Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Closed
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen with a valid ID number
- Aged 16 to 27
- In Matric, or Matric completed
- Undergraduate study in a listed field
- Recognised South African institution
- Household income of no more than R650 000 a year
Documents Needed
Shortlisted candidates had to send a certified ID and academic record, proof of tertiary acceptance, a motivational letter, proof of household income and proof of home address. They also needed proof of a psychometric test that supports their chosen field.
About Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary supports South African students from low-income households in a wide range of fields. The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, known as CRET, is the youth skills programme of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation. The last call with terms that we could read closed on 13 December 2024, for the 2025 academic year.
One listing shows 31 October 2026 as a later date, but we could not confirm it officially. So check with the trust before you rely on any date. The terms below come from a published copy of the 2025 advert, and a new call may change them.
Funding Details
The bursary covered tuition, textbooks and other study materials, accommodation, meals and a monthly living allowance. It also paid for transport where required. The advert did not publish a total value, but the cover is broad compared with many other bursaries.
Reports also describe leadership development and life skills training for CRET students. The advert did not mention work-back. Still, read any agreement carefully, and ask what the trust expects from you each year. You should also ask whether your funding renews automatically or depends on your marks.
Before you apply, work out your total household income from payslips or affidavits, so that you know whether you fall under the limit. Ask your school or college for help with the psychometric step if you have no internet access at home.
Where You Can Study
You could study at a university, a university of technology, a TVET college or another recognised South African institution. The 2025 call asked shortlisted candidates for proof of tertiary acceptance on the institution's letterhead, so apply for your place early.
About Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET)
About the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, or CRET, is a South African education charity that funds students from poor households. It began formally in 2000 and is the youth skills pro…
View full provider profile →- Phone
- 011 592 6560
Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
The 2025 call was for South African citizens aged 16 to 27 who were in Matric or had completed it. Total household income could not exceed R650 000 a year, and applicants had to study at undergraduate level.
The fields were Commerce and Finance, Education, Engineering, Sciences (excluding MBChB) and Technology. The list also included scarce skills such as boiler making, welding, plumbing, occupational health and safety, renewable energy, waste management, green technology and entrepreneurship.
This mix makes the bursary unusual, since it welcomes both university students and people learning a trade. The trust also says it wants to reach candidates whom other funders may overlook. Use your motivational letter to tell your own story, and explain what you have achieved despite the challenges you have faced.
Application Procedure
The 2025 call used an online form, and it did not consider applications sent any other way. Shortlisted candidates then completed an assessment and interview. Check the foundation's website for a current link, or contact the trust on 011 592 6560 or at info@cyrilramaphosa.org.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
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Questions about this application?
Contact Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) directly:
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CRET Bursary open now?
We could not confirm an open call. Check with the trust directly.
What was the income limit?
The 2025 call set a limit of R650 000 a year for the household.
Can I study a trade?
Yes. The 2025 list included trades such as welding and plumbing.
