Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI)

About the Royal Bafokeng Institute

The Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI) is the education arm of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, based near Phokeng in the North West province. The Nation earns much of its income from platinum mining royalties and invests part of it in education. RBI works with schools, teachers and learners from early childhood through to tertiary level. Its offices are on the Sun City Road (R565) at Salema, Phokeng.

How RBI supports students

RBI does not offer a classic bursary for tertiary study. Instead, it runs a student loan. This is a deliberate choice. The loan is meant to work as a revolving fund, so money repaid by earlier students helps pay for the next group. As a result, the support can continue for many years.

Because of this design, repayment is part of the deal. Recipients are expected to pay the money back once they finish their studies and start work. Treat the loan as a financing plan, not free funding. Ask RBI about repayment terms before you sign anything.

The loan targets particular fields. According to RBI, it supports health sciences (excluding BSc Medical Science and Acupuncture) and commerce in the accountancy and auditing streams. It also covers education degrees through the North-West University Akanyang Centre, and social work and fine arts at universities of technology. Engineering and law (LLB) are on the list too. Check the official page for exact qualification lists, since these can change.

What to know before applying

Eligibility is strict. You must be a South African citizen and a bona fide member of the Royal Bafokeng Nation. You must also show financial need. In addition, RBI asks for an admission points score of 30 or more, not counting Life Orientation. You need acceptance at an accredited public university in the North West or Gauteng.

The application needs several documents. These include a certified copy of your ID, your grade results, proof of your NSFAS application, a recommendation letter from your Kgosana, a parent's payslip or affidavit, and your university acceptance letter. Gather them early. Missing papers are a common reason for delays on any funding application.

The most recent application window ran from 1 August to 30 September 2026. RBI has used a similar window before, but you should confirm each year's dates on its website. For help, call +27 (0)14 566 1400 or email rbienquiries@bafokeng.com.

If you are not a Nation member, you will not qualify. In that case, look at other funders that match your field.

A loan can still be a good choice if you plan carefully. Interest, the date repayment starts and any conditions for reducing the debt are set out in the loan agreement, and RBI's loan page does not list them. Ask for these terms in writing. Remember that RBI also asks for proof of your NSFAS application, so apply to NSFAS on time as well.