COID Bursary 2027: Requirements and Application Form

Meta description: Find out who qualifies for the COID Compensation Fund Bursary, what it covers, which documents are required and how to apply through official channels.

 

Students who need financial assistance for university or college studies may qualify for the Compensation Fund External Bursary Scheme, commonly known as the COID bursary. This funding is particularly intended for unemployed people who have permanent disablement resulting from occupational injuries or diseases, their dependants, and dependants of workers who died because of work-related injuries or diseases. Eligible applicants may receive assistance with tuition, prescribed study materials, accommodation and a monthly stipend. However, eligibility depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the programme’s requirements, so students should confirm their eligibility before completing the application form.

The bursary is administered by the Compensation Fund under the Department of Employment and Labour. Its work is connected to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) system, which provides compensation and related support for qualifying occupational injuries and diseases. Through its vocational rehabilitation programme, the Compensation Fund helps eligible beneficiaries access education and training that can improve their employment prospects, support their return to work or help them develop skills for self-employment. The bursary is therefore a targeted support programme, not a general bursary automatically available to every South African student.

What is the COID bursary?

The COID bursary is an education and vocational rehabilitation funding opportunity offered through the Compensation Fund.

It is designed to help eligible beneficiaries and their families access post-school education and training. Depending on the applicant’s category and the applicable programme rules, funding may be available for studies at recognised universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, Community Education and Training (CET) colleges and other eligible institutions.

The programme can help qualifying students who would otherwise struggle to afford their studies. However, applicants must meet the relevant criteria, submit the required supporting documents and follow the official application process.

Who qualifies for the COID bursary?

According to the Department of Employment and Labour’s published bursary information, the main target groups include:

• Unemployed COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement: People who suffered an occupational injury or disease and acquired permanent disablement as a result.
• Dependants of COID beneficiaries with permanent disablement: Eligible children or other qualifying dependants of people affected by occupational injuries or diseases.
• Dependants of fatally injured workers: Eligible dependants of employees who died as a result of occupational injuries or diseases.
• Certain other students: Some funding arrangements may support general youth or students with disabilities through public universities, subject to the applicable programme and financial aid office requirements.

South African citizenship, proof of the relevant claim or beneficiary relationship, educational records and acceptance at an eligible institution may be required.

The exact conditions depend on the applicant category and the current bursary instructions. Do not assume that being unemployed, having a disability or needing financial aid alone is enough to qualify for the targeted Compensation Fund bursary.

What does the COID bursary cover?

The Department of Employment and Labour lists the following forms of support under its external bursary scheme:

• Tuition fees.
• Prescribed study materials.
• Accommodation at an eligible institution.
• A monthly stipend.

The approved funding package depends on the programme’s rules, available funds and the applicant’s circumstances. Students should confirm the amount and the expenses covered with the Compensation Fund or their institution rather than assuming every cost will be paid.

The award may be renewable annually for the duration of the approved study programme, depending on academic performance and the availability of funding. Students should check whether they must submit a new application or supporting documents each year.

Which courses and institutions are eligible?

The Compensation Fund’s bursary information refers to recognised TVET colleges, CET colleges and higher education institutions.

For unemployed beneficiaries with permanent disablement, the programme may support qualifications that help them return to employment, enter a different occupation or develop skills for self-employment. Eligible dependants may have access to a broader range of qualifications under the relevant funding rules.

Do not assume that every course or institution automatically qualifies. Before applying, confirm that your intended qualification and institution meet the requirements for your applicant category.

Documents needed for the COID bursary

Preparing the supporting documents before applying can help prevent delays. Depending on your circumstances, you may need:

• A completed and signed Compensation Fund bursary application form.
• A certified copy of your South African ID.
• Certified copies of the relevant parent’s or guardian’s identity documents, where required.
• A COID claim number or pension number.
• A death certificate where the application concerns a deceased worker.
• Your highest school qualification or academic results.
• Proof of acceptance or registration at a recognised public post-school education institution.
• Proof of residence.
• Additional documents specified in the current application form.

Applicants should read the form carefully because requirements differ between beneficiaries, dependants and other eligible applicant categories.

How to apply for the COID bursary

The Compensation Fund has published an external bursary application form through the Department of Employment and Labour.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official Department of Employment and Labour bursary page.
2. Read the latest bursary announcement and confirm that your applicant category is eligible.
3. Download the relevant application form from the official page.
4. Complete the form accurately and provide the requested claim, pension, education and personal details.
5. Attach all required supporting documents and ensure the application is signed where necessary.
6. Submit the application using the delivery method and contact details specified in the official announcement.
7. Keep a copy of the application and proof of submission for your records.

The official 2026 announcement lists email, postal or courier, and hand-delivery submission routes. Before sending an application, verify the current instructions and destination on the Department’s website.

Official application form: Download the Compensation Fund External Bursary Application Form for 2026.

Important: The linked form is for the 2026 academic year. Do not use it as a confirmed 2027 application form unless the Department instructs applicants to do so. Check for an updated announcement and form for the next academic year.

Is the COID bursary open for 2027?

The Department’s published external bursary announcement covers the 2026 academic year and encouraged applicants to submit by 31 March 2026. That recommended date has passed.

The announcement states that the bursary is open throughout the 2026 academic year, but applicants should contact the Compensation Fund to confirm whether applications are still being accepted and whether any funding remains available.

A 2027 application deadline should not be assumed until the Department publishes the relevant instructions. Students planning to study in 2027 should monitor the official website for the next academic year’s announcement.

What happens after submitting the application?

After submitting your application, keep your contact details available and retain proof of delivery or submission.

The Department’s published bursary guidance says applicants who receive no response within two months of submitting their application should consider the application likely unsuccessful. If you are uncertain about your application status, use the official contact details provided in the current announcement to request guidance.

An application does not guarantee funding. The Compensation Fund assesses applications according to the programme’s criteria, academic requirements and available funds.

Where can you get help with the COID bursary?

For accurate information, use the Department of Employment and Labour’s official channels rather than relying only on social media posts.

• Official bursary announcement: https://www.labour.gov.za/2026-compensation-fund-vocational-rehabilitation-external-bursary-scheme
• Official application form for 2026: https://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Publications/Compensation%20for%20Occupational%20Injuries%20and%20Diseases/CF%20External%20Bursary%20Application%20Form%202026.pdf
• NSFAS funder information: https://nsfas.org.za/content/funders.html

If you are applying through a university’s financial aid office under a separate funding arrangement, ask the institution whether that specific opportunity is available to you and which application process applies.

Frequently asked questions

Can any South African student apply for the COID bursary?

No. The main external bursary scheme targets specific groups connected to occupational injuries, occupational diseases and fatal workplace incidents. Other students may qualify through separate arrangements, but they must meet those arrangements’ requirements.

Does the COID bursary cover accommodation?

Accommodation is listed among the covered expenses in the Compensation Fund’s external bursary announcement. Confirm the applicable conditions and approved funding with the programme administrators.

Does the COID bursary cover TVET college students?

The official announcement includes recognised TVET colleges and CET colleges, as well as higher education institutions. Applicants must still meet the eligibility requirements and confirm that their qualification is covered.

Must I apply every year?

The award may be renewed annually, depending on academic performance and funding availability. Confirm the renewal process and required documents with the Compensation Fund.

Can I apply if I am a dependant of a deceased worker?

You may qualify if the worker died as a result of an occupational injury or disease and you meet the applicable requirements. Supporting documents, including a death certificate where required, may be requested.

Where can I download the COID bursary form?

Use the Department of Employment and Labour’s official bursary announcement to access the application form. Check the academic year carefully before downloading it.

Related articles on mynsfas.org.za

Students researching financial assistance can also read these related guides:

1. NSFAS Application Guide — Learn how to apply for student financial aid and prepare your supporting documents.
   Suggested internal link: /nsfas-application/
2. NSFAS Status Check — Understand how to check your application progress and where to seek help.
   Suggested internal link: /nsfas-status-check/
3. Bursaries for South African Students — Explore ways to identify suitable bursaries and understand their eligibility criteria.
   Suggested internal link: /bursaries-south-africa/

Editorial note: Replace the suggested paths with the actual URLs of published articles on mynsfas.org.za. Do not publish broken or nonexistent internal links.

Final thoughts

The COID bursary can provide important financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries and dependants who want to continue their education or develop new skills. The most important step is to confirm that you fall within an eligible applicant category and that your chosen qualification meets the programme’s requirements.

Use the official application form, submit the requested supporting documents and verify the latest deadline before applying. If you are preparing for the 2027 academic year, monitor the Department of Employment and Labour’s website for an updated announcement.

Disclaimer

mynsfas.org.za is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the Department of Employment and Labour, the Compensation Fund or nsfas.org.za. We publish information to help students understand bursaries, funding opportunities and application processes. Information may change, so readers should verify eligibility, deadlines and application requirements through official government or institutional channels. This website is for informational purposes only and does not replace official guidance.