The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust – South Africa Bursary Programme

The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa opens call for applicants for bursary programme.

As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world’. The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa hopes to do just that with its new bursary programme since 2021.

As an organisation committed to developing the skills of South Africa’s youth, as well as aligning to our country’s transformation efforts, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust has started a bursary programme aimed at furthering IT education opportunities for South African beneficiaries. Successful applicants must be able to show good academic results, as well as financial need.

Who can apply

• Combined family income of R350,000 to R600 000 p/for “missing middle”.
• Students in the first to fourth year in 2027 who are studying Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, or Information Technology (the fourth year includes students in B Tech – NQF level 7 – and Honours programmes – NQF level 8).
• Students accepted or registered to study in private or public institutions that are registered with the Department of Education.
• South African Citizens.
• Preference will be given to equity students.

Document Checklist

Get your documents ready before you start.

To complete your application, you’ll need to upload the following documents. Having them ready beforehand will make the process much smoother, so gather them early!

1. Identity Document A certified copy of your South African ID.

2. Academic Record A full academic record including your most recent results: First Semester 2026 examination results or progress report, or second term report card if you are in high school.

• If you’ve completed Grade 12: your official Matric/NSC results.
• If you’re a current Grade 12 learner: your final Grade 11 results and your second term 2026 report card.
• If you are currently in Grade 9, 10 or 11 (applying for a high school bursary): your 2025 final report card and your second term 2026 report card.

3. Proof of Address Some of the bursaries we administer are only for applicants whose parental home falls within specific geographical areas. For instance, some renewable energy generation plants will only consider applicants whose parental home falls within a 50 km radius of the plant.

4. Proof of Income The combined annual household income will be a critical consideration in the selection process. Please upload proof of income for both parents or legal guardians (if applicable). Accepted documents include:

• Salary or wage slips for parents/legal guardians
• An affidavit stating that a parent/legal guardian is unemployed or self-employed (if self-employed, the affidavit must include their annual income)
• Most recent audited financial statement or three months’ bank statements if a parent/legal guardian owns a business
• A SASSA letter confirming grants received in the household where applicable
• Death certificate(s) if a parent/legal guardian is deceased
• A court letter stating child support amounts if parents are divorced, or an affidavit from the parent stating the amount received if parents are separated

5. A Clear Photo A recent head-and-shoulders photograph of yourself.

Closing date

• Application Season: 01 June to 30 September.
• Please carefully read the instructions on our Bursary Applications page before beginning your application.