The Department of Employment and Labour, through the Compensation Fund, has officially opened applications for the 2026 External Bursary Programme. This bursary is designed to support individuals and families whose lives have been directly affected by workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
The programme focuses on empowering unemployed COID (Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases) beneficiaries with permanent disablement, their dependents, and the dependents of employees who suffered fatal occupational injuries. Through access to education and skills development, the bursary aims to restore dignity, improve employability, and create long-term economic stability for affected households.
This initiative forms part of the Compensation Fund’s broader commitment to rehabilitation, reintegration, and social protection.
Who Can Apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary?
The bursary is open to applicants who fall into one of the following categories:
COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement who are of working age and classified as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Dependents of COID beneficiaries who have a permanent disablement.
Dependents of employees who died as a result of occupational injuries or diseases, between the ages of 17 and 35 years.
Applicants must have been accepted at a recognised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, Community Education and Training (CET) College, or a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in South Africa.
What the Bursary Covers
The Compensation Fund Bursary Programme offers comprehensive financial support to successful applicants. The bursary covers tuition fees, prescribed study materials, accommodation where applicable, and a monthly stipend to assist with basic living expenses.
The bursary is renewable on an annual basis for the full duration of the approved study programme. Renewal is subject to satisfactory academic performance and the availability of funds.
Eligible Fields of Study
The bursary supports qualifications and programmes that enable beneficiaries to either return to the workplace or establish themselves as self-employed individuals.
In cases where applicants face educational or academic barriers, the Compensation Fund also makes provision for vocational and skills-based programmes arranged through its rehabilitation and training structures. These programmes are aimed at ensuring that no eligible beneficiary is excluded due to prior educational challenges.
Minimum Application Requirements
All applicants must submit a fully completed bursary application form along with the required supporting documents. These include a valid COID pension or claim number, a certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID, and proof of acceptance from a public TVET, CET, or higher education institution.
Dependents must submit certified copies of their parent or guardian’s ID document or a death certificate where applicable. Applicants with disabilities must provide verification of physical disability from a registered Health Care Professional or a recognised Disability Support Office.
Students are required to register for full-time study, except in exceptional circumstances involving Persons with Disabilities.
How to Apply for the Compensation Fund Bursary
Applicants can obtain the bursary application form by downloading it from the Department of Employment and Labour’s official website or by collecting a copy from the nearest Provincial Labour Centre.
Completed application forms, together with all required supporting documents, must be submitted through one of the following methods:
Applications may be sent via Post Office or courier to:
The Sub-Sub-Directorate: Vocational Rehabilitation
Compensation Fund
Private Bag X955
Pretoria
0001
Hand-delivered applications will be accepted at 167 Thabo Sehume Street, Delta Heights Building, Pretoria until December 2025. From January 2026, hand deliveries must be made to Compensation House, corner of Hamilton and Soutpansberg Road, Prinshof, Pretoria.
Applications may also be submitted via email to: CFexternalbursaries@labour.gov.za
Applicants are strongly advised to ensure that all documents are complete and correctly certified before submission, as incomplete applications may be rejected.
Conclusion
The Compensation Fund Bursary Programme 2026 offers more than just financial assistance — it provides a pathway to education, independence, and long-term recovery for individuals and families affected by occupational injuries and diseases. By investing in skills development and formal education, the programme plays a critical role in rebuilding lives and restoring economic participation.
For eligible beneficiaries and dependents, this bursary represents a meaningful opportunity to move forward, gain recognised qualifications, and secure a more stable future through education.
