Are you looking for financial assistance to pursue your studies in the construction, mining, or energy sectors? The JB Marks Education Trust Fund, established by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), offers bursaries to support the educational aspirations of NUM members and their dependents. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary for the 2025 academic year.
About the Bursary Provider – JB Marks Education Trust Fund
The JB Marks Education Trust Fund was established in 1997 by the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) to empower its members and their dependents through education. Named after John Beaver Marks, a South African activist and leader who strongly believed in the power of education for worker empowerment, the Trust has funded over 1000 bursars and awarded more than R280 million to over 2000 beneficiaries since its inception.
Most of the funding for the Trust comes from the Mineworkers Investment Trust (MIT) through dividends from the Mineworkers Investment Company (MIC).
About the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Programme – Fields Covered
The JB Marks Education Trust Fund, in collaboration with NUM, invites students to apply for their bursary award for the 2025 academic year. The bursaries are available to NUM members and their dependents (children or spouse) for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Annually, the Trust awards around 200 bursaries for undergraduate studies and approximately 50 bursaries for postgraduate studies.
Bursary Coverage Value & Selection
The bursary value depends on two main factors: the availability of funds and the student’s field of study. Successful candidates will receive an acceptance letter through physical delivery, post, or email, and the information will also be available at all NUM national branches. If you do not receive any correspondence or acceptance letter by 31 January 2025, and your name is not on the NUM regional list, consider your application unsuccessful.
Terms & Conditions
Before applying, please note the following terms and conditions:
- The bursary cannot be used to pay off existing study loans or debts.
- If students drop out within the first 6 months, they must repay the bursary.
- If students change their course of study or institution after the bursary has been awarded, the bursary will be immediately withdrawn.
- If students receive funding from any other source, the bursary will be canceled, and the student must repay the bursary.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a NUM member or a dependent of a NUM member (including children and spouses).
- Be studying towards an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (postgraduate funding is only available to NUM members who have never been funded by the Trust).
- Be studying at a recognized and registered public tertiary institution in South Africa (University, University of Technology, or College – students from private institutions will not be funded).
- Not be in receipt of any other funding.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online at the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary Application 2025.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation with your online application (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- Applicant’s ID document (certified copy).
- Most recent results: Matric or tertiary (certified copy).
- NUM Member’s ID document (certified copy).
- NUM Member’s latest payslip.
- Proof of acceptance from your institution (on the institution’s letterhead).
- Proof of dependency if the applicant’s surname is different from the NUM member (Abridged Birth Certificate, Clinic Immunization Card, Magistrate Guardianship letter, Medical Aid Beneficiary Certificate, Marriage Certificate).
Closing Date
The closing date for the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary is 1 July 2024. Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted, so ensure your application is completed and submitted on time.
Empower your future with the JB Marks Education Trust Fund Bursary. Apply today and take a significant step towards achieving your academic and career goals.