For many students, getting accepted into a college or university is only the beginning of the journey. The next challenge is finding enough money to pay for tuition, accommodation, meals and study materials. For young people living near the De Aar Solar Power plant, the Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary offers an opportunity to seek financial assistance for the 2027 academic year.
Unlike bursaries that accept applications from students across the country, this programme has a specific community requirement. Applicants must live within a 50-kilometre radius of the De Aar Solar Power plant and meet the other eligibility conditions.
The bursary supports students pursuing different types of post-school education, including qualifications at public and private TVET colleges, universities of technology and academic universities. Applications for 2027 have been extended to 31 October 2026, giving eligible students more time to prepare.
This guide explains how the bursary works, what expenses it may cover, who can apply and what to consider before submitting an application.
Understanding the Sibona Ilanga Trust
The Sibona Ilanga Trust is a community trust that owns shares in the De Aar Solar Power plant. It was established to benefit communities living within a 50-kilometre radius of the facility.
One way the Trust supports its surrounding community is by helping eligible individuals access further education and training. Its bursary programme is managed by StudyTrust, an organisation that administers bursaries and scholarships.
The bursary is not restricted to school leavers who have just completed matric. People who completed their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Technical Certificate (NTC) in previous years may also apply, provided they meet the requirements.
This makes the opportunity relevant to both recent matriculants and eligible applicants who have been out of school for some time and are now ready to continue their education.
Which Students Can Apply?
Before preparing an application, students should check whether they meet the Trust’s requirements. The bursary is intended for applicants who satisfy all the following conditions:
- Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
- Location: Applicants must reside within a 50-kilometre radius of the De Aar Solar Power plant.
- Admission: Applicants must have been accepted at a recognised South African tertiary education or training institution.
- Study programme: Applicants must be pursuing an eligible qualification or training programme.
The bursary considers students at public and private TVET colleges, universities of technology and academic universities. Eligible programmes include degrees, national diplomas and certain technical or skills-training programmes at NQF Level 6.
The location requirement is particularly important. Being from the Northern Cape does not automatically mean that you qualify. Your residence must fall within the specified radius of the solar plant.
What Does the Bursary Pay For?
The amount awarded is determined individually. This means that the financial support may differ from one student to another, depending on the bursary assessment and available funding.
The bursary may contribute towards several expenses associated with studying.
Tuition, registration and examination fees
Tertiary education comes with several institutional costs. Tuition is usually a major expense, while registration and examination fees can create additional financial pressure.
The Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary may cover these costs as part of an individual funding award. Students should provide accurate information about their chosen institution and qualification so that their applications can be assessed properly.
Accommodation
Students who need to live away from home may face additional expenses. The bursary may help pay for accommodation in a tertiary residence or an equivalent arrangement.
This can be particularly helpful for students whose chosen institution is far from their family home. However, applicants should confirm the accommodation arrangements and funding conditions attached to any award they receive.
Meals
Food is an essential part of a student’s monthly budget. The bursary may also contribute towards meals, helping eligible students manage some of their living expenses while studying.
The amount of support is not guaranteed to be the same for every applicant, so students should plan carefully and avoid relying on funding that has not yet been confirmed.
Learning materials
Textbooks, stationery and other learning resources are also included among the expenses the bursary may cover. These materials are important for completing assignments, preparing for examinations and participating in academic activities.
Students should check the award details to understand which costs will be funded and whether they will need to pay for any remaining expenses themselves.
How Are Bursary Applications Assessed?
Meeting the basic requirements does not automatically guarantee funding. StudyTrust lists academic performance and financial need as important selection considerations.
Academic performance may be assessed using preliminary or final Grade 12 results, the latest academic results or the highest grade passed, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and intended programme.
Financial need is also considered. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they do not have sufficient financial resources to continue with tertiary education.
This means students should provide honest and accurate information about their circumstances. They should also make sure their academic details and supporting documents are complete.
How to Apply for the 2027 Bursary
Applications are managed by StudyTrust. Students can apply through its online application platform or use the hard-copy application option described in the bursary information.
To begin, visit the official bursary page:
https://studytrust.org.za/sibona-ilanga-trust-bursary-programme
Read the instructions carefully before completing the form. Make sure you select the correct bursary and provide the information requested.
The Trust also accepts hard-copy applications. Completed forms may be submitted by email to b.ndlovu@studytrust.org.za or delivered to the Ethembeni Community Centre at 3 Friedlander Street, De Aar. Check the current instructions before submitting your documents to ensure that you follow the correct process.
Applications must be completed in full and accompanied by the required supporting documents. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Documents to Prepare
The exact documents required can depend on your circumstances. Before submitting your application, check the official instructions and prepare the documents requested. These may include:
- A copy of your South African identity document.
- Your latest academic results or matric certificate.
- Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised institution, where required.
- Proof of residence to demonstrate that you meet the location requirement.
- Financial information or supporting documents requested by StudyTrust.
Ensure that your documents are clear and that the information you provide is consistent. If you are unsure about a requirement, contact StudyTrust before submitting your application.
For more funding options, students can explore our article covering three bursaries with extended application deadlines for the 2027 academic year.
Important Date for 2027 Applicants
The Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary application season for 2027 has been extended to 31 October 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, so eligible students should aim to complete their applications well before the deadline.
Do not wait until the final day to look for documents or confirm your eligibility. Starting early gives you time to correct mistakes and resolve any questions about the application process.
Is This Bursary Suitable for You?
The Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary may be worth considering if you live within the required area, are a South African citizen and have been accepted into an eligible programme at a recognised institution.
Its support for different types of post-school education means that eligible students do not necessarily need to be pursuing a university degree. Certain technical and skills-training programmes are also included.
However, the bursary is community-specific, and funding is not guaranteed. Check the eligibility criteria, understand the costs that may be covered and submit a complete application.
For students who meet the requirements, this extended application period offers more time to take a practical step towards funding their 2027 studies.
Closing date: 31 October 2026.
Hello, I am Tenae Nkosi, founder, author, and administrator of LearnersTag. I graduated with a Diploma in Information Administrative Management from Tshwane University Of Technology in 2022.
For enquiries, collaborations, or advertising opportunities, contact us at info@learnerstag.org or visit LearnersTag Official Website.
1 thought on “Sibona Ilanga Trust Bursary 2027: Funding for Students Near De Aar Solar Power Plant”