Frequently Asked Questions — Bursary Assistance Policy
Answers to the most common questions about eligibility, applications, coverage, renewals and obligations
1) Who is eligible for this bursary?
This bursary is strictly reserved for descendants and permanent residents of the Mantserre community, safeguarding it from claims by non-community members or external applicants
Applicants must provide proof of residence within the Mantserre community and, where applicable, verification of lineage or family association recognised by the local leadership
2) Will descendants and permanent residents automatically qualify for funding?
No — you must demonstrate that you or your household lack the financial means to afford tertiary education
3) Is this bursary for any field of study?
No — it supports undergraduate degrees aligned to the Mantserre mining community, for example Engineering and the Built Environments, Law, Commerce and Management Studies, and Health Sciences
4) Does the scheme cater for part-time studies?
No — the bursary is strictly for full-time undergraduate qualifications at a recognised, accredited South African public university or university of technology in the first instance, but may be reviewed at the sole discretion of the company year to year
5) Is there an age restriction?
Yes — prospective learners must be between 18 and 30
6) Will my foreign descendants qualify?
Only South African citizens with a valid ID will be considered
7) Can I apply if I am not yet provisionally accepted at an institution?
No — you must be provisionally accepted at a South African institution and provide proof thereof
8) I did not do well in my June exams — will I still be considered?
You should demonstrate academic excellence and obtain an average of 65% in the year you are applying, subject to your final Grade 12 results
9) Will I automatically receive funding for my full qualification?
No — approval of a formal qualification does not guarantee automatic renewal
Bursars must apply for each subsequent year or semester and attach a report from the institution detailing previous results The 65% pass-rate requirement always applies Renewal remains at the company’s discretion
10) Can I hold more than one bursary at the same time?
No — bursars cannot be awarded more than one bursary concurrently and must disclose any other funding upfront
11) Is the policy reviewed annually?
Yes — the policy is subject to annual review by the trustees
12) Can I appeal if I do not qualify?
No — the decision of the Bursary Committee is final and subject to the CEO’s approval
13) What does the bursary cover?
Registration, tuition, prescribed books, and accommodation
14) Is the funding paid directly to me?
No money is paid directly to the student except where fees were paid upfront In that case, reimbursement may be made upon submission of the original valid receipt and where arrangements were made in advance with the Bursary Scheme Executor
15) What if I fail a subject or semester but I am permitted to proceed?
Renewal of assistance is at the sole discretion of the Trust If assistance continues, the cost of repeating failed subjects or components will be for the bursar’s own account
16) What if I fail and I am not permitted to proceed?
Bursary assistance will be suspended until you prove your ability to succeed in further study years
17) Must I do anything in return while I am a bursar?
Yes — assistance is conditional on agreeing to be bound to the Trust for a period equal to the years funded through vacation work including community projects If BBMIH cannot provide vacation work, you may contribute to a community development project of your choice within the Mantserre Community
18) Are there any exclusions?
- Overseas institutions registered in South Africa but not accredited and not compliant with SAQA regulations
- Applying for a qualification consecutively after completing a degree is not permissible
- Studying outside South Africa
- All postgraduate studies
19) What supporting documents must I submit?
- Completed application form
- Certified ID document
- Certified Grade 12 certificate and/or certified June results
- Provisional acceptance letter from the institution
- Proof of acceptance at residence and/or accommodation if available
- Proof of financial need via affidavits indicating parents and/or guardian annual income
- Affidavit confirming you are not a recipient of any other bursary scheme
- Proof that you are a resident of the Mantserre community e g utility bill
- Verification of lineage or family association recognised by the local leadership