Explore the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary 2027, including eligibility, funding coverage and how to apply before 31 October.
For students living near Kimberley, the cost of further education can be a serious concern, particularly when their families are already struggling to cover everyday expenses. The Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary offers eligible residents an opportunity to seek financial assistance for university, college and certain vocational training programmes in 2027.
The bursary is connected to the Droogfontein Solar Power plant, but students do not need to study renewable energy to be considered. Eligible applicants can pursue a range of qualifications, including degrees, national diplomas and selected technical training programmes.
Applications for the 2027 academic year have been extended to 31 October 2026. This gives eligible students additional time to apply, especially those who may have missed earlier bursary deadlines.
However, this is a community-based bursary, not an opportunity open to every student in South Africa. Understanding the residence requirement, eligible study programmes and application process is essential before applying.
A Bursary Created for the Droogfontein Community
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust is a community trust that owns shares in the Droogfontein Solar Power plant. It was established to benefit communities within a 50-kilometre radius of the facility.
One way the Trust supports people in its beneficiary communities is through education funding. Its bursary programme helps eligible residents access further education and training at recognised South African institutions.
The programme is administered by StudyTrust, which manages applications and assesses candidates against the bursary requirements.
Importantly, this is not a bursary reserved for students pursuing careers in solar energy. Applicants can be considered for a variety of academic and technical programmes, provided their studies meet the stated requirements.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The first requirement to check is where you live. Applicants must be South African citizens residing within a 50-kilometre radius of the Droogfontein Solar Power plant.
You must also have been accepted at a recognised South African tertiary education or training institution. The bursary considers applicants pursuing eligible qualifications at public or private TVET colleges, universities of technology and academic universities.
The programme is open to people who have completed their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Technical Certificate (NTC), including those who finished school in previous years.
Applicants should carefully check the official criteria for their intended study route. The requirements for academic education and technical skills training may differ, so do not assume that every applicant is assessed in exactly the same way.
Which Courses and Qualifications Are Supported?
The bursary supports several types of post-school education. These include:
- Degree programmes at recognised universities.
- National diploma programmes.
- Technical and vocational skills training at NQF Level 6.
- Eligible training programmes, including practical trades such as plumbing and bricklaying.
This range means the opportunity is not limited to students following a traditional university route. Someone pursuing an eligible vocational programme may also be able to apply.
If you are planning to study at a TVET college or undertake technical training, confirm that your particular course meets the bursary’s requirements. The fact that a course is offered by a recognised institution does not automatically mean it qualifies for funding.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary does not have one fixed award amount for every student. The value is determined individually, and funding may be allocated towards several education-related expenses.
Tuition, registration and examination fees
These are among the main costs associated with tertiary education. Depending on the award, the bursary may assist with tuition, registration and examination fees charged by the institution.
Accommodation
Students who need to live away from home may receive assistance with accommodation in a tertiary residence or an equivalent arrangement. This can be particularly relevant to applicants who have to relocate to attend their chosen institution.
Meals and living expenses
The bursary may also contribute towards meals and living expenses. This support can help students manage some of the costs of studying, although applicants should not assume that every personal expense will be covered.
Learning materials
Textbooks, stationery and other learning materials may also be covered. These resources are important for completing coursework and preparing for assessments.
The actual funding package depends on the individual award. Applicants should wait for confirmation of what will be covered rather than making financial commitments based on the full list of possible expenses.
Other Bursaries With Extended Application Deadlines
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- Sishen Solar Facility Bursary 2027: Funding for Eligible Students From Three Schools
How Are Applicants Selected?
Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee that an applicant will receive funding. The Trust considers academic performance and financial need when selecting bursary recipients.
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 situation and intended programme.
Financial need is also important. Applicants must demonstrate that they do not have sufficient financial resources to continue their education.
When completing the application, provide accurate information about your academic history and financial circumstances. Supporting documents should be clear and consistent with the details in your form.
How to Apply for the 2027 Bursary
StudyTrust manages the application process for the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary. Applicants should begin by reading the official programme information and checking that they meet the requirements.
Applications are completed through StudyTrust’s online application platform. The programme also provides an email and physical submission route. Applicants wishing to use these options should confirm the current instructions directly with StudyTrust before submitting their forms.
For bursary enquiries, applicants can contact Busisiwe Ndlovu at b.ndlovu@studytrust.org.za.
Complete every required section of the application and provide the supporting documents requested. Review your answers before submitting, as missing information or documents may affect whether your application is considered.
Documents to Prepare
The documents required may depend on your circumstances. Read the current application instructions carefully and prepare the documents requested for your application.
These may include:
- A copy of your South African ID.
- Proof of residence within the eligible area.
- Academic results or your latest academic record.
- Proof of acceptance at a recognised institution.
- Proof of household income or other financial information, where required.
Proof of residence is especially important because the bursary is intended for people living within the specified area. If you are unsure whether your address qualifies, contact StudyTrust before completing your application.
Closing Date: 31 October 2026
The application deadline for the 2027 Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary has been extended to 31 October 2026.
Students who meet the requirements should avoid waiting until the final day. Preparing documents and completing an online application can take time, and technical problems or missing information may delay submission.
Submit your application as early as possible and keep any confirmation or proof of submission.
Before You Submit Your Application
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary may help eligible residents pursue academic or technical training without having to manage every study expense alone. Its support can include tuition, accommodation, meals and learning materials, depending on the award.
The most important step is to confirm that you meet the residence and study requirements. If you qualify, prepare your documents, complete the application carefully and submit it before the deadline.
Funding is not guaranteed, so continue exploring other suitable bursaries while waiting for an outcome. A complete and accurate application gives the selection team the information it needs to assess your circumstances.
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