copy of your full academic record, if currently at the tertiary level
• Proof of tertiary application or acceptance
• Parents/guardian’s ID documents
• Proof of income of parents/guardian

Cyril Ramaphosa Bursary 2025 Application Portal

All applications for the CRET Bursary 2025 must be submitted online. To begin, go to: https://www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org/project/cret/.

Cyril Ramaphosa Bursary 2024 Application Process

• Prospective bursars must download the CRET application forms from the foundation’s website, www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org/project/cret/
• The applicants must apply before the closing date of the end of November 2024, before the year of intended study.
• Also, CRET expects applicants to send applications and all queries to cretbursary@cyrilramaphosa.org. The trust will not consider other application email avenues.
• Applications are welcome via post or drop-in, but CRET will not accept walk-ins unless there is an agreement telephonically or via email to the above address.

Closing Date or Deadline

The Cyril Ramaphosa Bursary 2025 application closes by November 2024, and the trust expects all applications to come in. Also, CRET does not consider late applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can prospective students find out more about the bursary program?

Information on the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary Programme can be accessed from www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org/project/cret/

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 relevant Higher Education authority accredits the institution.

Does CRET offer bursary to only first-year students?

Students in any year of study are eligible to apply as long as the applicant does not already hold a higher education qualification and is not applying for postgraduate studies.

Are students studying towards a certificate qualification eligible?

The Bursary Selection Committee will consider all applications for skills development programs, depending on their requirements and decision outcomes.

Are distance education and part-time students eligible for a bursary?

Yes, provided they are eligible in all other respects.

Are recipients of other bursaries eligible to apply for a CRET bursary?

If CRET grants an applicant a bursary, the program may consider their application based on additional needs. However, the trust encourages any bursary applicant to the CRET Programme to have a proven application for other bursary opportunities, including NSFAS.

Does CRET consider late applications?

The CRET Bursary Selection Committee may consider late applications, depending on several motivated criteria, including proven application within the relevant academic year to other bursary programs and recognized educational institutions.

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 personalizes the bursaries to cover the successful recipient’s essential expenses. The trust bases the bursaries on an individual estimation and needs requirement.

What does the bursary cover?

Expenses covered depend on need but may include tuition, books, other learning materials, accommodation expenses, and meals. Also, where motivated, a small stipend for living expenses depends on other costs. The trust caps the allocation to any student at a specific value. However, the CRET discusses this with the student before signing 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 qualification completion?

In addition, CRET does not obligate students to work for the Foundation upon completing their qualifications. Also, the Trust does not guarantee employment opportunities after graduation.

Do Students repay CRET bursary?

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. The trust allocates a bursary on a completion date basis. Still, it is renewable each year, dependent on academic results, commitment to the program, communication policies, and other criteria shared on successfully signing a bursary contract.

Are foreign students eligible for a CRET bursary?

No, the CRET bursary only awards it bursary to South African students residing and studying in accredited South African institutions. In addition, CRET does not consider students studying abroad or postgraduate study.