The Tlotlego Smiles Foundation is inviting eligible students from the John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District in the Northern Cape to apply for its 2026 bursary opportunity. The programme supports students who are currently studying selected engineering and mining-related qualifications at a South African university or university of technology. Applications close on 31 August 2026.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: Tlotlego Smiles Foundation
Opportunity type: Bursary
Who it’s for: South African students from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District who are currently enrolled full-time at a university or university of technology
Study areas: Engineering and mining-related fields
Age requirement: 18–35 years
Closing date: 31 August 2026
Application method: Online application
Last verified: 25 August 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
- Only students from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District will be considered.
- Applicants must already be enrolled full-time at a South African university or university of technology.
- Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Preference may be given to first-year students.
- Applicants need a sound academic record.
- Only complete and eligible applications will progress to the assessment stage.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee that a bursary will be awarded.
- The closing date is 31 August 2026, so applicants should submit as soon as their documents are ready.
About the sponsor
The Tlotlego Smiles Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation based in Kuruman, Northern Cape. The organisation supports children, young people, families and communities through education, career development, skills development and related community programmes.
The Foundation is a registered Non-Profit Organisation and is also an approved Public Benefit Organisation with Section 18A status.
What it covers
The official bursary page confirms financial support for eligible students in the listed study fields, but it does not provide a detailed public breakdown of the costs covered, such as tuition, accommodation, textbooks, meals or allowances.
Applicants should therefore confirm the exact bursary value and funding conditions if shortlisted or offered an award.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be South African citizens
- Be aged between 18 and 35
- Be from the John Taolo Gaetsewe District
- Be currently enrolled full-time at a South African university or university of technology
- Be studying one of the approved fields
- Have a sound academic record
Preference may be given to first-year students.
Fields of study supported
The bursary supports students studying:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering – Heavy Current
- Chemical Engineering / Metallurgy
- Industrial Engineering
- Mine Survey
Documents to prepare
Applicants must have the following ready before beginning the online application:
- Updated CV
- Latest academic record
- Certified South African ID
- Proof of university registration
- Proof of residential address
- Details of the chosen field of study
Make sure uploaded documents are clear and readable.
Closing date
31 August 2026.
Applications must be submitted online before the deadline. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying if you do not live in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District
- Applying without being registered full-time at a university or university of technology
- Applying for a field not included in the approved list
- Uploading an unclear ID, academic record or proof of residence
- Forgetting proof of university registration
- Providing inaccurate personal or academic information
- Leaving sections of the online form incomplete
- Waiting until after 31 August 2026 to submit
How this opportunity was verified
This opportunity was verified directly from the official Tlotlego Smiles Foundation bursary page. The page confirms the John Taolo Gaetsewe District requirement, eligible study fields, age requirement, full-time university registration requirement, supporting documents, online application process and closing date of 31 August 2026.
The Foundation’s official website also confirms that it is a registered South African non-profit and approved Public Benefit Organisation based in the Kuruman area.
How to apply
- Confirm that you live in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
- Check that your qualification appears on the approved fields list.
- Prepare your CV, academic record, certified ID, proof of registration and proof of residence.
- Open the official online application form.
- Complete all sections accurately.
- Upload clear and readable supporting documents.
- Review your application before submitting.
- Submit before 31 August 2026.
- Keep proof of submission.