The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary Programme was established by the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation to provide financial aid to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who exhibit strong academic performance and would otherwise be unable to afford higher education.
The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, an independent non-profit organization, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of South African youth through education and enterprise development.
The Foundation’s origins trace back to 1996 when President Cyril Ramaphosa began offering bursaries for underprivileged students to attend university, funded through earnings from his public speaking engagements.
In 2000, the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) was formally established to continue this mission.
About Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary
The CRET bursary seeks to support students who might be overlooked by other programs, considering the holistic needs and potential of candidates who, with adequate support and mentoring, could become future leaders.
The bursary will cover the following expenses in full: tuition fees, textbooks and study materials, laptops, accommodation, meals, a monthly living allowance, and transport where necessary.
Applicants will need to undergo a formal assessment process, which may include a psychometric evaluation and a formal interview.
For the 2025 academic year, the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) is accepting applications for its bursary support programme.
The bursaries will be available for undergraduate studies in the following fields:
- Commerce and Finance
- Education
- Engineering
- Sciences (excluding MBChB)
- Technology
- Scarce or critical skills training (such as Boiler Making, Welding, Plumbing, Occupational Health and Safety, Renewable Energy, Waste Management, Green Technology, Entrepreneurship, etc.)
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the CRET Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Possess a valid South African ID number.
- Be between 16 and 27 years old.
- Be currently in Matric or have completed Matric.
- Be studying or planning to study towards an undergraduate qualification in one of the listed fields.
- Be enrolled or have applied to a recognized and accredited tertiary institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology, TVET College, or other accredited institution).
- Demonstrate financial need with a total household income of no more than R650,000 per annum.
How to Apply for the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary
Your applications must be submitted online to the website.
Include clear copies of the following supporting documents with your application (incomplete submissions may result in disqualification):
- Certified copy of ID Document
- Latest Matric results (if currently in Matric) or Matric certificate (if completed)
- Certified copy of full academic record (if studying at tertiary level)
- Proof of tertiary application and/or registration (on institution’s letterhead)
- Proof of residence
- Proof of household income (latest pay slips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of pension/grant if applicable)
- Motivational letter (refer to our tips on writing a motivational letter for your bursary application)
- Proof of a psychometric test related to your field of study (applicants may use the free psychometric evaluation test and submit the results with their documents)
Download the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary guide here.
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary Closing Date
The deadline for the 2025 applications is not out yet.
Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust Bursary Contact
For queries regarding the bursary programme, contact the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) directly:
- Phone: 011 592 6560
- Email: [email protected]
- Support: Xhuma Support
Please refrain from contacting CRET if the bursary application period has closed.