Association for Educational Transformation

About ASSET

The Association for Educational Transformation, known as ASSET, is a non-profit organisation based in Mowbray, Cape Town. It was launched as an independent organisation in 2003. Before that, its work was part of the Cape Western Region of the South African Institute of Race Relations. Its offices are at 5 Long Street, Mowbray. ASSET focuses on students from disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape. Its aim is to remove money barriers that stop talented learners from entering and finishing higher education. In particular, it works to open access for Black students, who have historically had fewer chances to study.

How ASSET supports students

The main programme is a bursary for needy matriculants. Funding is available for any field of study toward a first higher certificate, diploma or degree. Students must study at one of four institutions: the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, Stellenbosch University or the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

The value of an award differs, but it usually covers part of tuition, registration and books. It does not always pay every cost. Students who keep good marks can be supported for the full length of their first qualification. However, they must reapply every year. The organisation reports that it has supported more than 8,000 bursars over the years. It also reports around 1,486 graduates, with 1,059 coming from universities of technology and 427 from universities. These numbers show how long ASSET has worked in this space.

What to know before applying

ASSET bursaries do not have to be repaid. However, recipients are expected to join the ASSET Alumni Association and to give back, either during their studies or after they graduate. This builds a community of former students who help those who follow them.

Applicants should be from a disadvantaged background, have financial need and plan to study at one of the four partner institutions. Specific marks, closing dates and documents change each year and were not confirmed for the current cycle. Therefore, read the latest call on the official ASSET website. Applications are normally submitted by email to the bursary department. Students should also remember that a part-bursary may not cover everything. For this reason, apply to ASSET alongside other funders, and ask your university about additional financial aid. Because ASSET is a small non-profit, always use the contact details on its official site and send documents to no one else. The Western Cape focus also means that students at other institutions are not covered.