The Sishen Iron Ore Company-Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) is inviting students from its beneficiary communities in the Northern Cape and Limpopo provinces to apply for the SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme 2026. This bursary is aimed at supporting deserving learners from underprivileged backgrounds who wish to pursue studies at public higher education institutions across South Africa.
Closing date: 25 November 2025 (12:00 midday)
About SIOC-CDT
SIOC-CDT was founded in 2006 by the Sishen Iron Ore Company, a subsidiary of Kumba Iron Ore. The Trust was established to invest in the socio-economic development of communities located where SIOC operates.
Since its inception, the Trust has awarded hundreds of bursaries, giving young people the chance to access higher education and later return to make a meaningful contribution in their communities.
Fields of Study Covered
The SIOC-CDT bursary is open to all study fields. However, preference will be given to applicants in the following disciplines:
- Agriculture: Veterinarian, Agricultural Engineering, Food Technology, Environmental Science, Agricultural Economics
- Business & Economics: Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Actuarial Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Project Management
- Education: BEd FET Mathematics, Physical Science, Natural Sciences, EMS, Foundation Phase, Special Needs Education, Languages
- Engineering & Science: Civil, Electrical, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Geology, Town Planning, Environmental Health
- Health Sciences: Medicine (MBChB), Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, EMS, Biochemistry, Medical & Biological Lab Sciences
- Information Technology: Computer Science, Software Development, Data Analytics, Web Development, ICT
- Law: LLB
- Tourism: Hospitality, Arts & Culture Heritage, Ecotourism
What the Bursary Covers
The SIOC-CDT bursary provides full financial support, covering:
- Registration and tuition fees
- Accommodation costs
- Prescribed study materials
- A laptop for academic use
- Monthly stipend
- Assistive devices for students with disabilities
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the bursary, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen under the age of 35 by the closing date
- Reside in or originate from one of the SIOC-CDT beneficiary communities:
- Northern Cape: Gamagara LM, Ga-Segonyana LM, Tsantsabane LM, Joe Morolong LM
- Limpopo: Thabazimbi LM
- Be currently in Matric (2025) or have completed Matric
- Be accepted or provisionally accepted at a public University, University of Technology, TVET or FET College in South Africa
- Intend to study full-time or part-time in 2026
- Achieve at least 65% average in your most recent academic results
- Have a total household income of less than R600,000 per year (before deductions)
- Be in need of financial assistance (compulsory)
- Students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
How to Apply
Applicants can submit their applications in two ways:
Method 1: Online Application (Preferred)
Complete the online form: Apply Online for the SIOC-CDT Bursary 2026
Method 2: Manual Application
Download the application form: SIOC-CDT Bursary Application Form 2026 (PDF)
Submit the completed form and supporting documents to one of the following offices:
- SIOC-CDT Office Park: Corner Hendrick Van Eck and Ian Flemming Road, Kathu, 8446
- Thabazimbi Hub: 11 Jourdan Street, Mollies Building, Thabazimbi, 0380
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit certified copies (not older than 3 months) of:
- ID document
- Latest Matric results (mid-year/prelims if still in school, or certificate if completed)
- Recent tertiary results (if already studying)
- Proof of acceptance/provisional acceptance at a tertiary institution
- Parents’/guardians’ proof of income (payslips or affidavit if unemployed)
- Parents’/guardians’ 3 months’ bank statements
- Proof of residence (municipal bill, landlord letter, or affidavit)
- Medical certificate confirming disability (if applicable)
Note: Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
- Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.
- If you do not receive any communication, your application was unfortunately unsuccessful.
Conclusion
The SIOC-CDT Bursary Programme 2026 offers much more than just financial aid. It is a life-changing opportunity for young people in the Northern Cape and Limpopo to gain access to quality education, build a career, and later uplift their communities. If you meet the criteria, this bursary could be the support you need to achieve your academic and career goals.