The COID bursary recruitment process for the 2026 intake has been announced for new applicants. The notice states that recruitment closes on 20 February 2026, and that eligible applications will be submitted to NSFAS for consideration.
At a glance
- Sponsor/host: COID / Compensation Fund (Department of Employment and Labour) – processed via participating institutions
- Who it’s for: COID dependants and general youth (as stated), for first qualifications
- Age note: The notice states applicants must be 25 years of age or younger at the time of application
- Closing date: 20 February 2026
- Where to get forms: Financial Aid Office at your institution (as stated)
About the sponsor
COID refers to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COID) framework administered under the Department of Employment and Labour and its entities. The bursary application form is titled “Compensation Fund External Bursary Application Form – Academic Year 2026”.
Academic programmes funded (as listed)
- Health & Clinical Sciences: Nursing, Occupational Health, Environmental Health, Emergency Medical Care, MBChB.
- Engineering: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical Engineering.
- Information Technology & Computer Science: Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering and other related qualifications.
- Finance & Accounting: Accounting Science, Actuarial Science, Economics, Risk Management.
Eligibility
- The notice states the recruitment is for COID dependants and general youth.
- Applicants must be enrolling for their first qualification (as stated).
- Applicants must be 25 years old or younger at the time of application (as stated).
- Only eligible applications will be submitted to NSFAS for consideration (as stated).
What it covers
- The funding scope is governed by the official COID application form and selection process—confirm approved costs and allowances during evaluation.
Documents to prepare
- Completed Compensation Fund External Bursary Application Form (Academic Year 2026).
- Certified copy of ID / supporting identity documents (as indicated on the form).
- Supporting documents required by your category (e.g., proof of COID claim/pension details where applicable, proof of disability where applicable).
- Proof of household income where applicable (the form references combined household income bracket criteria for certain applicants).
- Proof of registration/acceptance and/or student/application number where applicable.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting after the closing date.
- Uploading/attaching uncertified or unclear copies of documents.
- Leaving out key items like proof of registration/acceptance or required reference details.
- Not following the submission instructions (wrong email subject line, missing forms, etc.).
Closing date
20 February 2026
How to apply
- Obtain the application pack from the Financial Aid Office at your institution (as stated).
- Complete the application form in full and attach all required supporting documents (incomplete applications are not processed).
- Submit the application through your institution’s Financial Aid Office, following their submission process and deadlines.
- Keep copies of everything you submit.
Always confirm the latest requirements and submission instructions on the official source page before applying.