Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) Bursary South Africa 2026

The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) is a South African non-profit organization committed to empowering rural youth through education and career development in the healthcare sector. Founded with the mission of addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in underserved areas, UYDF provides bursaries, mentorship, and support to students from rural communities pursuing health-related qualifications. By investing in the potential of young individuals, the foundation not only transforms lives but also strengthens healthcare systems in marginalized regions, fostering sustainable development and improved access to essential medical services. The Umthombo Youth Development Foundation (UYDF) is inviting students to apply for their bursary programme, for the2026 academic year.

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 provinceYou must be currently in Matric or have completed Matric at a Quintile 1-3, non-fee paying rural schoolYou must be studying or intend on studying towards one of the health science qualifications listed aboveYou 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 2026You must be studying towards your first degreeYou must be received NSFAS funding or have applied and been accepted for NSFAS funding for 2026You must be prepared to work at one of the above hospitals for at least two years after graduationPreference will be given to matriculants

Information not available

Applications must be submitted online at:UYDF Bursary Application Form 2026 Enter “www.zabursaries.co.za” in the field asking how you heard about the UYDF bursary. 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 studyingProof of application or acceptance at a tertiary institutionLatest fee statement (university account fee statement), if currently studyingProof of NSFAS acceptance/ application