Epilepsy SA Bursary 2027: Apply Online Now
Apply for the Epilepsy SA Bursary 2027. See fields of study, requirements and how to apply online.
| Bursary | Epilepsy SA Bursary 2027: Apply Online Now |
| Funder | Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust |
| Reference | BUR-EPILEPSY-SA-2027 |
| Field of Study | Any (student with epilepsy) |
| Study Level | Tertiary |
| Location | South Africa (national) |
| Type | Bursary / Scholarship |
| Date Posted | 2026-10-29 |
| Closing Date | No fixed date - confirm with funder |
| Status | Open - no fixed closing date (confirm with funder) |
| Contact | nationaldirector.no@epilepsy.org.za; info@epilepsy.org.za; 0860 374 537 |
Epilepsy SA Bursary - Full Details
Introduction
The Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust bursary is accepting applications for the 2027 academic year. It supports Tertiary students in the following areas: Any (student with epilepsy). The funder does not publish a fixed closing date, so contact them to confirm the current intake before you apply.
About the Funder
The trust, set up in 1998, gives part-bursaries to talented tertiary students living with epilepsy.
What the Bursary Covers
Part-bursary (tuition)
Eligibility Requirements
- Person with epilepsy
- accepted at tertiary institution
- financial need
- good academics
- SA citizen
How to Apply
Form + SA ID, school results, acceptance, certificates, household income, medical proof, Epilepsy SA membership. Mail PostNet Suite #131, Private Bag X3, Bloubergrant 7443 or email
Epilepsy SA Bursary 2027: Complete Applicant Guide
Quick Summary: Support for Students Living With Epilepsy
The Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust was set up in 1998 to give part-bursaries to talented tertiary students living with epilepsy. The bursary is open to students in any field of study, which makes it unusual. Instead of focusing on one profession, it supports students who show academic promise and who need financial help.
The award is a part-bursary towards tuition, so you will need other funding for other costs. There is no fixed closing date published for the 2027 intake, so contact Epilepsy South Africa to confirm the current application window and the documents required.
This guide explains the eligibility rules, how to prepare the application, how to handle the medical proof requirement, and how to build a wider support system for your studies. If you or someone you know is living with epilepsy and planning to study, the information here can help you take the next step.
Eligibility Criteria in Plain Language
To apply, you must be a person with epilepsy, accepted at a tertiary institution, a South African citizen, in financial need and with good academic results. You will also need to be a member of Epilepsy South Africa, which is part of the documents requested.
The financial need requirement means you will provide household income information. The academic requirement means that your school results and, if you are already studying, your tertiary results will be reviewed. Because the criteria do not list a specific percentage, ask the Trust what level of results is competitive.
If you have recently been diagnosed or your condition is well controlled, you can still apply. The requirement is that you have epilepsy and can provide appropriate proof, not that your condition must be severe.
The Medical Proof Requirement
You will be asked for medical proof of your epilepsy. This is normally a letter or report from a doctor, neurologist or clinic that confirms your diagnosis. Ask your healthcare provider early, because getting an appointment or a letter can take time.
You do not need to share your entire medical history. Ask your doctor to include only what the Trust needs, which is generally the diagnosis and the date or duration. If you are unsure what the Trust requires, email or phone to ask. Handle your medical documents carefully, scan them clearly and send them only to the official contacts listed in the details table.
This guide is general information and not medical advice. For questions about your treatment, medication, safety or the effect of your condition on study, speak to your doctor or neurologist.
How to Apply: Documents and Submission
The application uses a form and several supporting documents. You can submit by mail to the PostNet address listed in the details, or by email. The documents requested include a South African ID, school results, proof of acceptance, certificates, household income, medical proof and proof of Epilepsy South Africa membership.
- Contact the Trust to confirm that applications are open and to request the current form.
- Join Epilepsy South Africa if you are not already a member, and keep your proof of membership.
- Ask your doctor for a medical letter and request it early.
- Gather your ID, school results, proof of acceptance and any certificates.
- Collect household income documents, such as payslips, a SASSA letter or an affidavit.
- Complete the form, attach everything and send it by email or post.
- Follow up after a week or two to confirm receipt.
Document Checklist
- Completed application form
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- School results and any tertiary results
- Proof of acceptance at a tertiary institution
- Certificates, such as matric certificate or achievements
- Household income documents
- Medical proof of epilepsy
- Proof of Epilepsy South Africa membership
Keep photocopies or scans of everything you send. If posting, use a tracked service and keep the receipt.
Writing About Your Journey With Care
If the application includes a motivation or personal statement, focus on your goals and strengths. You may mention your experience with epilepsy if you feel comfortable, but you do not have to describe every detail. Explain what you plan to study, why it matters to you and how the bursary would help. If you have overcome challenges, such as missed school days or adjusting to treatment, you can describe how you responded and what you learned.
Avoid presenting yourself only through your condition. Reviewers want to see a capable student with plans and determination. Highlight achievements, interests and leadership.
Getting Support at University
Most universities have a disability support unit or student support service that can help students with health conditions. Contact them before you start your studies, so you can discuss arrangements that may help you succeed. Depending on the institution and your needs, this could include extra time in tests after a seizure, flexible deadlines in emergencies, accessible residence rooms, or a plan for how staff can respond if you need help.
Share information with the people you choose. Some students tell lecturers and residence staff about their condition so that they know what to do in an emergency. Others prefer more privacy. This is your decision, and your doctor or support organisation can help you think it through. Having a simple written plan that explains what to do if a seizure occurs can give you and others confidence.
Habits That Can Support Your Studies
Many people with epilepsy find that routines help them manage daily life. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you. Common themes include taking medication as prescribed, keeping regular sleep patterns, managing stress and planning for exams so that you are not working late into the night. Do not change medication without medical advice.
Build a support network of friends, family and organisations. Epilepsy South Africa and local support groups can offer information and connection. If you are moving away from home, plan how you will access your clinic or pharmacy and keep a supply of medication as advised by your doctor.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving the medical letter until the last minute
- Forgetting to join Epilepsy South Africa or to include proof of membership
- Sending uncertified or unclear copies
- Omitting household income documents
- Assuming the part-bursary will cover all costs
- Not following up after submitting
Make a checklist and give yourself extra time for documents that depend on other people, such as doctors and employers.
Planning Your Wider Funding
Because this is a part-bursary, combine it with other funding. Apply for NSFAS if you qualify, ask your university about disability-related funding and bursaries, and search for other awards on this site. Some funders offer extra support to students with disabilities, so mention your situation where appropriate. Keep a budget that includes tuition, books, transport, accommodation, medication and food.
A Sample Email to the Trust
Because no closing date is published, start with a short, polite enquiry.
Subject: Educational Trust bursary enquiry 2027
Dear Sir or Madam, my name is [full name], and I am a South African student living with epilepsy. I have been accepted to study [programme] at [institution] in 2027. Please could you confirm whether applications for the Educational Trust bursary are open, the closing date, the current form, the medical proof you require and how I can confirm my Epilepsy South Africa membership? Thank you for your help. Kind regards, [full name], [cell number].
You are not required to include medical details in your first email. Share them in the application as requested.
A Practical Timeline
- This week: contact the Trust, confirm the process and check your membership status.
- Within two weeks: book a doctor's appointment for your medical letter and request your school results.
- Within three weeks: gather income documents, your acceptance letter and certified copies.
- Within a month: complete the form, review everything and submit by email or post.
- After submitting: follow up and continue applying for other funding.
For Parents, Guardians and Friends
If you are supporting a young person with epilepsy who is preparing to study, you can help in practical ways. Offer to assist with gathering documents, travelling to appointments and understanding the application form. Encourage open conversations about independence, safety and what support they would like at university. Respect their decisions about who to tell and when.
Learn how to respond if a seizure occurs, using guidance from a doctor or Epilepsy South Africa. Knowing what to do builds confidence for everyone. Remember that many people with epilepsy study, work and lead full lives, and your encouragement can make a real difference to their sense of possibility.
Planning for Exams and Deadlines
Exam periods can bring stress and disrupted routines. Plan your study schedule early so that you avoid last-minute pressure. Spread your revision across several weeks, take regular breaks and protect your sleep. Talk to your doctor about how to manage exam periods safely, and ask the disability support unit about arrangements that may be available, such as a quiet venue or extra time in particular circumstances.
Keep emergency contacts and any medical information in a place that is easy to find. Let a trusted friend or roommate know how they can help. Planning in advance means you can focus on your work with greater peace of mind.
Important Verification Note
The bursary does not publish a fixed closing date, and requirements may change. Please contact Epilepsy South Africa using the email addresses and phone number provided to confirm the current intake, documents and submission methods before you apply. The Trust's confirmation always overrides this summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Epilepsy SA Bursary 2027 close?
No fixed closing date is published. Contact Epilepsy South Africa to confirm the current application window.
Who can apply?
South African citizens living with epilepsy who have been accepted at a tertiary institution, show financial need and have good academic results.
What does the bursary cover?
It is a part-bursary towards tuition, so you will need other funding for other costs.
What medical proof do I need?
Usually a letter or report from a doctor or clinic confirming your epilepsy diagnosis. Ask the Trust what it requires.
Do I need to be a member of Epilepsy South Africa?
Yes, proof of membership is part of the documents requested.
Which fields of study qualify?
Any field. The bursary is open to talented tertiary students in all disciplines.
How do I submit my application?
You can post it to the PostNet address listed or email it to the addresses in the details table.
Where can I get support at university?
Most universities have a disability or student support unit. Contact them early to discuss arrangements that suit your needs.
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