What Is the EEDF Bursary?
The Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) is a non‑profit organization in South Africa that provides financial aid, academic support, mentorship, and holistic personal development for students facing financial barriers. Their bursary targets both NSFAS-eligible students and those in the “missing middle” income band (zabursaries.co.za).
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must meet all the following basic criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be between 18 and 25 years old
- Be entering your first or final year of undergraduate study in 2025
- Have a combined household income of less than R600,000 per year
- Be accepted, provisionally accepted, or enrolled at one of the following universities:
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- North West University (zabursaries.co.za).
The bursary supports a wide range of fields—engineering, accounting, sciences, IT, law, health sciences, and more (zabursaries.co.za, Scribd).
What the Bursary Covers
- Students from R350k–R600k “missing middle” income:
- Full funding for registration, tuition, accommodation, materials
- Laptop allowance (for first-year students)
- Mentorship, tutoring, meal support, and mental health services
- NSFAS-eligible students (< R350k household income):
- Covers registration fees
- Includes full non-financial support (mentorship, academic guidance, etc.) (zabursaries.co.za)
Recipients are also expected to give back by participating in community mentorship activities during or after their studies (Scribd).
Closing Date
- Deadline for applications is 1 November 2025 for the 2026 academic year—submit your application before that date to be considered (Uni24.co.za).
Application Steps
- Obtain the official application form
Visit the EEDF website, bursary portal, or request the form via phone/email from the organization directly (Bursaries Africa). - Complete the form accurate and thoroughly, including personal, academic, and household information (Bursaries Africa).
- Gather and upload certified supporting documents—all in PDF format:
- ID or permanent residence certificate
- Matric certificate or full academic transcript if already in tertiary
- Proof of enrolment or acceptance at an eligible institution
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of social grants)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- A motivational letter explaining why you’re a strong candidate
- Recommendation letters (optional but strongly recommended) (zabursaries.co.za, StudentRoom.co.za)
- Submit the complete application and documents online before the closing date (1 November 2025) (Uni24.co.za).
- If shortlisted, you may be called for interviews or further assessment.
Application Checklist
| Item | ✔︎ Completed |
|---|---|
| Meet eligibility criteria | |
| First or final year in 2025 | |
| Household income under R600k | |
| Accepted/enrolled at eligible universities | |
| Official application form filled | |
| Certified ID / Matric / academic record | |
| Proof of acceptance/enrolment | |
| Income & residence documentation | |
| Motivation letter | |
| Recommendation letters (if available) |
Contact Details
- Email: eedfimpact@outlook.com
- Phone: 078 038 0865 or 060 316 5417 (zabursaries.co.za, SIOC Community Development Trust, South Africa Status Check)
Why Apply?
EEDF offers one of the most comprehensive bursary packages in South Africa—especially for those in the missing middle who may not qualify for NSFAS but still need full financial support. Beyond funding, EEDF prioritizes mentorship, mental wellness, and growth, while also encouraging recipients to actively contribute to community upliftment.
Let me know if you’d like help drafting a strong motivation letter, preparing supporting documentation, or checking if the bursary is currently open!
What Is the EEDF Bursary?
The Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) is a non‑profit organization in South Africa that provides financial aid, academic support, mentorship, and holistic personal development for students facing financial barriers. Their bursary targets both NSFAS-eligible students and those in the “missing middle” income band (zabursaries.co.za).
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must meet all the following basic criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be between 18 and 25 years old
- Be entering your first or final year of undergraduate study in 2025
- Have a combined household income of less than R600,000 per year
- Be accepted, provisionally accepted, or enrolled at one of the following universities:
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- North West University (zabursaries.co.za).
The bursary supports a wide range of fields—engineering, accounting, sciences, IT, law, health sciences, and more (zabursaries.co.za, Scribd).
What the Bursary Covers
- Students from R350k–R600k “missing middle” income:
- Full funding for registration, tuition, accommodation, materials
- Laptop allowance (for first-year students)
- Mentorship, tutoring, meal support, and mental health services
- NSFAS-eligible students (< R350k household income):
- Covers registration fees
- Includes full non-financial support (mentorship, academic guidance, etc.) (zabursaries.co.za)
Recipients are also expected to give back by participating in community mentorship activities during or after their studies (Scribd).
Closing Date
- Deadline for applications is 1 November 2025 for the 2026 academic year—submit your application before that date to be considered (Uni24.co.za).
Application Steps
- Obtain the official application form
Visit the EEDF website, bursary portal, or request the form via phone/email from the organization directly (Bursaries Africa). - Complete the form accurate and thoroughly, including personal, academic, and household information (Bursaries Africa).
- Gather and upload certified supporting documents—all in PDF format:
- ID or permanent residence certificate
- Matric certificate or full academic transcript if already in tertiary
- Proof of enrolment or acceptance at an eligible institution
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of social grants)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- A motivational letter explaining why you’re a strong candidate
- Recommendation letters (optional but strongly recommended) (zabursaries.co.za, StudentRoom.co.za)
- Submit the complete application and documents online before the closing date (1 November 2025) (Uni24.co.za).
- If shortlisted, you may be called for interviews or further assessment.
Application Checklist
| Item | ✔︎ Completed |
|---|---|
| Meet eligibility criteria | |
| First or final year in 2025 | |
| Household income under R600k | |
| Accepted/enrolled at eligible universities | |
| Official application form filled | |
| Certified ID / Matric / academic record | |
| Proof of acceptance/enrolment | |
| Income & residence documentation | |
| Motivation letter | |
| Recommendation letters (if available) |
Contact Details
- Email: eedfimpact@outlook.com
- Phone: 078 038 0865 or 060 316 5417 (zabursaries.co.za, SIOC Community Development Trust, South Africa Status Check)
Why Apply?
EEDF offers one of the most comprehensive bursary packages in South Africa—especially for those in the missing middle who may not qualify for NSFAS but still need full financial support. Beyond funding, EEDF prioritizes mentorship, mental wellness, and growth, while also encouraging recipients to actively contribute to community upliftment.
Let me know if you’d like help drafting a strong motivation letter, preparing supporting documentation, or checking if the bursary is currently open!
Here’s a verified and up‑to‑date guide on how to apply for the Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) Bursary for the 2025 academic year:
What Is the EEDF Bursary?
The Education Empowerment and Development Fund (EEDF) is a non‑profit organization in South Africa that provides financial aid, academic support, mentorship, and holistic personal development for students facing financial barriers. Their bursary targets both NSFAS-eligible students and those in the “missing middle” income band (zabursaries.co.za).
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you must meet all the following basic criteria:
- Be a South African citizen or permanent resident
- Be between 18 and 25 years old
- Be entering your first or final year of undergraduate study in 2025
- Have a combined household income of less than R600,000 per year
- Be accepted, provisionally accepted, or enrolled at one of the following universities:
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Pretoria
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- North West University (zabursaries.co.za).
The bursary supports a wide range of fields—engineering, accounting, sciences, IT, law, health sciences, and more (zabursaries.co.za, Scribd).
What the Bursary Covers
- Students from R350k–R600k “missing middle” income:
- Full funding for registration, tuition, accommodation, materials
- Laptop allowance (for first-year students)
- Mentorship, tutoring, meal support, and mental health services
- NSFAS-eligible students (< R350k household income):
- Covers registration fees
- Includes full non-financial support (mentorship, academic guidance, etc.) (zabursaries.co.za)
Recipients are also expected to give back by participating in community mentorship activities during or after their studies (Scribd).
Closing Date
- Deadline for applications is 1 November 2025 for the 2026 academic year—submit your application before that date to be considered (Uni24.co.za).
Application Steps
- Obtain the official application form
Visit the EEDF website, bursary portal, or request the form via phone/email from the organization directly (Bursaries Africa). - Complete the form accurate and thoroughly, including personal, academic, and household information (Bursaries Africa).
- Gather and upload certified supporting documents—all in PDF format:
- ID or permanent residence certificate
- Matric certificate or full academic transcript if already in tertiary
- Proof of enrolment or acceptance at an eligible institution
- Proof of household income (payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of social grants)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Proof of disability (if applicable)
- A motivational letter explaining why you’re a strong candidate
- Recommendation letters (optional but strongly recommended) (zabursaries.co.za, StudentRoom.co.za)
- Submit the complete application and documents online before the closing date (1 November 2025) (Uni24.co.za).
- If shortlisted, you may be called for interviews or further assessment.
Application Checklist
| Item | ✔︎ Completed |
|---|---|
| Meet eligibility criteria | |
| First or final year in 2025 | |
| Household income under R600k | |
| Accepted/enrolled at eligible universities | |
| Official application form filled | |
| Certified ID / Matric / academic record | |
| Proof of acceptance/enrolment | |
| Income & residence documentation | |
| Motivation letter | |
| Recommendation letters (if available) |
Contact Details
- Email: eedfimpact@outlook.com
- Phone: 078 038 0865 or 060 316 5417 (zabursaries.co.za, SIOC Community Development Trust, South Africa Status Check)
Why Apply?
EEDF offers one of the most comprehensive bursary packages in South Africa—especially for those in the missing middle who may not qualify for NSFAS but still need full financial support. Beyond funding, EEDF prioritizes mentorship, mental wellness, and growth, while also encouraging recipients to actively contribute to community upliftment.
Let me know if you’d like help drafting a strong motivation letter, preparing supporting documentation, or checking if the bursary is currently open!
