FEM Education Foundation

About FEM Education Foundation

The FEM Education Foundation NPC, known as FEMEF, is a non-profit company founded in 2016. It is based in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg. The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) funds it. FEM was established in 1936 and gives construction companies and their workers insurance cover for injuries and illnesses caused by work.

FEM's business is closely tied to construction. Therefore, it is no surprise that the foundation's bursary focuses on Engineering, the Built Environment and Health Sciences. When the foundation was created, FEM committed about R750 million to its education work.

How FEMEF supports students

FEMEF describes its mission as improving education, leadership and skills in South Africa. Its bursary pays for tuition fees, prescribed textbooks and a monthly stipend. Accommodation and meals may also be covered, at the foundation's discretion.

Money alone rarely gets a student through university. For this reason, the foundation adds psycho-social support and leadership development to the funding. Students from disadvantaged homes often face pressure that goes beyond fees, and this support is meant to help them cope.

The bursary is for students at approved public universities. Recipients must study full-time towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the three funded fields.

What to know before applying

FEMEF does not fund first-year students. Applicants must already have completed their first year of study. As a result, the foundation backs students who have shown they can cope with university work, rather than guessing from matric marks alone. Postgraduate students are not eligible either.

Applicants must be South African citizens from a household with an income of no more than R360,000 a year, according to recent calls. They also need a good academic record, good financial standing with their institution and clear financial need.

Applications are made through an online portal, and shortlisted candidates receive a further form. Recent cycles have closed in November. You will need certified copies, no older than three months, of your ID, recent academic results, your parents' or guardians' IDs and proof of their income. If you have siblings at university, proof of their registration may also be required.

Public information does not describe a formal work-back duty to FEM or FEMEF. Even so, check your award letter and contract carefully. Dates, income limits and funded fields can change each year, so confirm the latest details on the official FEMEF website or by contacting the foundation.

Finally, remember that the bursary is for students who are already studying. If you are in matric, focus on a good first-year result, because that record will support a future application to FEMEF.