Gold Circle Bursary Requirements and How to Apply
The Gold Circle Bursary is offered by Gold Circle, a major horseracing company in South Africa formed through the merger of several turf clubs.
This bursary programme is part of Gold Circle’s commitment to skills development and enabling youth to pursue tertiary education.
Gold Circle Bursary Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Gold Circle Bursary, applicants must:
- Be a South African citizen, aged between 15 and 35 years.
- Be accepted at or already studying at a recognized tertiary institution (university, college, or TVET).
- Study for a degree, diploma, or certificate in one of the fields that Gold Circle considers “critical skills” for its business operations.
- Have strong academic results: for new applicants (Matric), a minimum of 65% aggregate; for current tertiary students, a minimum of 65% in each module or subject previously completed.
- Demonstrate financial need, with different income criteria depending on whether they are non‑employees or children/wards of Gold Circle employees.
- For non-employees: gross family income must be less than R180,000 per annum, plus proof of financial/economic challenges.
- For children or wards of Gold Circle employees: the parent/guardian must have worked for at least one continuous year, and earn no more than R180,000 per annum; proof of financial hardship is required.
What the Gold Circle Bursary Covers
The Gold Circle Bursary Fund supports:
- Registration fees at the tertiary institution.
- Tuition fees for the approved qualification.
- Compulsory prescribed textbooks needed for studies.
Gold Circle Bursary Application Process
- Get the Application Form
- You can obtain the bursary application form from the Human Resources Reception desk at Greyville Racecourse or request it by email.
- There are separate application forms for non‑employees and for children/wards of Gold Circle employees.
- Prepare Your Supporting Documents
- Certified copy of South African ID.
- Certified Matric certificate or recent school results (for school-leavers).
- Full academic record / transcript if currently studying.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognized tertiary institution.
- Proof of physical address.
- Proof of income / financial need (bank statements, payslips, or affidavits).
- A motivational letter and a letter of reference from someone credible.
- Submit Your Application
- For non‑employees: email the completed application and documents to Arvind Hiralall at [email protected] with the subject line “Gold Circle Bursary Application.”
- Or submit the form in person at Gold Circle’s HR office (Greyville Racecourse).
- Selection Process
- Applications are reviewed based on academic merit, financial need, and Gold Circle’s transformation priorities.
- If selected, bursars sign a bursary agreement to show commitment to their studies and Gold Circle’s objectives.
Gold Circle Bursary Closing Date
The 2023 bursary application was the last cycle and it closed on 31 January 2023.
You can check Gold Circle’s official website or training & development page for the next cycle.
Gold Circle Bursary Contact Details
- Email: Arvind Hiralall, Corporate Services Administrator — [email protected]
- Phone: +27 31 314 1632
- Office: Gold Circle Head Office, HR Reception Desk, Greyville Racecourse, Durban.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Gold Circle Bursary? +
South African citizens aged between 15 and 35 years, studying or about to study a tertiary qualification.
2. Can the bursary cover any course? +
No. It covers courses that Gold Circle considers “critical skills” for its business operations.
3. What are the minimum academic requirements? +
Applicants need a Matric average of 65% or more; current tertiary students need 65% in each completed module or subject.
4. How is financial need assessed? +
Non‑employees must have a family income below R180,000 p.a., and Gold Circle employees’ children must meet similar income criteria.
5. What does the bursary pay for? +
It covers tuition fees, registration fees, and mandatory prescribed textbooks.
6. Where do I get the application form? +
From Gold Circle’s HR Reception at Greyville Racecourse or by emailing [email protected].
7. When must applications be submitted? +
Typically by 31 January, though you should check the current bursary advertisement for the exact date.
8. Can I apply if my parent works at Gold Circle? +
Yes. There is a category for children or wards of Gold Circle employees if the parent meets income and employment requirements.
9. Do I need to write a motivation letter? +
Yes. A motivational letter explaining your financial situation and study goals is required, along with academic records and references.
10. Who do I contact for help with my application? +
Email Arvind Hiralall at [email protected] or call +27 31 314 1632.
🎓 Download Our Bursary Application Checklist
Download our free Application Checklist to make sure you do not miss any required documents. Submitting a complete application is key to being shortlisted.
📥 Download Checklist (PDF)