Rotary Club of Knysna Bursary Programme 2026

The Rotary Club of Knysna is inviting students residing in the Knysna area to apply for its 2026 Bursary Programme. Established in 1982, the programme has supported numerous students in pursuing tertiary education across various fields. It remains the club’s largest single budget item, funded primarily through local fundraising initiatives such as the Rotary Golf Weekend and the former Knysna Rotary Cycle Tour, with additional contributions from international Rotary clubs and individual donors.

Purpose of the Bursary

The Rotary Club of Knysna aims to uplift local youth by providing financial support for tertiary studies in fields that contribute to community development and nation-building. Each bursary ranges between R6 000 and R30 000, depending on need and field of study.

Don’t have a CV? Create a Professional CV Effortlessly with Edupstairs Simple CV Builder

Fields of Study Covered

The bursary focuses on academic fields that align with Rotary’s key areas of interest:

Maternal and Child Health
Basic Education and Literacy
Economic and Community Development

Students pursuing qualifications in the following areas are encouraged to apply:

Engineering
Teaching
Nursing and Caring
Medicine
Media and Communication
Business Management
Law
Nature Conservation
Marketing
Social Work
Journalism
Architectural Drawing
Accounting
Ambulance Training
Firefighting

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Residency: Must have resided in the Knysna area for at least five (5) years.
Academic Potential: Must show a minimum average of 50%.
Co-funding: Must have another source of funding (as this is not a full bursary).
Undergraduate Status: Must be an undergraduate student.
Interview: Must attend a comprehensive interview conducted by the bursary committee.

Qualities of a Successful Applicant

A candidate is more likely to succeed if they:

Understand their chosen course and have a clear post-study career plan.
Demonstrate strong academic performance and hard work.
Show leadership or community involvement (e.g. sports, Interact, prefectship).
Possess good communication skills and awareness of current South African affairs.
Display maturity, willingness to make sacrifices, and commitment to success.
Have researched accommodation, travel options, and holiday job opportunities.
Have knowledge of Rotary International and what it stands for.
Have adequate financial support from parents or guardians.

Required Supporting Documents (Upon Selection)

Selected students must provide the following:

Matric results (if applicable).
Latest tertiary academic results.
Proof of registration from their institution.
Student number.
Banking details of the institution.

Once all documents are received, half of the bursary amount will be paid directly to the institution, and the remaining half will be disbursed upon successful completion of mid-year exams or coursework.

Renewal Policy

The bursary is valid for one academic year only. Students wishing to continue receiving support must reapply each year with updated academic results.

Rotary Involvement & Community Engagement

Bursary recipients are encouraged to participate in Rotary fund-raising projects whenever available, helping to promote the spirit of volunteerism and community service.

Additionally, each applicant receives a list of other bursary opportunities available for further study in various fields.

How to Apply

Applications, together with the application form must be emailed to: Education Committee at: hgtom57@gmail.com

DOWNLOAD THE ROTARY CLUB OF KNYSNA BURSARY APPLICATION FORM HERE