Disability Empowerment Concerns Trust
DEC Trust Bursary
Closes
30 September 2026
Value
Full tuition, accommodation, stipend, laptop, and assistive devices
Level
Undergraduate & Postgraduate
For
South African citizens with disabilities
Sector
Scarce & Critical Skills
Type
Full-cost bursary
About this bursary
The Disability Empowerment Concerns (DEC) Trust provides comprehensive bursary funding for South African students living with disabilities. The award covers tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, prescribed learning materials, a laptop, and necessary assistive support services.
Managed by StudyTrust, this initiative focuses on qualifications aligned with South Africa's critical skills needs. It aims to broaden tertiary access and boost long-term career participation for individuals with disabilities.
Applicants must attend or plan to enroll at accredited public universities across South Africa. Funding is restricted to candidates who hold no other bursaries or financial aid for the 2027 academic year.
Courses of study covered
What the bursary covers
Who can apply
You qualify if
- Applicants must hold South African citizenship and live with a documented disability.
- Candidates need to be currently in matric or have completed school leaving examinations.
- You must be accepted or registered for an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification at a public South African university.
- Studies must fall within an approved scarce or critical skills discipline.
- An academic average of at least 65% is required from your latest school or tertiary results.
- You cannot hold any existing bursaries or financial assistance from external sources for 2027.
You do not qualify if
- Non-South African citizens are ineligible.
- Students enrolled at private higher education institutions do not qualify.
- Applicants receiving secondary bursary funding or state bursaries for 2027 will not be considered.
- Candidates studying fields outside the recognized critical skills list cannot apply.
Documents you need to submit
- Certified copy of South African identity document
- Grade 11 final report and latest Grade 12 results (matric applicants)
- Full official academic record including 2026 results (tertiary students)
- Proof of university acceptance or registration at a public institution
- Medical proof of disability issued by a registered medical practitioner
Submit clear copies of all mandatory documentation alongside your application.
How to apply
- 1Visit the official StudyTrust application instructions page to review guidelines.
- 2Complete the online DEC Trust bursary application form.
- 3Indicate how you heard about the opportunity when prompted on the portal.
- 4Upload clear, certified copies of all required supporting documents.
- 5Submit the completed application prior to the closing date.
Applications missing required medical or academic records will be disqualified.