South African students looking for financial assistance in the construction, mining, and energy sectors should consider the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary.
Awarded annually by the JB Marks Education Trust Fund in partnership with the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), this bursary program aims to empower NUM members and their dependents by supporting their academic pursuits.
Established in 1997, the JB Marks Education Trust Fund honors the legacy of South African activist and leader John Beaver Marks, who championed worker empowerment through education.
The Trust primarily receives funding from the Mineworkers Investment Trust (MIT) via Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC) dividends.
Since its inception, it has funded over 1,000 bursaries, awarding more than R280 million to over 2,000 beneficiaries.
About JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary
The JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary offers financial support for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the construction, mining, and energy sectors.
Every year, the Trust awards approximately 200 bursaries for undergraduate studies and 50 for postgraduate studies.
The bursary amount varies based on the student’s field of study and available funding.
These are some points to remember about the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary:
- Awarded to NUM members and their dependents (children and spouses)
- Supports undergraduate and postgraduate studies (postgraduate funding is limited to NUM members who haven’t received previous bursary support)
- Funding covers recognized and registered public tertiary institutions in South Africa (universities, universities of technology, and colleges)
- Bursary amount cannot be used for existing study loans or debts
- Students dropping out within the first six months must repay the bursary
- Changing the course of study or institution after receiving the bursary will result in its withdrawal
- Receiving funding from another source cancels the JB Marks bursary and requires repayment
JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a NUM member or a dependent of a NUM member (children and spouses)
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification program (postgraduate funding is restricted)
- Be studying at a recognized and registered public tertiary institution in South Africa (private institutions are not eligible)
- Not be receiving financial assistance for studies from another source
JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Application Requirements
Applications for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary are submitted online through the official JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Application portal.
All applications must be accompanied by the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of applicant’s ID document
- Certified copy of most recent academic results (matric or tertiary)
- Certified copy of NUM member’s ID document
- Latest payslip of NUM member
- Proof of acceptance from the applicant’s institution (on official letterhead)
- Proof of dependency (required if applicant’s surname differs from NUM member’s): Abridged birth certificate, clinic immunization card, magistrate guardianship letter, medical aid beneficiary certificate, or marriage certificate.
Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
How to Apply
To apply for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary, follow these steps:
- Visit the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Application portal.
- Complete the online application form accurately.
- Ensure you have all the required supporting documents in certified copy format.
- Submit your online application along with the scanned copies of your supporting documents before the closing date.
JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Contact Information
For any questions or technical difficulties regarding the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary, you can contact the Trust directly:
- General Inquiries: [email protected]
- Application Issues: [email protected]
- Telephone: 011 492 0601
JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Closing Date
The deadline to apply for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary is July 1st each year.
You have to submit your application well before the closing date to ensure it’s considered.