Feenix Trust

Feenix is a public benefit organisation and crowdfunding platform created in response to the #FeesMustFall student protests of 2015 and 2016. Feenix exists for one specific problem: helping students clear outstanding university fees that block them from registering, graduating or receiving their certificates.

Registered name

Feenix Trust

Type

Public benefit organisation (student crowdfunding)

Fields funded

Outstanding university fees and historical student debt

Website

feenix.org

How this page was researched

Feenix’s website did not return readable content when BursariesAfrica tried to research this profile on 15 September 2026. The information here comes from a provider record checked in August 2026 and from BursariesAfrica’s earlier guide to Feenix. Readers should use feenix.org directly to confirm how the platform currently works.

Crowdfunding instead of a single fund

Feenix works differently from a normal bursary funder. Instead of running one fixed pool of money, Feenix lets students tell their own story on the platform so that individuals, companies and foundations can donate towards their fees. The money goes towards the student’s university account.

Feenix also administers larger programmes on behalf of corporate donors. Companies such as Absa and FirstRand have used Feenix to fund historical debt relief at scale, and the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation has run its honours bursary applications through the Feenix portal.

No work-back and no repayment

Feenix-administered funding carries no obligation to work for a donor. The purpose is to unblock graduates who cannot obtain their qualification or move into employment because of unpaid fees, not to recruit them.

How students can use Feenix well

Before creating a profile, get an up-to-date statement of account from your university showing exactly how much you owe. Donors respond to clear, honest stories, so explain your circumstances, what the debt is stopping you from doing, and what you plan to do once it is cleared.

Check Feenix regularly for corporate debt relief programmes, which often have eligibility rules and closing dates of their own. Share your campaign with people you know, because crowdfunding depends on reaching supporters.

Students who have not yet registered should also look at bursaries and NSFAS, since Feenix focuses on existing debt rather than future fees.

Feenix campaigns work best when students keep donors updated. A short message about registration, examination results or graduation shows supporters that their money made a difference and can encourage others to give.

Read our NSFAS guide for state funding.