Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa Bursary
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust South Africa is dedicated to empowering the next generation of tech innovators and digital leaders across South Africa. Recognizing the critical demand for digital transformation skills, Cisco provides bursary funding to high-potential students pursuing qualifications in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Computer Science, and related engineering fields.
Administered in partnership with leading educational administrators like StudyTrust, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary supports full-time university students who demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. This comprehensive guide outlines the field scope, criteria, application steps, and funding inclusions for the upcoming academic intake.
Fields of Study Covered
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary scheme focuses primarily on technology-driven disciplines that advance South Africa's digital economy. Eligible degree programs (BSc, BIT, BEng) include:
- Computer Science & Software Engineering: Software design, algorithm development, programming, and cloud-native application building.
- Information & Communications Technology (ICT): Enterprise systems, IT management, data architecture, and infrastructure management.
- Computer Engineering / Electronic Engineering: Hardware design, embedded systems, microprocessors, and telemetry systems.
- Network Engineering & Cybersecurity: Network architecture, routing/switching technologies, cyber defense, and cloud security.
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence: Machine learning, big data analytics, predictive modeling, and automation systems.
Financial Coverage & Student Benefits
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust provides comprehensive financial support aimed at removing socioeconomic barriers to higher education:
1. Full/Partial Tuition Coverage: Direct settlement of standard university tuition fees for approved full-time degree programs.
2. Accommodation & Living Support: Coverage for university residence or university-approved private accommodation, plus meals or living stipends.
3. Prescribed Learning Materials: Dedicated allowance for prescribed textbooks, digital course materials, and essential software/tech supplies.
4. Mentorship & Networking: Opportunities for academic support, industry engagement, and integration into Cisco's broader technology partner ecosystem.
Eligibility and Academic Criteria
Applicants must fulfill all basic qualifying standards set by the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust and StudyTrust to be shortlisted:
| Criterion | Grade 12 / Matric Applicants | Current University Undergraduates |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | South African Citizen with valid SA ID | South African Citizen with valid SA ID |
| Academic Benchmark | Minimum 65% aggregate average | Minimum 65% aggregate in overall academic results |
| Mathematics Standard | Minimum 65% in Pure Mathematics | Passed all tertiary mathematics and computing modules |
| English Benchmark | Minimum 65% in English (Home or FAL) | Passed university communication modules |
| Target Institution | Enrolled or conditionally accepted at a accredited South African public university | |
Required Supporting Documentation Checklist
Before launching your application on the StudyTrust online portal, prepare legible digital copies (PDF) of the following documents:
- Applicant's certified South African ID card or document.
- Grade 11 final report and Grade 12 mid-year / term results (for Matriculants).
- Official National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Matric Certificate (if already completed).
- Full official academic transcripts and recent mid-year results (for university students).
- Proof of university acceptance or current registration letter.
- Parents' or legal guardians' certified ID copies.
- Proof of household income: Latest payslips, 3-month bank statements, pension vouchers, or a sworn unemployment affidavit.
Applications for the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary typically close on 30 September annually. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed. Early submission is strongly recommended.
Apply for the Cisco Bursary
Applications are managed online through the official StudyTrust application system. Click below to start your application.
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