The Compensation Fund runs a Vocational Rehabilitation External Bursary Scheme under the Department of Employment and Labour. The 2026 call invited unemployed COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement, their dependants, and dependants of fatally injured employees. See the official scheme page.
COID refers to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act. The bursary requires acceptance at a recognised institution and is renewable yearly, subject to funds and academic performance.
Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
For the 2026 academic year, the scheme was open to:
- Unemployed COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement
- Dependants of those beneficiaries
- Dependants of fatally injured employees
You must also have been accepted at a recognised institution: a TVET college, a CET college or a higher education institution. Citizenship, academic and age requirements are set in the scheme’s application documents, so confirm them with the Compensation Fund before you apply.
Income and Affordability Requirements
The scheme is aimed at people whose families have been affected by a workplace injury, disease or death. Whether financial need is assessed, and how, is set by the Compensation Fund. Ask the Fund directly through the contact details on the scheme page.
Credit and Financial Requirements
The bursary covers tuition fees, prescribed study material, a monthly stipend and accommodation. It is renewable yearly, subject to funds and academic performance. Whether any service or repayment condition applies is set in the Fund’s terms, so read them before accepting.
Never pay anyone to submit an application or to “process” a claim for a share of a payout.
Documents and Verification Required
The official page links the application form and flyers. Use the form from the Department of Employment and Labour page and follow the document list in it. The form is the authority on which documents are required. Do not rely on a copy of the form from another website.
How to Apply and Improve Approval Readiness
- Open the scheme page on the Department of Employment and Labour website.
- Download the application form and read the flyer.
- Get acceptance at a TVET college, CET college or higher education institution.
- Submit the form with the supporting documents the form lists.
- Use the Compensation Fund contacts page linked from the scheme page for queries.
For 2026 the scheme was open all year, with applicants encouraged to apply on or before 31 March 2026. If you hear nothing within two months, the application is likely unsuccessful. Check the Department’s website for a 2027 call and closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the COID bursary?
For 2026: unemployed COID beneficiaries with a permanent disablement, their dependants, and dependants of fatally injured employees, who have been accepted at a TVET college, CET college or higher education institution.
What does the bursary cover?
Tuition fees, prescribed study material, a monthly stipend and accommodation, renewable yearly subject to funds and academic performance.
Is COID registration the same as applying for the bursary?
The bursary has its own application form on the Department of Employment and Labour page. Registration of a claim or an employer with the Compensation Fund is a different matter that the scheme page does not cover, so ask the Fund through its contacts page.
When do I hear back?
If you receive no response within two months, the application is likely unsuccessful.
Should I pay someone to handle an application or claim?
No. Do not pay an agent or a facilitator. Use the official channel and keep copies of everything you submit.
Confirm current requirements with the Compensation Fund. See finance and funding requirements and compare loan requirements.