Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) Health Science Bursary Programme

1. 1

   Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria (rural KZN/Eastern Cape origin, Quintile 1-3 school, NSFAS support and acceptance to an approved health science degree)

2. 2

   Complete at least one week of volunteer work at a hospital

3. 3

   Gather your certified supporting documents, including proof of NSFAS acceptance or application

4. 4

   Apply online via the UYDF application portal at https://in-contact.org/rsvp?site=20&id=1&type=F

5. 5

   Submit before the annual closing date (the 2026-intake deadline was 31 December 2025, during office hours only)

6. 6

   Liaise with the UYDF office (contact person Cebile Zungu) if shortlisted and confirm your NSFAS and university registration details

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UYDF bursary a full bursary?

No. UYDF is a top-up and support scheme that works alongside NSFAS rather than a standalone full bursary. You must have received or been accepted for NSFAS funding; UYDF then covers costs NSFAS does not, pays a monthly allowance (reported around R3,800) and provides mentoring and life-skills support to help you complete your degree.

Who is eligible for the UYDF Health Science Bursary?

It targets South African students from rural backgrounds who matriculated at a Quintile 1-3 non-fee-paying rural school and come from the uMkhanyakude, Zululand or King Cetshwayo districts of northern KwaZulu-Natal, or who live near St Patrick's Hospital (Bizana) or Zithulele Hospital in the Eastern Cape. You must have NSFAS support and be accepted into an approved health science degree at a public university (excluding UNISA).

Do I have to work back the bursary after I qualify?

Yes. Recipients commit to working in public-sector rural or underserved areas — at the specified hospitals — for a minimum of two years after graduating, which helps address the shortage of healthcare professionals in rural communities.

When does the UYDF bursary close and how do I apply?

Applications open annually. For the 2026 academic year the advertised closing date was 31 December 2025 (office hours only). Apply online through the UYDF portal and confirm the current cycle's dates on the official website, umthomboyouth.org.za.