VerifiedIn 2021 Converse South Africa and its distributor, Skye Distribution, put R2 million into #KickTheDebt, a campaign inspired by the #FeesMustFall movement that paid off outstanding school and university fees for students in financial need. It was a once-off campaign rather than an annual bursary, and this page records what it offered and where students with debt can turn now.
About the Converse #KickTheDebt Student Award
- R1 million shared among the selected students, with each award covering part or all of the person’s outstanding fees.
- Open to secondary and tertiary students; applicants could apply for themselves or nominate someone else.
- Paid directly to the school or institution to settle the debt.
Who qualified
- South African citizen living in South Africa, aged 13 to 28.
- Enrolled at an accredited secondary or tertiary institution.
- Outstanding tuition fees and proven financial need.
- An overall average of at least 60%.
How it was applied for
- Applications were submitted online at converse.co.za or by WhatsApp during the campaign window.
- Applicants attached a certified ID, academic record, fee statement, proof of enrolment, proof of financial need and a written or video motivation.
- Skye Distribution selected the recipients and settled the fees with the institutions.
Closing date
3 March 2021 at 23:59. No further rounds have been announced.
Contact details
- Skye Distribution customer service: 087 940 4664
- Converse South Africa: www.converse.co.za
Students with outstanding fees should look at the Feenix student debt platform, the Anglo American Platinum tuition support, the Lucha Lunako debt write-off competition and NSFAS for future years.
FAQs
1. Is the Converse #KickTheDebt award open for 2027? +
No. #KickTheDebt was a once-off campaign that closed on 3 March 2021, followed by a #CreateNext campaign in 2022. Converse South Africa has not run a student debt award since, and there is no 2027 round to apply for.
2. What was #KickTheDebt? +
A R2 million campaign by Converse South Africa and its distributor Skye Distribution, inspired by the #FeesMustFall movement, that paid off outstanding school and university fees for students in financial need.
3. Who qualified? +
South African citizens aged 13 to 28, enrolled at an accredited secondary or tertiary institution, with outstanding tuition fees, financial need and an average of at least 60%. Students could apply for themselves or nominate someone else.
4. How much did students get? +
R1 million was shared among the selected students, with each award covering part or all of the person's outstanding fees.
5. How was it applied for? +
Online at converse.co.za or by WhatsApp, with a certified ID, academic record, fee statement, proof of enrolment, proof of financial need and a written or video motivation.
6. Where can I get help with student debt now? +
The Feenix crowdfunding platform, the Anglo American Platinum tuition support for outstanding debt and the Lucha Lunako debt write-off competition, plus NSFAS for future years.
Update note (checked September 2026): #KickTheDebt closed on 3 March 2021 and was followed by a #CreateNext debt campaign in 2022. Converse South Africa has not run a student award since, and there is no 2027 round to apply for. See the alternatives at the end of this page.