Compensation Fund Bursary 2026: Are you a COID beneficiary with permanent disablement, or a dependant of a COID beneficiary? Unlock your future with the Compensation Fund Bursary Programme 2026. This special bursary, under the Department of Employment and Labour, provides comprehensive financial support to help eligible South Africans access education and training for workplace reintegration or self-employment.
If you are a COID beneficiary with permanent disablement, or a dependant aged 17–35 of a COID beneficiary, this bursary could cover your tuition, accommodation, study materials, and provide a monthly stipend.
⚠️ Application Deadline: 31 March 2026 – Apply Now!
Compensation Fund Bursary 2026: Bursary Programme Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Compensation Fund Bursary Programme 2026 |
| Organisation | Compensation Fund (Dept of Employment and Labour) |
| Target Groups | Group 1: COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement (PWD) Group 2: Dependants of COID beneficiaries (aged 17–35) |
| Study Levels | TVET Colleges, CET Colleges, Higher Education Institutions |
| Coverage | Tuition, study materials, accommodation, monthly stipend |
| Renewal | Annually based on satisfactory academic performance and fund availability |
| Closing Date | 31 March 2026 |
| Application | Email or hand delivery |
Compensation Fund Bursary 2026: About the Compensation Fund
The Compensation Fund provides compensation to workers who are injured, disabled, or contract diseases while performing their duties at work. It also provides compensation to dependants in cases where employees have died due to occupational injuries or diseases.
The Fund supports:
- Permanent workers
- Casual workers
- Apprentices
- Trainees
Through this bursary scheme, the Fund aims to assist beneficiaries and their dependants to access education and training opportunities for reintegration into the workplace or self-employment.
Compensation Fund Bursary 2026: Fields of Study Covered
Bursaries will cover studies within the following fields (but not limited to):
| Category | Specific Fields |
|---|---|
| Finance & Economics | Accounting / Financial Science, Actuarial Science, Economics / Econometrics |
| Engineering | All Engineering disciplines |
| Health Sciences | Health and Clinical Science, Chiropractic, Medical Orthotist and Prosthetist |
| Technology | Information and Communication Technology (ICT) |
| Marine | Marine / Maritime Studies |
| Quality & Environment | Quality Control and Environmental Health |
| Education | Mathematics & Science Education |
| Data Science | Statistics & Data Science |
Continuing students may also be considered for:
- Advanced Diploma / Honours in Accounting Science (CTA Stream)
- Chiropractic
- Actuarial Science
- Medical Orthotist and Prosthetist (at public universities)
Compensation Fund Bursary 2026: What the Bursary Covers
| Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full tuition for the academic year |
| Prescribed Study Materials | Textbooks and required learning resources |
| Accommodation | University or college residence costs |
| Monthly Stipend | Living allowance |
Renewal: Bursaries are awarded for one academic year at a time and are renewable annually based on:
- Satisfactory academic performance
- Availability of funds
Compensation Fund Bursary 2026: Eligibility Requirements
Group 1: COID Beneficiaries with Permanent Disablement (PWD)
You must meet ALL of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | South African citizen |
| Employment Status | Currently unemployed |
| Age | Working age |
| Beneficiary Status | COID beneficiary with permanent disablement (PWD) |
| Study Status | Studying or intending to study in one of the listed fields |
| Institution | Accepted at a recognised TVET, CET College or Higher Education Institution |
| Purpose | Intend to improve skills to return to work or become self-employed |
Group 2: Dependants of COID Beneficiaries
You must meet ALL of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | South African citizen |
| Age | Between 17 and 35 years old |
| Dependant Status | Dependant of a COID beneficiary with permanent disablement OR dependant of a fatally injured employee |
| Study Status | Studying or accepted to study in one of the listed fields (other qualifications may be considered) |
| Institution | Accepted at a recognised TVET, CET College or Higher Education Institution |
Failure to meet all requirements will result in disqualification.
Compensation Fund Bursary 2026: Required Supporting Documents
Group 1 Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified ID | Certified copy of ID |
| COID Number | COID pension number or claim number |
| Academic Transcript | Latest academic transcript (if currently studying) |
| Proof of Acceptance | Proof of acceptance from institution |
| Tuition Quotation | Tuition fees quotation |
| Study Materials Quotation | Prescribed Learning Resources quotation (if available) |
| Proof of Residence | Recent proof of residence |
| Proof of Disability | Verified by Health Care Professional or Disability Support Office |
Group 2 Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant ID | Certified copy of applicant’s ID |
| COID Beneficiary ID | Certified copy of ID / unabridged birth certificate showing COID beneficiary details |
| Parent/Guardian Documents | Certified copies of parents/guardians ID or death certificates |
| COID Number | COID pension number or claim number |
| Matric Results | Matric June results (if in Matric) |
| Academic Transcript | Latest academic transcript (if currently studying) |
| Proof of Acceptance | Proof of acceptance from institution |
| Tuition Quotation | Tuition fees quotation |
| Study Materials Quotation | Prescribed Learning Resources quotation (if available) |
| Proof of Residence | Recent proof of residence |
| Proof of Disability | If applicable |
| Pre-entry Assessment | For apprenticeship applicants |
| Proof of Income | Payslip, affidavit, SASSA proof, pension proof, or other income proof |
All documents are compulsory. Missing documents may result in disqualification.
Compensation Fund Bursary 2026: How to Apply
Step 1: Download the Application Form
[Download the Compensation Fund Bursary Application Form 2026 (.pdf)]
(Available on the Compensation Fund website or Department of Employment and Labour portals)
Step 2: Complete the Form
- Fill in all sections accurately and completely
- Ensure you select the correct applicant group (Group 1 or Group 2)
Step 3: Prepare Your Supporting Documents
- Gather all compulsory documents listed for your group
- Ensure copies are certified (within last 3 months)
- Organise documents in order
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Option 1: Email Submission
📧 Email to: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
📌 Subject Line: “COID Bursary 2026”
- Attach your completed application form and all supporting documents
- Ensure file sizes are manageable
Option 2: Hand Delivery
Deliver your application to:
Compensation House
Cnr. Hamilton and Soutpansberg Road
Prinshof
Pretoria
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline
- Deadline: 31 March 2026
- Late applications will not be accepted
- Apply early to avoid last-minute delays
ALSO APPLY FOR: MISA Bursary 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: I am a COID beneficiary but do not have permanent disablement. Can I apply?
A: Group 1 is specifically for COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement (PWD) . If you do not have permanent disablement, you do not qualify for Group 1.
Q2: I am a dependant but over 35. Can I apply?
A: No. The age requirement for Group 2 is strictly 17–35 years.
Q3: What if my field of study is not listed?
A: The list is “not limited to” these fields. Other qualifications may be considered. Apply and let the Fund assess your qualification.
Q4: Do I need to have already been accepted at an institution?
A: You must provide proof of acceptance from a recognised TVET, CET, or Higher Education Institution.
Q5: Can I apply if I am already receiving NSFAS?
A: You must disclose all funding in your application. Dual funding may be possible depending on the terms.
Q6: What is the monthly stipend amount?
A: The stipend amount is not specified but is provided to assist with living expenses.
Your Path to Reintegration and Success
The Compensation Fund Bursary 2026 is a vital opportunity for COID beneficiaries and their dependants to access education and training. Whether you are a beneficiary with permanent disablement seeking to return to work, or a dependant aged 17–35 building your future, this bursary provides comprehensive support including tuition, accommodation, study materials, and a monthly stipend.
The deadline of 31 March 2026 gives you time to prepare a complete application. Gather your documents, download the form, and apply today.
📧 Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
📌 Subject: COID Bursary 2026
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