HCI Foundation Scholarship Requirements, Application and Closing Dates

The HCI Foundation Scholarship is one of the largest and most sought-after privately-funded non-sector-specific bursary schemes in South Africa. 

The HCI Foundation (Human Capital Investment) provides educational funding to applicants pursuing tertiary studies in any field at recognized public South African universities.

The scholarship is primarily focused on supporting individuals who are financially disadvantaged but demonstrate strong academic merit and leadership potential. 

The HCI Foundation is particularly noted for supporting historically disadvantaged persons.

HCI Foundation Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

The HCI Scholarship is exceptionally competitive due to its broad scope. Applicants must strictly adhere to the following criteria:

1. Must be a South African citizen or hold permanent residency status.
2. Must be registered or provisionally accepted for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate studies at any public South African university or University of Technology (UoT).
3. Must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Foundation’s threshold criteria.
4. Must have achieved strong academic results:
   • Matriculants: Must have achieved a minimum final Matric aggregate of 65% (excluding Life Orientation).
   • Continuing Students: Must maintain an annual academic average of 60% or higher in all major subjects to qualify for renewal.
5. Must be applying for an award for a full year of study.
6. The scholarship is NOT available to students studying at TVET colleges or private institutions.

Fields of Study Supported

Unlike most corporate bursaries, the HCI Foundation Scholarship is not restrictive regarding the field of study. 

It supports qualifications across the full spectrum of academic disciplines.

1. Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
3. Health Sciences and Medicine.
4. Commerce, Finance, and Law.
5. Education.

What the HCI Foundation Scholarship Covers

The HCI Foundation Scholarship is a partial funding award intended to contribute significantly towards the core costs of tertiary education. It is not typically a full-cost bursary.

1. Value: The amount awarded is variable but generally ranges between R15,000 and R35,000 per annum, depending on the degree level, institution, and funding available.
2. Usage: The funds are paid directly to the university/UoT to cover tuition fees and/or other registered institutional costs.
3. Duration: The scholarship is awarded for one academic year but is renewable annually for the full duration of the degree, provided the recipient maintains the required academic average (60%) and still meets the financial need criteria.
4. No Service Obligation: There is no work-back agreement or compulsory vacation work required by the HCI Foundation.

HCI Foundation Scholarship Application Process

The application process is managed entirely online via the Foundation’s dedicated application platform. 

Applications often open early in the second half of the year.

1. Access the Online Portal: Visit the official HCI Foundation website and head to the ‘Scholarships’ section to find the link to the online application portal.
2. Create a Profile: Applicants must register and create a profile before accessing the form.
3. Complete the Form: Fill out the comprehensive online form, paying special attention to the financial and academic sections.
4. Upload Documents: Scan and upload all required documents (certified copies) to the online system.
5. Final Submission: Review all information and submit the application before the specified deadline. Incomplete or emailed applications are not accepted.

Required Documents

The following certified documents are typically mandatory for an application:

1. Certified copy of your South African ID document.
2. Certified copy of your Matric Certificate or Grade 11 final results (if currently in Matric).
3. Full academic record/transcript (if already studying at a tertiary institution).
4. Proof of acceptance or registration from the university/UoT.
5. Detailed Proof of Household Income (payslips, affidavits, or SASSA grant letters for all working or income-earning parents/guardians).
6. Proof of parental death certificate (if applicable).

HCI Foundation Scholarship Closing Date

The bursary now works directly with selected universities to identify eligible and deserving students. 

Applications to the HCI Foundation Bursary Programme will be by invitation only and facilitated through your institution’s internal channels. 

HCI Foundation Scholarship Contact Details

All correspondence regarding the HCI Foundation Scholarship must be directed to the Foundation’s official contact points.

• Email: scholarships@hcifoundation.co.za
• Telephone: +27 (21) 424 6010 (General Foundation enquiries)
• Website: www.hcifoundation.co.za 
• Location: Suite 801, The Point, 76 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005

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