Key Facts
- Status
- Applications Closed
- Provider
- Field of Study
- Study Level
- Academic Year
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2026
- Application Closes
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Eligibility Requirements
- South African citizen, or holder of a Permanent Residency Permit or Work Visa
- Aged between 19 and 50
- Communicare tenant in good standing, or from a previously marginalised community
- Resides within the City of Cape Town Metro Region
- Studying part-time or full-time toward an undergraduate qualification in a scarce or critical skills field (postgraduate study does not qualify)
- Gross household income not more than R400,000 per year
About Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary
The Vulamathuba Empumelelo Bursary Fund (VEBF) is run by Vulamathuba Empumelelo, the community and social development division of Communicare, a Cape Town-based social enterprise. The fund gives economically disadvantaged students in the Cape Town Metro region a chance to study toward qualifications the government has declared scarce or critical skills.
Because Communicare's core work already involves affordable housing and community upliftment for tenants and surrounding communities, extending that support into education through Vulamathuba Empumelelo is a natural extension of its broader social mission.
Funding Details
The fund allocates up to R45,000 per student, made up of R40,000 for registration and tuition and R5,000 for study materials such as textbooks and exam fees. It does not cover electronics, stationery, or the repayment of prior study loans. Recipients must also complete community service hours during their studies as part of the funding relationship.
Where You Can Study
Recipients may study at any accredited South African tertiary institution, including universities and TVET colleges, provided the qualification falls within a scarce or critical skills field.
About Vulamathuba Empumelelo
About Vulamathuba EmpumeleloVulamathuba Empumelelo is the social development arm of Communicare, a Cape Town social enterprise best known for affordable rental housing. It has been a registered non-profit organisation si…
View full provider profile →Fields of Study & Who Can Apply
This bursary is aimed at undergraduate students studying part-time or full-time toward a qualification in a field the government has officially declared scarce or critical. Preference goes to Communicare tenants in good standing and to students from previously marginalised communities within the City of Cape Town Metro Region.
Application Procedure
Apply directly with the provider using the official application link below, before the closing date.
Applications for this cycle have closed. Check the provider's site for the next intake.
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Last verified:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Communicare tenant to apply?
No, but preference is given to Communicare tenants in good standing and to students from previously marginalised communities within the Cape Town Metro area.
How much does the bursary provide?
Up to R45,000 per student: R40,000 toward registration and tuition, and R5,000 toward study materials such as textbooks and exam fees.
Are there any obligations after the bursary is awarded?
Yes. Recipients must complete community service during their studies and, after graduating, "work back" a portion of the bursary within the Communicare group or a nominated organisation.
Can postgraduate students apply?
No. The fund only supports undergraduate study.
When does the application period close, and when will I hear back?
For the 2025/2026 academic year, applications closed on 12 December 2025, and shortlisted candidates were notified by 13 February 2026.
