The Free State Provincial Government is committed to help needy students obtain higher education, while also addressing the lack of scarce skills in the province. Funding is made available every year for Free State students studying any of the scarce skill professions at higher education institutions throughout the country. It will fund tuition fees, accommodation and stationery needs  for students who meet the necessary requirements.

Scarce skills

The list of scare skills is reviewed on an annual basis, taking into account the input of the various provincial government departments. Scarce skills include – but may not be limited to:

• Agricultural Sciences
• Chartered Accounting
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Information Communication and Technology
• Medicine
• Social Work
• Veterinary Sciences

Performance

Bursary holders are expected to work hard in their studies, complete their courses within the required time and return to work in the province. On completion of their studies, bursary holders will have to work in the Free State for the same number of years they were funded during their time of studying. Students’ performance is monitored jointly by the Department of Education and the Office of the Premier who are required to report to the Free State Executive Council. The Premier, Members of the Executive Council, Heads of Departments and other senior government officials undertake annual visits to tertiary institutions throughout the country to meet with bursary holders, other Free State based students as well as the management of the tertiary institutions. The Bursary Scheme is presently administered by the Free State Basic Education Department. For more information about the Free State Bursary Scheme, contact the Free State Department of Basic Education at tel. (051) 447 2764.

Where else can I get a bursary / funds to further my studies?

Contact the following organisations:

• Department of Higher Education and Training (National Student Financial Aid Scheme)
  Contact : Seputu Mampane
  E-mail: mampane.g@dhet.gov.za
  Tel: +27 (0)12 312 5256
  Fax: +27 (0)12 323 7532
  Postal address: Private Bag X895, PRETORIA, 000
• National Student Financial Aid Scheme
  E-mail: info@nsfas.org.za
  Tel: +27 (0)21 763 3232
  Fax: +27 (0)21 797 8131
  Postal address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, CAPE TOWN, 7801
  Physical address: 18-20 Court Road, Wynberg, 7800
• Thabo Mbeki Education Trust
  Contact: Thomeka Dandala
  E-mail: tdandala@mbekiedutrust.org.za
  Tel: +27 082 990 8638
  Fax: +27 (0)11 388 7905
  Postal address: PO Box 784646, SANDTON, 2146
  Physical address: 70 Rivonia Road, IBM Park, SANDTON, 2146
• The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
  Contact: Boitumelo Mdwaba (Head Office – South Africa)
  E-mail: tumim@nmcf.co.za
  Tel: +27 (0)11 274 5600
  Fax: +27 (0)11 486 3914
  Postal address: PO Box 797, Highlands North, 2037
  Physical address: 21 Eastwold Way,Cnr Oxford Road, Saxonwold 2196
• Educational Opportunities Council (EOC)
  Contact: Russ Nelson
  E-mail: eoc@iafrica.com
  Tel: +27 (0) 11 833 1510-7
  Fax: +27 (0) 11 838 7654
  Postal address: PO Box 3323, JOHANNESBURG, 2000
  Physical address: 14 Manifest House, cnr. Simons and Marshall Street, JOHANNESBURG, 2000