The Department of Employment and Labour, through the Compensation Fund, has officially opened applications for the 2026 External Bursary Programme. This opportunity is aimed at empowering unemployed COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) beneficiaries with permanent disablement, their dependents, as well as the dependents of employees who suffered fatal occupational injuries.
This bursary programme is a crucial intervention to ensure that those affected by workplace accidents and occupational diseases can access education, rebuild their lives, and secure a brighter future.
Who Can Apply?
The bursary targets the following groups:
- COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement (Persons with Disabilities – PWDs) who are within the working-age group.
- Dependents of COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement.
- Dependents of fatally injured employees, between the ages of 17 and 35 years.
Applicants must be accepted at a recognised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, Community Education and Training (CET) College, or Higher Education Institution (HEI).
What Does the Bursary Cover?
Successful candidates will benefit from full financial support, including:
- Tuition fees
- Prescribed study materials
- Accommodation
- Monthly stipend
The bursary is renewable annually for the full duration of the study programme, based on satisfactory academic performance and availability of funds.
Eligible Qualifications
The programme supports courses that enable beneficiaries to:
- Be reintegrated into the workplace, or
- Establish themselves as self-employed individuals.
In addition to academic qualifications, applicants facing educational barriers may apply for vocational skills programmes organised through the Compensation Fund.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must provide the following documents when applying:
- Fully completed bursary application form.
- COID Pension/Claim number.
- Certified copy of the applicant’s ID document.
- Proof of acceptance from a public TVET, CET or HEI.
- Certified copy of parent(s)/guardian’s ID document or death certificate (for dependents).
- Verification of physical disability by a Health Care Professional / Disability Support Office (if applicable).
- Students must register for full-time study, except under exceptional circumstances for PWDs.
Application Process
- Download the application form from the Department of Labour’s official website: www.labour.gov.za, or
Collect a form at your nearest Provincial Labour Centre. - Submit the completed application form with all required documents via:
- Post Office/Courier:
The Sub–Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Compensation Fund, Private Bag X955, Pretoria, 0001 - Hand Delivery (until Dec 2025): 167 Thabo Sehume Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria
- Hand Delivery (from Jan 2026): Compensation House, Cnr Hamilton & Soutpansberg Rd, Prinshof, Pretoria
- Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
- Post Office/Courier:
DOWNLOAD THE COMPENSATION FUND BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 ADVERT HERE
Contact Information
For queries and guidance, contact:
- Phone: (012) 319 9264 / (012) 319 5774 / (012) 319 9124
- Toll-free Customer Care: 0800 321 322 / 0860 10 5350
- SMS: 44967
Our Conclusion
The Compensation Fund Bursary Programme for 2026 is more than financial aid—it is an opportunity to restore dignity, open doors to education, and ensure the dependents of workers affected by workplace injuries are not left behind. Unemployed COID beneficiaries and their families are encouraged to seize this chance to build a better tomorrow.
CLOSING DATE: 31 MARCH 2026
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