Compensation Fund (COID) Bursary Programme 2026

South African youth and families affected by workplace injuries often face long-term financial and educational barriers. The Compensation Fund (COID) Bursary Programme is designed to break those barriers by funding education for unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement, their dependents, and dependents of employees who passed away due to occupational injuries or diseases.

This bursary is more than just financial assistance. It is a vocational rehabilitation pathway that supports access to education, restores dignity, and creates new opportunities for sustainable employment.

Quick Overview

Programme: Compensation Fund (COID) External Bursary Programme 2026
Target group:

Unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement
Dependents of COID beneficiaries
Dependents of fatally injured employees

Study institutions:

TVET Colleges
CET Colleges
Universities and other Higher Education Institutions

Coverage includes:

Tuition fees
Prescribed study materials
Monthly stipend
Accommodation support

Renewal:

Renewable annually based on academic performance and availability of funds

Application method:

Download application form online or collect at Provincial Labour Centres

Response timeline:

If no response within two months, consider application unsuccessful

What the Bursary Covers

Successful applicants receive comprehensive academic support, which includes:

Full tuition fees paid directly to the institution
Prescribed textbooks and study materials
Monthly living stipend to support basic needs
Accommodation assistance where applicable

The bursary continues for the full duration of the study programme, subject to:

Satisfactory academic performance
Continued registration as a full-time student
Availability of funding

This structure ensures students can focus on their studies without constant financial stress.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following criteria:

Fully completed application form
COID pension number or claim number
Certified copy of the applicant’s identity document
Certified copies of parent or guardian identity documents or death certificates (for dependents)
Proof of acceptance from a recognised public Post-School Education and Training institution
Full-time study registration

Students with disabilities may be permitted to study part-time only under exceptional circumstances.

Additional requirements for disability verification:

Certification by a Health Care Professional
Confirmation from a Disability Support Office
WCL forms or final medical report

These documents help validate eligibility and ensure support reaches intended beneficiaries.

Who Can Apply

The bursary specifically targets:

Individuals permanently disabled due to workplace incidents
Children or dependents of COID beneficiaries
Families of employees who died as a result of occupational injuries or diseases

Applicants must be unemployed and accepted at an accredited institution before applying.

Importantly, COID beneficiaries are not restricted to a limited set of qualifications. They can pursue:

Technical programmes
Vocational skills training
Academic degrees
Artisan development pathways

Where education access barriers exist, the Compensation Fund can facilitate entry into organised vocational skills programmes.

Application Process

Follow these steps carefully:

Download and complete the official bursary application form here
Alternatively, collect the form at your nearest Provincial Labour Centre.
Attach all required supporting documents.
Submit the completed application as instructed.

Important note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Submission of Applications:

Post Office/ Courier: The Sub – Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Employment and Labour, Compensation Fund, Private Bag x 955, Pretoria, 0001

Hand Delivery: September – December 2025 : 167 Thabo Sehume Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria

Hand Delivery from January 2026 : Compensation House, Cnr. Hamilton and Soutpansberg Rd, Prinshof, Pretoria

Email: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za

Deadline: The bursary is open throughout the 2026 academic year; however, applicants are encouraged to send their applications on/before the 31 March 2026

Contact Information

For enquiries, guidance, and support:

Phone:
(012) 319 9264
(012) 319 5774
(012) 319 9124

Customer care toll-free:
0800 321 322
0860 10 5350

SMS: 44967

How Edupstairs Helps You Prepare

At Edupstairs, we don’t just post opportunities—we help you win them.

Recommended Tools:

Edupstairs Advice for Applicants

If you are planning to apply, approach this strategically:

Apply early and ensure documents are certified
Choose qualifications aligned with labour market demand
Prepare a strong academic plan for progression
Engage with Disability Support Offices if applicable
Track application deadlines and follow up if necessary

For dependents, this opportunity can change a household’s future trajectory. Education funded through the Compensation Fund reduces financial strain and increases employability.

Career Growth Path After This Bursary

The COID bursary can unlock several long-term career pathways, including:

Technical and artisan careers through TVET training
Professional qualifications via university degrees
Entrepreneurship through vocational skill acquisition
Public sector employment opportunities
Entry into SETA-aligned learnership programmes

Graduates can transition into sectors such as:

Engineering and manufacturing
Health and community services
ICT and digital industries
Construction and infrastructure
Public administration

The bursary is therefore not just funding — it is a career pipeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the COID bursary?

Unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disabilities, their dependents, and dependents of employees who died from workplace injuries.

Can I study part-time?

Full-time study is required. Part-time study may be approved only for students with disabilities under exceptional conditions.

What happens if I fail a year?

Funding renewal depends on academic performance and fund availability.

Can I choose any qualification?

Yes. Applicants are not restricted to specific programmes, provided the institution is recognised.

How will I know if my application is successful?

If you do not receive feedback within two months, consider the application unsuccessful.

CLOSING DATE: 31 MARCH 2026

You can also:

Application Outcome Tracker (anonymous)

No names collected. This helps future applicants understand real-world timelines.

Have you applied for this opportunity?

Total responses: 7

Disclaimers

The bursary is subject to availability of funds.
Submission does not guarantee funding approval.
Only applicants meeting all eligibility criteria will be considered.
Students must maintain academic performance for continued funding.
Information provided should be accurate and verifiable.

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Edupstairs TrustScore™

100 /100

Verified / Low Risk This is an evidence-based risk assessment to help applicants verify opportunities.

OrganisationCompensation Fund

SourceOfficial website/career portal

Open source link

Apply viaEmail

ReferenceCOID_BURSARY2026

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