18twenty8 Bursary Programme For 2025. In a country where education remains a critical factor in personal and national development, financial barriers continue to stand in the way of many capable students. Campaigns like #FeesMustFall brought attention to the immense burden of tertiary education costs, especially for historically disadvantaged groups. The 18twenty8 Bursary Programme for 2025 is a powerful response to this challenge, offering a comprehensive solution to financially struggling young women who aspire to pursue higher education in South Africa.
This article explores everything you need to know about the 18twenty8 Bursary Programme, including eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and the broader impact of this transformative initiative.
What Is the 18twenty8 Bursary Programme?
The 18twenty8 Bursary Programme is an initiative of 18twenty8, a women-led, award-winning non-profit organization founded in 2008. The organization focuses on the empowerment and development of young women aged between 18 and 28. Through a mix of mentorship, career development, and financial assistance, 18twenty8 has become a beacon of hope for many aspiring female professionals across South Africa.
One of its flagship initiatives is the bursary programme, which helps young women who are either entering or currently enrolled in tertiary institutions. These women often face multiple challenges—not just financial, but also a lack of mentorship and support making the organization’s holistic approach to education support even more impactful.
Why This Programme Matters
Many of the young women supported by 18twenty8 are first-generation university students. They have completed Grade 12 under challenging circumstances, and their families often lack the financial means or academic background to support them further. This makes access to bursary programmes like this not just important—but essential.
With South Africa’s youth unemployment rate remaining alarmingly high, the opportunity to pursue tertiary education is a direct pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty and marginalization. However, too often, financially capable and academically bright young women are left behind. The 18twenty8 Bursary Programme helps bridge that gap.
Who Can Apply for the 18twenty8 Bursary?
To ensure transparency and fairness, the 18twenty8 Bursary Programme for 2025 has clearly defined eligibility requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a South African citizen |
| Gender | Must be female |
| Age Range | Between 18 and 28 years |
| Academic Level | Must have completed Grade 12 or currently in Matric |
| Study Level | Undergraduate or Postgraduate in any field |
| Study Institution | Must be enrolled or intend to enroll at an accredited institution in South Africa |
| Other Bursary Support | Must not be receiving any other bursary funding |
These requirements are designed to prioritize students who are most in need of financial support for young women and are serious about completing their academic journey.
What the 18twenty8 Bursary Covers
Unlike partial funding opportunities, the 18twenty8 Bursary Programme offers a well-rounded financial package that goes beyond just tuition.
| Covered Expenses | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Full coverage |
| Accommodation | On-campus or private |
| Textbooks | Quote-based coverage |
| Laptop | For academic use |
| Monthly Living Allowance | To support daily expenses |
This comprehensive support ensures that beneficiaries can focus entirely on their studies without the distractions of financial insecurity.
Fields of Study
One of the most attractive features of the 18twenty8 Bursary Programme for 2025 is that it supports any field of study. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in engineering, arts, commerce, law, health sciences, or social development, you are eligible to apply. This inclusive approach reflects 18twenty8’s broader mission to empower women across all sectors of society.
Required Documents for the 18twenty8 Bursary
Applicants must prepare and submit the following supporting documents:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Certified copy of matric certificate or Grade 12 statement
- Academic transcript (if currently enrolled)
- Proof of registration or university acceptance letter
- 2-page short CV
- Profile photo
- Latest fee statement from your institution
- Textbook quotations
- Lease agreement or accommodation proof
- Student loan account statement (if applicable)
- A 1-minute video introduction covering:
- Who you are
- Your study field and how funding will help
- How you will give back to your community
- Why you chose 18twenty8
- Full cost breakdown of your academic expenses
This documentation ensures the organization can assess both the academic readiness and personal motivation of each candidate.
How to Apply for the 18twenty8 Bursary Programme (2025)
Applying for this life-changing opportunity is straightforward, provided you follow the correct steps:
- Visit the Official Application Portal: Head to the official 18twenty8 bursary application page to begin your submission.
- Complete the Online Form: Fill out all personal and academic details including your full name, contact details, residential address, and education history.
- Upload Certified Documents: Prepare all documents listed above. Ensure they are recently certified (within the last 3 months) and clearly scanned.
- Record and Submit Your Video: This personal video gives applicants a chance to tell their story and stand out from the crowd.
- Review and Submit: Double-check all information and documents before final submission to avoid disqualification.
Application Deadline
The 18twenty8 Bursary closing date for 2025 has not been officially confirmed. Applicants are advised to frequently check:
- The official website
- 18twenty8’s social media platforms
- This page for real-time updates once a closing date is released
To avoid last-minute issues, it’s recommended to prepare and submit your application well in advance.
Contact Details
If you have questions or need help with the application process, reach out to the bursary administrators through the following contact information:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| [email protected] | |
| Phone | 011 064 4810 |
| 060 798 7683 |
The team is responsive and ready to guide you through any step of the process.
FAQs About 18twenty8 Bursary Programme For 2025
Can I apply if I am already receiving a different bursary?
No, the 18twenty8 Bursary is only available to applicants who are not currently receiving any other form of bursary funding.
Do I need to be accepted into a university before applying?
It is preferred that you are already accepted or at least have a provisional acceptance. Proof of registration or admission will be required during the application process.
Is there an age limit to apply for the 18twenty8 Bursary?
Yes, only female applicants between the ages of 18 and 28 are eligible to apply for the 2025 bursary programme.
Conclusion
For many young South African women, the path to higher education is filled with financial and societal obstacles. The 18twenty8 Bursary Programme doesn’t just offer financial support for young women—it also delivers mentorship, life skills, and a support system that can shape an individual’s future.
