Department of Military Veterans Bursary 2026 Requirements & How to Apply

The Department of Military Veterans bursary offers support to military veterans and their dependents (both basic and tertiary education). 

If you satisfy eligibility, gathering your documents now will help you apply as soon as the call is open.

About the Organisation

The Department of Military Veterans is a South African government department tasked with the welfare of military veterans. 

One of its key support services is education support, which includes bursaries and education aid to eligible veterans and their dependents.

Fields of Study Funded

• Basic education (Grade 1 to Grade 12) for dependents of military veterans.
• Higher education (undergraduate) at public universities or institutions for veterans or their dependents.

Benefits for Recipients

1. The DMV bursary covers tuition/registration and required schooling fees for approved programmes.
2. It includes support for prescribed books or transcripts etc.
3. Proof of enrolment or acceptance is required; once confirmed, the financial support is awarded.

Eligibility Criteria

You must satisfy all of the following:

1. Be a South African citizen.
2. Be a military veteran or a dependent of a military veteran.
3. Be registered on the DMV Database.
4. For higher education bursary: be formally registered for or accepted into an approved programme at a public tertiary institution.

How to Apply

1. Download the DMV Education Support Application Form (Basic Education or Higher Education forms) from the DMV website when available.
2. Complete the application form and attach supporting documents (see next section).
3. Submit completed forms to one of the following:
   • Postal address: Private Bag X943, Pretoria, 0001
   • Hand delivery: 328 Festival Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083
   • Email (for specific application types): BasicEducation@dmv.gov.za or HigherEducation@dmv.gov.za

Required Documents

You will need these documents in your application pack:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID.
2. Certified ID of the military veteran, or death certificate if deceased.
3. If the applicant is a dependent and last name differs, affidavit explaining difference.
4. Proof of income of the veteran or guardian/parent. Payslips or affidavit if unemployed.
5. Latest academic results (transcript or school report).
6. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution for next year (for tertiary bursary).
7. Proof of residence.

Closing Date

No confirmed closing date for 2026 has been found yet. 

Contact Details

1. Department of Military Veterans
2. Tel: 012 765 9375 / 012 765 9304 / 071 423 8539
3. Addresses for submission:
   • Private Bag X943, Pretoria, 0001
   • 328 Festival Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0083