South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association (SASLHA)

About SASLHA

The South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association, known as SASLHA, is the professional association for speech-language therapists and audiologists. It promotes these allied health professions to the public. It also sets ethical and clinical standards for its practising members and supports students who are entering the field.

How SASLHA supports students

SASLHA funds students through the Myrtle L Aron Bursary Fund. Each year the association offers a bursary to a third- or fourth-year student. The student must have passed second or third year in Speech-Language Therapy, Audiology, or both. The bursary is open to students at any South African university that offers these programmes.

Awards depend on both academic merit and financial need. The aim is to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds who could otherwise struggle to finish. Speech-language therapy and audiology degrees are costly and highly specialised, so money is often the main barrier.

There is also a wider purpose. The bursary raises awareness of these careers and encourages young people to consider them. Speech-language therapy and audiology are recognised scarce skills in the country's healthcare system. A larger pool of qualified practitioners means better access to hearing and communication care for the public. In this sense, the bursary extends the association's mandate to grow and protect the profession and is not a standalone charity gesture.

Publicly available SASLHA material does not describe any work-back or bonded service obligation. The bursary is run by a professional body and not by an employer, so it is structured as a merit and needs-based award.

What to know before applying

Free SASLHA membership is required to apply. Membership is free for eligible undergraduates in speech-language therapy, audiology or related fields at South African institutions. You can register through the SASLHA membership portal. Do this first, since you cannot apply without it.

Applications are not always open. The 2026 call closed on 16 February 2026, which shows that the window can fall early in the academic year. At the time of checking, the students page of the SASLHA site marked applications as closed. As a result, you should look for the next call well before the start of your academic year.

The official page does not list the supporting documents. Expect to prove your registration and academic results, and to explain your financial need. If anything is unclear, contact SASLHA through its website and ask before the closing date. Keep your marks strong and write your motivation with care. Selectors read for both ability and commitment to the profession. Mention any clinical placements or community work you have done, since these show how you already serve people with communication or hearing difficulties.