SACTWU Bursary 2027, Requirements & Application

Key facts

Status: Applications open Closes 26 February 2027
Provider: SACTWU
Study level: TVET / college
Academic year: 2027
Last checked: September 2026

The bursary runs every year with two closing dates: the end of February for full-year and first-semester studies, and mid-August for second-semester studies.

Reviewed & verified by Naledi KhumaloSenior Admissions and Bursaries EditorVerified

The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (SACTWU) runs one of the largest union bursary schemes in the country. Funded by member contributions, it helps clothing, textile, footwear and leather workers and their families pay for tertiary study, and has funded thousands of students since the 1990s.

About the SACTWU Bursary

The bursary pays a percentage of tuition fees, not the full cost:

Public universities and universities of technology: up to 75% of tuition, capped at about R23 450 a year.
Private institutions registered with the Department of Higher Education: up to 75% of tuition, capped at about R4 690 a year.
Completing 50 hours of community service adds 5% to the award.

TVET colleges are excluded because NSFAS funds them. Any field of study qualifies.

SACTWU Bursary eligibility requirements

A SACTWU member, the spouse of a member, or the child or legally adopted child of a member aged 25 or younger and unemployed.
The member’s union fees must have been paid up for at least 13 weeks before the closing date.
Registered, or accepted, at a public university, university of technology or registered private college.
Passing results if already studying.

How to apply for the SACTWU Bursary

Download the current year’s application form from sactwu.org.za or collect it from a SACTWU office or shop steward.
Attach certified copies of: the applicant’s ID and Matric certificate; academic records; the institution’s fee statement; the member’s recent payslips and proof of union membership; proof of the relationship to the member (birth, marriage, adoption or guardianship certificate); and an affidavit of unemployment where required.
Post the application to the SACTWU Bursary Department, PO Box 18359, Dalbridge, 4014, or hand-deliver it to the union’s Durban office or your nearest SACTWU office before the closing date.

SACTWU Bursary closing dates

Full-year and first-semester studies: end of February (about 26 February 2027).
Second-semester studies: mid-August (about 11 August 2027).

Contact details

SACTWU Bursary Department, Durban: 031 015 5510
Email: bursaries@sactwu.org.za
Postal address: PO Box 18359, Dalbridge, 4014
Website: www.sactwu.org.za

Because the SACTWU award covers only part of tuition, combine it with NSFAS if your household earns under R350 000, or with the funders on our commerce bursaries and engineering bursaries lists.

FAQs

1. When does the SACTWU bursary close for 2027? +

SACTWU runs two closing dates each year: the end of February for full-year and first-semester studies, and mid-August for second-semester studies. For 2027, expect a closing date around 26 February 2027 and a second one around 11 August 2027. Forms are published on the union's website and at its offices from January.

2. Who qualifies? +

Paid-up SACTWU members, their spouses, and their children or legally adopted children aged 25 or younger who are unemployed. The member's union fees must have been paid up for at least 13 weeks before the deadline.

3. Where can I study? +

Public universities, universities of technology and private colleges registered with the Department of Higher Education. TVET colleges are excluded because NSFAS funds them.

4. How much is the bursary? +

Up to 75% of tuition fees, capped at about R23 450 a year at public universities and about R4 690 at private institutions. Completing 50 hours of community service adds 5% to the award.

5. How do I apply? +

Download the form from sactwu.org.za, attach the required certified documents and submit it by post to PO Box 18359, Dalbridge, 4014, or by hand at a SACTWU office.

6. What documents are required? +

Certified ID and Matric certificate, academic records, the institution's fee statement, the member's payslips and union membership proof, and proof of relationship such as a birth, marriage or guardianship certificate, plus an affidavit if the applicant is unemployed.

Update note (checked September 2026): the bursary runs every year with two closing dates: the end of February for full-year and first-semester studies, and mid-August for second-semester studies. The 2024 dates were 28 February and 11 August. Expect the 2027 dates to be about 26 February 2027 and 11 August 2027, with the form published on the union’s website in January. The details below are from the last published advert.

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