The African WETU Foundation (AWF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to education in Africa. Through various programs, AWF enhances the skills and knowledge of underprivileged youths, driven by its mission to expand educational opportunities. Fully funded by private donors, the foundation leverages relationships, innovation, and resources to achieve its goals. AWF envisions an Africa where disadvantaged communities are empowered through education.
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About The AWF Bursary Programme
The AWF Bursary Programme provides financial support to students in Africa, specifically targeting those pursuing a full-time Master’s degree. Each year, the programme selects a number of students and provides them with financial packages and other benefits.
For the upcoming academic year, the bursary will support students from the following universities:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
It’s important to note that the bursary is not available for all departments within these universities.
For the University of Cape Town, only programmes in the Faculty of Science: Department of Computer Science and Information Systems are considered.
For the University of the Western Cape, programmes from the Faculty of Natural Science are eligible.
For the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, programmes from the Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies are considered.
The eligible programmes may change each year.
The bursary covers the entire tuition cost. Students are responsible for other expenses.
Eligibility Criteria for AWF Bursary
The bursary is awarded to a limited number of students who meet the following criteria:
- Must be a South African citizen, either by birth or naturalization
- Must be currently pursuing or have completed an Honours Degree or Bachelor of Technology level of education
- Must be accepted or intend to study at one of the specified universities
- Must be accepted into or intend to enroll in an eligible Master’s programme
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee funding, as the selection is at the discretion of the committee.
How To Apply
If you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to apply for the AWF bursary:
1. Fill Out An Online Application Form:
Complete the online application form available on the foundation’s official website or by clicking here. The form is in two parts: personal details and education details. Ensure all fields are filled out accurately, as incomplete forms will be rejected.
2. Submit Relevant Documents:
Along with your application, submit the following certified documents (no older than three months):
- ID documents
- Academic transcripts
- Education certificates
- Acceptance letter from the university
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Motivational letter
- Brief research intention
Failure to submit any of these documents will result in rejection.
Closing Date
The application deadline for the AWF bursary programme 2022 is 31 October 2021. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Selected candidates will be notified by the end of November 2021. If you do not receive a notification, your application was likely unsuccessful.
Contact Details
For assistance regarding the bursary, contact the foundation at:
- Telephone: 087 148 9444
- Email: info@africawetufoundation.org
By following this guide, eligible students can apply for the AWF Bursary to support their educational aspirations and contribute to the development of their communities.
Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.