Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF) South Africa 2026

The Athlone Institute Trust (AIT) was established in 1926 for the residents of the Paarl area since they were in severe need of Higher Educational facilities for coloured students. 

The Bursary Project Committee was founded and later in 2006 renamed “The Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund (AIBPROF)”. 

With a strong focus on academic excellence and personal development, the institute offers a variety of programs across various disciplines. 

Athlone Institute Trust aims to empower students to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.

About Athlone Institute Bursary Project Fund

The Athlone Institute Trust (AIT) was founded in 1926 to address the need for accessible higher learning for “coloured” students in Paarl.

In 1998, the bursary arm was formed and in 2006 was renamed to AIBPROF. 

Since then, it has supported over 1,500 students with more than R5 million in bursaries and loans.

Fields of Study Funded

AIBPROF covers students in any field of study, including undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, at institutions accredited by the Council on Higher Education.

Benefits for Recipients

The bursary offers partial coverage for registration and tuition fees. The exact amount is determined individually by AIT. 

Bursaries are renewable annually, depending on academic progress.

Eligibility Criteria 

Applicants must meet all of the following:

• South African citizens by birth
• Permanent residents of Paarl or Mbekweni, or parishioners of one of the five AIT member churches:
  • St Stephen’s Anglican Church
  • Immanuel URC
  • Bethel United Congregational Church
  • Holy Trinity Anglican Church
  • Zions Uniting Reformed Church
• Hold a Matric certificate
• Demonstrate financial need
• Have a strong academic record
• Be enrolled—or intend to enroll—in a full-time accredited tertiary qualification (undergrad or postgrad)
• Be willing to participate in community service in Paarl/Mbekweni and engage in a mentoring programme

How to Apply

1. Download the application form from AIBPROF or collect it from one of the five member churches or Drakenstein Pharmacy.
2. Complete the form and attach all required documents (listed below).
3. Mail your completed application to:
   
   The Secretary
   P.O. Box 846
   Huguenot, 7645
   Note: Online or emailed submissions are not accepted.

Required Documents

Include certified copies of:

1. South African ID document
2. Matric certificate, or latest academic transcript if in tertiary study
3. Proof of registration/payment at tertiary institution
4. Proof of residence (e.g., municipal billing)
5. Proof of household income (payslips or affidavit if unemployed)
6. Student account information form (institution provided)
7. Testimonial from your religious leader
8. Completed declaration form stating that information submitted is accurate

Closing Date

The 2025 deadline was 28 February 2025. Expect the 2026 cycle to close around late February 2026. Only applications received by then will be considered.

Contact Details

For queries, reach out to:

• Phone: 021 862 7777
• Email: [email protected]
• Postal: P.O. Box 846, Huguenot, 7645