Ernst and Ethel Eriksen Trust

About the Ernst and Ethel Eriksen Trust

The Ernst and Ethel Eriksen Trust is a private education trust that supports postgraduate study in South Africa. It was set up in 1981 through a donation from Ethel Eriksen. Its purpose is simple: to help more South Africans complete Masters and Doctoral degrees. The trust receives post at a private bag in Bryanston, Johannesburg, but it runs its application process entirely through its own website.

Many funders limit their support to one profession or sector. This trust does not. Applicants may study in any field, provided the qualification is a Masters or a Doctorate at a recognised South African university. As a result, students in science, humanities, commerce, law and health fields can all apply for funding.

Postgraduate study is costly. Research degrees bring fees, data costs, travel and living expenses, and many capable students leave before they finish because the money runs out. A trust like this one helps keep strong candidates in the system, even when the grant covers only part of the bill.

How the Eriksen Trust supports students

The trust awards partial bursaries rather than full scholarships. Published information puts the amount at up to R25,000 per year, and the money goes straight to the university. Students therefore do not receive cash. Instead, the payment reduces the fees owing on their account. Each award covers one academic year only, so recipients must reapply every year if they want further support.

Because the grant is partial, the trust expects students to cover the rest of their fees. That money might come from another bursary, a research grant, an employer or personal savings. For this reason, the Eriksen bursary works well as a top-up for postgraduate students who already have some funding but still face a gap on their fee statement.

What to know before applying

Applications normally open on 1 August and close on 30 September. Everything is done online, and posted applications are not considered. The form has several steps, and you can save your progress and return later. Create your account early, then work through each section calmly rather than rushing on the last day.

Applicants must be South African citizens with an Honours degree and a strong academic record. They must also be registered, or accepted, at a recognised university. The documents usually include a certified copy of your identity document, certified recent results and proof of application or acceptance. In addition, the trust asks for an income and expenditure breakdown, several short essays and two academic references on its official form.

However, requirements can change from year to year. Always read the current instructions on the Eriksen Trust website before you start. Ask your referees well ahead of time, because lecturers often need a few weeks. The trust usually informs applicants of outcomes towards the end of the year, so plan your fee payments with that timing in mind.