Apply for the UYDF Bursary for 2026 if you need an additional top-up funding. The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the 2026 academic year.
The award is aimed at students who have obtained NSFAS financial support, and need additional top-up funding.
Bursaries will be awarded to students from Umkhanyakude, Zululand and King Cetshwayo districts (KwaZulu-Natal), for studies towards the following Health Science degrees:
- Audiology
- Dentistry
- Dental Therapy
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Radiography: Ultrasonography
- Speech and Language Therapy
Table of Contents
What does this Bursary Cover?
The bursary will provide the following support and benefits:
- Top-up of NSFAS allowances and support for costs not covered by NSFAS
- Academic and social mentoring support to assist students address their challenges
- Opportunity to undertake work exposure at a rural hospital to assist student learning and to gain
experience - Participation in Student Lifeskills Workshops that assist with skills needed in life and work
Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend a ZOOM interview between January and February 2026.
Who Can Apply and Who Qualifies for UYDF Bursary for 2026
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be from the uMkhanyakude/ Zululand/ King Cetshwayo Districts and the catchment areas of the following hospitals: Bethesda, Hlabisa, Manguzi, Mosvold, Mseleni (Umkhanyakude district); Benedictine; Ceza; Itshelejuba; Nkonjeni, Vryheid (Zululand district); Catherine Booth, Ekombe, KwaMagwaza, Mbongolwane, Nkandla (King Cetshwayo district), in KwaZulu-Natal province
- You must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric at a Quintile 1-3, non-fee paying rural school
- You must be studying or intend on studying towards one of the health science qualifications listed above
- You must have been accepted to study at a recognised public University in South Africa (excluding UNISA)
- You must be entering your 1st or 2nd year of study in 2026
- You must be studying towards your first degree
- You must be received NSFAS funding or have applied and been accepted for NSFAS funding for 2026
- You must be prepared to work at one of the above hospitals for at least two years after graduation
- Preference will be given to matriculants
How to Apply for UYDF Bursary for 2026
Applications must be submitted online at: UYDF Bursary Application Form 2026
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- ID document/ passport (certified copy)
- Matric June results/ Matric certificate (certified copy)
- Full Academic record and a letter from your department stating the year you are in, if currently studying
- Proof of application or acceptance at a tertiary institution
- Latest fee statement (university account fee statement), if currently studying
- Proof of NSFAS acceptance/ application
Closing Date for Applications
This bursary closes on 31 December 2025. Apply on time to avoid disqualifications.
Cobtact Details for this Bursary Provider
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact the Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) as follows:
Contact person: Cebile Zungu
Tel: 031 765 5774
Email: Cebile@umthomboyouth.org.za
