Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary 2027 Applications Open for University, TVET and Skills Programme Students
Thousands of aspiring South African students now have an opportunity to further their education through the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary 2027, a funding programme designed to support deserving students living near the Droogfontein Solar Power Plant in the Northern Cape.
The community trust has officially opened applications for the 2027 academic year, offering financial assistance to students enrolling at recognised universities, universities of technology, public and private TVET colleges, as well as learners pursuing NQF Level 6 technical and skills training programmes.
Managed by StudyTrust, the bursary aims to remove financial barriers and help young people from surrounding communities gain qualifications that improve employment opportunities and support long-term community development.
Applications are currently open and will close on 30 September 2026.
News Summary (Key Highlights)
- Applications for the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary 2027 are now open.
- Open to South African citizens living within a 50 km radius of the Droogfontein Solar Power Plant.
- Covers studies at universities, universities of technology, TVET colleges and accredited training institutions.
- Supports National Diplomas, Degrees and NQF Level 6 technical and skills programmes.
- Bursary may cover tuition, accommodation, meals and study materials.
- Applications are managed through StudyTrust.
- Closing date: 30 September 2026.
Background: Why the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Exists
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust is a community trust established to ensure that communities located within a 50-kilometre radius of the Droogfontein Solar Power Plant benefit directly from the renewable energy project.
By owning shares in the solar power plant, the Trust generates income that is invested back into surrounding communities through development initiatives, including education.
One of its flagship initiatives is the annual bursary programme, which provides financial support to students who demonstrate both academic potential and financial need.
The Trust believes that education remains one of the most effective ways to empower individuals, strengthen families and contribute to sustainable economic growth within local communities.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to individuals who meet the following minimum requirements:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Reside within a 50 km radius of the Droogfontein Solar Power Plant.
- Have been accepted or intend to study at a recognised South African tertiary education or training institution.
- Complete the application form in full.
- Submit all required supporting documents before the closing date.
Students who completed their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Technical Certificate (NTC) in previous years are also encouraged to apply.
Qualifications Covered
The bursary supports a wide range of post-school education opportunities, including:
- Bachelor’s Degrees
- National Diplomas
- University of Technology qualifications
- Public TVET College programmes
- Private TVET College programmes
- NQF Level 6 Technical Qualifications
- Skills Training Programmes
- Occupational Training
- Trade-related programmes such as:
- Plumbing
- Bricklaying
- Electrical-related training
- Construction trades
- Other accredited technical qualifications
This broad approach allows applicants to pursue academic, vocational and occupational careers depending on their interests and career goals.
What the Bursary Covers
The value of each bursary is determined individually based on the student’s financial circumstances and study requirements.
Funding may include:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Examination fees
- Student accommodation
- Meals
- Prescribed textbooks
- Stationery
- Other approved learning materials
The bursary aims to reduce the financial burden on students and allow them to focus on completing their qualifications successfully.
Selection Criteria
Successful applicants will be selected using several important criteria.
1. Academic Performance
Applicants will be evaluated using:
- Grade 12 preliminary examination results
- Final NSC results
- Latest academic transcripts (for current students)
- Highest grade completed for applicants entering technical or skills programmes
Academic performance remains an important factor in the final selection process.
2. Financial Need
Applicants must demonstrate that they do not have sufficient financial resources to continue or begin tertiary studies without assistance.
Financial need is carefully assessed to ensure that support reaches students who require it most.
How to Apply
Applications are managed by StudyTrust.
Applicants should complete the online bursary application through StudyTrust’s official application platform.
After completing the online application, applicants must submit the completed application together with all required supporting documents.
Applications may be submitted by email to:
Alternatively, documents may be delivered to:
Tlhokomelo Centre
776 Corner of Lecholo and Matanzima Roads
Kimberley
Applicants are encouraged to carefully read all instructions before submitting their applications to avoid disqualification due to incomplete documentation.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 1 June 2026 |
| Applications Close | 30 September 2026 |
| Academic Year Supported | 2027 |
Note: Some unofficial posts mention a closing date of 19 August. However, according to the information provided by the bursary organisers, the official application season runs from 1 June to 30 September 2026. Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible and verify deadlines on the official StudyTrust platform.
Why This Bursary Matters
Higher education costs continue to place significant pressure on many South African families.
Community-funded bursaries such as the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary help bridge this gap by investing directly in local youth.
The inclusion of technical qualifications, vocational education and skills programmes also supports South Africa’s growing demand for artisans and technically skilled workers.
Graduates from these programmes contribute to sectors including:
- Renewable Energy
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Engineering
- Public Infrastructure
- Business Services
- Technical Trades
By supporting both academic and vocational pathways, the Trust contributes to community development and long-term economic participation.
What This Means for Students
If you live within the eligible communities around the Droogfontein Solar Power Plant, this bursary could significantly reduce the cost of your studies.
Eligible students should:
- Apply as early as possible.
- Gather all required supporting documents.
- Ensure acceptance at a recognised institution.
- Carefully complete every section of the application form.
- Submit applications before the official closing date.
Applying early provides sufficient time to correct missing documentation if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who administers the Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary?
The bursary programme is administered by StudyTrust on behalf of the Letsatsi Borutho Trust.
Who can apply?
South African citizens living within 50 kilometres of the Droogfontein Solar Power Plant who meet the academic and admission requirements.
Does the bursary support TVET colleges?
Yes. Both public and private TVET colleges are included, provided they are recognised institutions.
Are technical skills programmes funded?
Yes. The bursary supports approved NQF Level 6 technical qualifications, skills training programmes and trade-related studies.
What expenses are covered?
Funding may include tuition, registration, examinations, accommodation, meals and learning materials.
When is the application deadline?
The official application season runs from 1 June to 30 September 2026 for the 2027 academic year.
Key Takeaways
The Letsatsi Borutho Trust Bursary 2027 offers valuable financial support to students from communities surrounding the Droogfontein Solar Power Plant. Whether pursuing a university degree, TVET qualification or technical skills programme, eligible applicants can receive assistance covering major study costs.
Students who meet the residency and academic requirements are encouraged to submit complete applications well before the closing date to maximise their chances of being considered.
Editorial Policy
This article has been prepared using information published by the Letsatsi Borutho Trust and StudyTrust. Every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy at the time of publication. Content is independently written, human-edited and follows Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness) principles. Applicants should always confirm programme requirements and deadlines through the official application platform before applying.
Sources and References
- Letsatsi Borutho Trust
- StudyTrust
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
