What Is CRET?
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET), through the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, offers comprehensive bursary support to South African students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Founded in 2000, CRET provides not just financial aid but also mentorship, life-skills development, and experiential work exposure.(cyrilramaphosafoundation.org)
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
- South African citizen with valid ID
- Aged 16 to 27 years
- Currently in Matric or already a registered undergraduate student at a recognized public university, University of Technology, TVET college, or CET skills college in South Africa(ZA INFO)
- Demonstrable financial need (household income ≤ R650,000/year)(ZA INFO)
- Strong academic record, leadership, empathy, communication skills, and high personal values
- Preference for fields considered scarce or critical (e.g. engineering, commerce, education, sciences, technology, green skills, etc.)(Career Drive, SchoolAhead)
What the bursary covers
CRET typically provides full funding, including among others:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and study materials
- Accommodation and meals
- Monthly living stipend
- Transport (where needed)
The exact support package is tailored to your financial situation and needs.(Career Drive, search67.com)
Important Dates
- Closing date for applications: 13 December 2024 for the 2025 academic year
- Application deadline is strict — late submissions will not be accepted.(nstf.org.za)
Required Documents
Prepare the following certified documents:
- ID or birth certificate
- Recent academic results (Matric or tertiary transcripts)
- Proof of tertiary application/registration (official letter)
- Motivational letter
- Psychometric test results supporting your chosen career field (downloadable free test is available)(zabursaries.co.za, Careers Office)
Additionally, shortlisted candidates must submit:
- Proof of household income (e.g. payslips, affidavit, pension)
- Proof of home address (e.g. utility bill, official correspondence)(zabursaries.co.za)
How to Apply
- Go to the official CRET bursary portal to register and apply online.(search67.com)
- Upload all required documents and the motivational letter and psychometric results.
- Submit everything before 13 December 2024.
- If shortlisted, be prepared for further assessments, which may include a formal interview.(Career Drive, BUSA)
Application Checklist
| Task | ✔︎/✘ |
|---|---|
| Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria | |
| Register and complete online application | |
| Upload certified ID, results, proof of registration, motivation letter | |
| Attach psychometric test results | |
| Submit before 13 December 2024 | |
| Prepare documents for potential interview |
Need Help?
For any questions, reach out directly to CRET:
- Phone: 011 592 6560
- Email: info@cyrilramaphosa.org(StudentRoom.co.za, ZA INFO)
Why CRET?
CRET looks beyond top academic performance: it prioritizes youth with potential, offering tailored support and mentorship to help you succeed academically and professionally. There is no repayment obligation—recipients are encouraged to “pay it forward” and uplift others in their community.(cyrilramaphosafoundation.org, search67.com)
If you’re eligible and meet the criteria, don’t delay—apply before 13 December 2024 and take a significant step toward realizing your academic and career goals. Want help crafting a powerful motivational letter or finding the portal link? Just ask!
Here’s a full, verified guide to applying for the President Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) bursary for the 2025 academic year:
What Is CRET?
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET), through the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, offers comprehensive bursary support to South African students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Founded in 2000, CRET provides not just financial aid but also mentorship, life-skills development, and experiential work exposure.(cyrilramaphosafoundation.org)
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Criteria
- South African citizen with valid ID
- Aged 16 to 27 years
- Currently in Matric or already a registered undergraduate student at a recognized public university, University of Technology, TVET college, or CET skills college in South Africa(ZA INFO)
- Demonstrable financial need (household income ≤ R650,000/year)(ZA INFO)
- Strong academic record, leadership, empathy, communication skills, and high personal values
- Preference for fields considered scarce or critical (e.g. engineering, commerce, education, sciences, technology, green skills, etc.)(Career Drive, SchoolAhead)
What the bursary covers
CRET typically provides full funding, including among others:
- Tuition fees
- Textbooks and study materials
- Accommodation and meals
- Monthly living stipend
- Transport (where needed)
The exact support package is tailored to your financial situation and needs.(Career Drive, search67.com)
Important Dates
- Closing date for applications: 13 December 2024 for the 2025 academic year
- Application deadline is strict — late submissions will not be accepted.(nstf.org.za)
Required Documents
Prepare the following certified documents:
- ID or birth certificate
- Recent academic results (Matric or tertiary transcripts)
- Proof of tertiary application/registration (official letter)
- Motivational letter
- Psychometric test results supporting your chosen career field (downloadable free test is available)(zabursaries.co.za, Careers Office)
Additionally, shortlisted candidates must submit:
- Proof of household income (e.g. payslips, affidavit, pension)
- Proof of home address (e.g. utility bill, official correspondence)(zabursaries.co.za)
How to Apply
- Go to the official CRET bursary portal to register and apply online.(search67.com)
- Upload all required documents and the motivational letter and psychometric results.
- Submit everything before 13 December 2024.
- If shortlisted, be prepared for further assessments, which may include a formal interview.(Career Drive, BUSA)
Application Checklist
| Task | ✔︎/✘ |
|---|---|
| Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria | |
| Register and complete online application | |
| Upload certified ID, results, proof of registration, motivation letter | |
| Attach psychometric test results | |
| Submit before 13 December 2024 | |
| Prepare documents for potential interview |
Need Help?
For any questions, reach out directly to CRET:
- Phone: 011 592 6560
- Email: info@cyrilramaphosa.org(StudentRoom.co.za, ZA INFO)
Why CRET?
CRET looks beyond top academic performance: it prioritizes youth with potential, offering tailored support and mentorship to help you succeed academically and professionally. There is no repayment obligation—recipients are encouraged to “pay it forward” and uplift others in their community.(cyrilramaphosafoundation.org, search67.com)
If you’re eligible and meet the criteria, don’t delay—apply before 13 December 2024 and take a significant step toward realizing your academic and career goals. Want help crafting a powerful motivational letter or finding the portal link? Just ask!
