Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary 2026 Requirements & How to Apply

The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) bursary offers comprehensive financial and mentoring support to South African undergraduate students who might be overlooked by other schemes. 

If you qualify, applying before the deadline is essential to secure this opportunity.

About the Organisation

The CRET Bursary is run by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation. 

It started in 1996 when Cyril Ramaphosa used his public speaking earnings to help students attend university. 

It became formalised under the Foundation in 2000. CRET does more than just pay costs. 

It provides mentorship, psychological and social support, and helps students with personal development.

Fields of Study Funded

Bursaries are awarded for undergraduate studies in these fields:

1. Commerce and Finance
2. Education
3. Engineering
4. Sciences (excluding MBChB)
5. Technology
6. Scarce or critical skills/training areas (e.g., welding, plumbing, renewable energy, green technology, OHS, waste management, entrepreneurship)

Benefits for Recipients

Recipients receive financial support that covers essential university/student living needs:

1. Tuition fees
2. Textbooks and study materials
3. Accommodation
4. Meals
5. A monthly living allowance
6. Transport, if required
7. Mentorship, life skills development, psychosocial support, and holistic nurturing

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of these to be considered:

1. Be a South African citizen with a valid South African ID
2. Be between 16 and 27 years old
3. Be in Matric or have completed Matric, or be an undergraduate student already enrolled
4. Be planning to study or already studying full-time towards an undergraduate qualification at a recognised tertiary institution (University, UoT, TVET, etc.) in South Africa
5. Be in financial need: total household income not exceeding R650,000 per annum
6. Be applying to study in one of the fields listed above

How to Apply

1. Applications are submitted online via CRET or the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation website.
2. You will need to complete an application form, supply the required documents, and possibly complete a psychometric evaluation test.
3. After initial shortlisting, applicants may be invited to an interview or assessment.

Required Documents

You must prepare and submit:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID document
2. Most recent academic record/transcripts
3. Proof of acceptance or registration at a tertiary institution for the upcoming academic year (if applying for first year)
4. Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, pension or grant documentation)
5. Proof of home address
6. Motivational letter / personal statement
7. Psychometric test result, where required (free test downloadable)

Closing Date

For 2026, the CRET Bursary application deadline was 13 December 2026.

No 2026 dates been announced yet.

Contact Details

For more information or enquiries:

• Telephone: 011 592 6560
• Email: info@cyrilramaphosa.org
• Official Website: https://www.cyrilramaphosafoundation.org/project/cret/