Key Facts
- Status
- Check Provider for Dates
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
Eligibility Requirements
- From a Quintile 1-3, non-fee-paying rural school in Umkhanyakude, Zululand or King Cetshwayo district
- Has applied for, or is receiving, NSFAS funding
- Accepted to enter 1st or 2nd year of a first Health Science degree at a public university (excluding UNISA)
- Willing to complete two years' return-of-service at a listed rural hospital after qualifying
About Umthombo Youth Development Foundation Uydf Bursary
The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) is a KwaZulu-Natal-based non-profit organisation that addresses healthcare staff shortages in rural public hospitals by supporting rural youth from the Umkhanyakude, Zululand and King Cetshwayo districts to qualify in health science professions. Bursary recipients commit to two years of return-of-service at a partner rural hospital after graduating.
Funding Details
- Top-up funding to a recipient's NSFAS package
- A monthly allowance
- Mentoring and life-skills support
- Vacation practical/work exposure opportunities
Where You Can Study
Public South African universities (excluding UNISA) offering Health Science degree programmes.
About Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF)
The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) is a non-profit organisation founded in January 1999 in Ingwavuma, in rural KwaZulu-Natal, to address a chronic shortage of qualified healthcare workers at rural and under…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
Matriculants (or those who have completed matric) from Quintile 1 to 3, non-fee-paying rural schools in the Umkhanyakude, Zululand or King Cetshwayo districts of KwaZulu-Natal, who have applied for or received NSFAS funding, and who have been accepted to enter the 1st or 2nd year of a first Health Science degree at a public South African university (UNISA excluded).
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bursary open to students from anywhere in South Africa?
No. It is restricted to students from specific rural districts of KwaZulu-Natal (Umkhanyakude, Zululand and King Cetshwayo), not open province- or country-wide.
Has the application round closed?
Yes. The most recently verified cycle closed on 31 December 2025. A 2027 round had not been announced as of 28 August 2026.
Is there a service commitment after graduating?
Yes. Recipients commit to two years of work at one of UYDF's partner rural hospitals after qualifying.
Who can I contact with questions?
UYDF's bursary team can be reached via Cebile@umthomboyouth.org.za or 031 765 5774 (office hours only).
