Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust Bursary Requirements and How to Apply
The Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust was established to provide financial assistance to South African students who live with epilepsy (and other neurological disabilities) and who wish to pursue tertiary study.
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The bursary offers partial funding (not full cost) and is aimed at helping eligible students bridge the gap in their tuition fees.
Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust Bursary Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must meet specific criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Have medically-diagnosed epilepsy (or the condition as defined by the Trust) and provide proof of it.
- Be accepted or intend to enrol full-time at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa (any field of study) or be currently studying at that institution.
- Be a member of Epilepsy South Africa (branch or national membership) in many cases.
- Show financial need; the bursary is partial, and not all costs are covered.
- Maintain satisfactory academic performance during the tenure of the bursary; failure to do so may lead to withdrawal.
What Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust Bursary Covers
This bursary is not a full scholarship. Key points to consider:
- It typically covers tuition fees only (or part thereof). It does not cover residential/ accommodation or other study-related expenses in many cases.
- The award is usually valid for one academic year and must be reapplied for if you wish to receive funding for further years.
- Recipients may have additional obligations such as contributing to Epilepsy South Africa initiatives, attending annual meetings, or writing about their academic experience.
Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust Bursary Application Process
The application steps are as follows:
- Download or request the official application form from Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust.
- Complete the form clearly and gather the required supporting documentation: certified ID copy, matric certificate or recent results, proof of acceptance/enrolment at a tertiary institution, proof of epilepsy (clinic/doctor letter), proof of membership of Epilepsy South Africa, proof of household income, and declaration of other bursaries/awards received.
- Submit your application before the specified closing date by email or by post to the designated address of the Trust.
- After submission, shortlisting and selection are done by the Trustees; successful applicants will be notified and required to sign an agreement. Performance and reporting obligations apply.
Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust Bursary Closing Date
Applications for the 2026 award are now closed.
Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust Bursary Contact Details
- Email address: educationaltrust@epilepsy.org.za or nationaldirector.no@epilepsy.org.za (check current contact)
- Postal address: The Secretary, Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust, PostNet Suite #131, Private Bag X3, Bloubergrant 7443 (or other address as per current call)
- For queries: Contact Epilepsy South Africa National Office, Tel: 021 556 3753 / 021 903 1479
FAQs
1. What is the Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust Bursary?
It is a bursary programme by Epilepsy South Africa that offers partial financial support (primarily tuition fees) to eligible South African students living with epilepsy who wish to pursue tertiary education.
2. Who can apply for this bursary?
South African citizens with medically-diagnosed epilepsy, accepted or intending to study full-time at a recognised tertiary institution in South Africa, and who meet the Trust’s other requirements (such as membership and financial need).
3. Which fields of study are eligible?
The bursary is not restricted to specific fields of study. Students in any discipline may apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
4. What costs are covered by the bursary?
The bursary covers part of the tuition fees only. It typically does not cover accommodation, meals, textbooks or other study-related expenses.
5. What is the closing date for applications?
The usual closing date is 31 October each year. Applicants for the 2026 intake should check that this date is confirmed in the current call documents.
6. What documents do I need to submit?
Documents typically include certified ID copy, matric certificate or recent tertiary results, proof of epilepsy (doctor’s/clinic letter), proof of acceptance/enrolment, proof of membership of Epilepsy South Africa, proof of household income, and declaration of other bursaries.
7. Do I have to re-apply every year?
Yes. The bursary is typically awarded for one academic year only and recipients must re-apply annually if they wish to continue receiving funding.
8. Is my epilepsy a barrier to applying?
No. In fact, having epilepsy is the core eligibility requirement. The bursary is designed especially for students living with epilepsy.
9. Is receiving this bursary a guarantee of admission or support for the full degree?
No. Even if you meet the eligibility criteria, awards are limited, competitive, and partial. It does not guarantee full funding or admission to the institution.
10. Where can I get more information and the application form?
Check the official Epilepsy South Africa website under the ‘Educational Trust’ section, request the application form via email (educationaltrust@epilepsy.org.za), or contact the National Office for the latest call documents.
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