Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund 2024

Background:

In its quest to address the challenge of youth unemployment, access to education, among many other challenges, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) changed its core business to focus on education and skills development as the organisation’s main priority. This move was informed by studies which suggested that salary remains the main source of income for young South Africans.

To support this new strategic focus, the NYDA established the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund (SMSF). The R20-million fund seeks to avail financial support to youth to enable them to pursue quality education in an institution of higher learning with youth in rural areas as primary target.

The scholarship fund was established in honour of Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu who at the age of 23, was executed under the apartheid laws after being wrongfully accused of murder and terrorism. Fearing crowd reaction at the funeral, police decided to bury Mahlangu in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.

The scholarship fund is designed to create an environment for affording youth with excellent academic background, an opportunity to further their studies. Financial support will be provided to youth who pursue full time degrees that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas outlined in the labor planning frameworks of the country.

The fund will be accessible to deserving South African youth who meet the minimum entry requirements set by the NYDA and, who have been admitted for study at public Universities and Universities of Technology

Timelines:

Applications (online and manual) open from 15 September 2024 and closes on 15 January 2024.

Objectives of The Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship Fund:

To provide financial support to youth in the form of scholarships to increase their chances of accessing quality higher education in their field of study
To increase chances of employability or entrepreneurship based on the positive correlation between level of education and employability
To establish the largest scholarship programme in the country, which will enable youth to study at local public universities and universities of technology
Empower the youth (14-35) with education to enable them to compete favourably in the labor market.
Contribute to the development of critical and scarce skills

Eligibility Criteria

Students must be applying for admission to one of the public universities as a 1st year full-time student in a priority study (see below).
High school learners who plan to attend one of the public universities or university of technology after completing the National Senior Certificate
Must meet University Admission Points Score (APS) and achieve an average of 70% in the NSC exams
Must be South African citizens between 14 – 35
Financial neediness – combined household salary of less than R15 000 a month
Reside in rural/semi-rural areas

Priority of Study

Full-time degrees that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas outlined in the labour planning framework of the country.Full-time degrees that fall within the priority growth sectors, critical and scarce skills areas outlined in the labour planning framework of the country.

How to apply?
Applications can be completed online or manual. Click HERE to start completing your online application.
Click HERE to download an application form or get one from your nearest branch. Complete the form and send to VDG House, 8 Victoria Road, Plumstead, Cape Town 7945 or email to studentfunding@studentfundingportal.com.
It is the responsibility of the applicant to fully complete the online application form.
Electronic applications are the preferred method of applying as they ensure speed, accuracy and efficiency. For enquiries about applications, call 021 2000 476 or 0872300194.
Applications for the 2024 academic year are open from 15 September 2024 until 15 January 2024.
Please note:

Application does not automatically mean acceptance; a selection will be made of students to be covered by the scholarship programme.
NO late applications will be considered.

For the 2024 Academic year, only degree studies at public Universities and Universities of Technology will be considered. This does NOT include TVET colleges.

The following costs are covered by the Solomon Mahlangu Scholarship:

·        Tuition

·        Accommodation

·        Meals

·        Study Books

NYDA Bursary and a Scholarship FAQs