Masakh'iSizwe Bursaries: Frequently Asked Questions
The Department of Infrastructure established the Masakh'iSizwe bursary programme to make available cohorts of professionals in engineering and built environment fields.
- How long will I have to work for the Department once I have completed my degree/diploma?
- If I fail some courses, will I continue to receive the bursary?
- If I change my course halfway through the year, would I lose my bursary?
- How will the bursary be paid?
- If I have completed my degree/diploma and would like to complete another degree/diploma, would I qualify for another bursary?
- Does the bursary cover any expensive equipment, such as a computer or camera or software for drawings that I might require?
- What happens if I receive a job offer from a company once I've completed my course?
- If I need work experience (eg, vacation work or in-service training) as part of my course, would the Department assist me in finding work?
- If I discontinue my studies at any point, what obligations do I have with regard to the bursary?
How long would I have to work for the Department once I have completed my degree/diploma?
If the Department requires your services, you will be obliged to work for the length of time that the bursary has been allocated to you. However, if the Department does not require your services when you graduate, it will release you to take up employment elsewhere without any obligations. This of course means that you will not be obliged to repay your bursary.
If I fail some courses, will I continue to receive the bursary?
This depends on your overall results. In terms of the contract that bursars sign, the Department may withhold further payment of the bursary until the bursar has completed all failed modules at his/her own cost. However, each case will be considered on merit. It is your responsibility to supply your academic results, explain why you failed and give a detailed adjusted academic programme which incorporates the failed modules. This must be done in writing and supported by the dean of the relevant faculty.
If I change my course halfway through the year, would I lose my bursary?
If you change your course without permission from the Department, you will be required to repay in full all funds that have been paid over to you or the university for your academic and residence fees and any other costs that the Department has covered.
How will the bursary be paid?
As far as possible, all fees will be paid directly to the institution you've registered with. If you've paid anything yourself, it will be refunded as long as you provide proof of payment.
If I have completed my degree/diploma and would like to complete another degree/diploma, would I qualify for another bursary?
Normally you would not qualify for one. If however, you have done exceptionally well and qualify for post-graduate studies, the Department will consider the possibility of a bursary to enable you to continue your studies.
Does the bursary cover any expensive equipment, such as a computer or camera or software for drawings that I might require?
The amount allocated to you for stationary should adequately cover all your stationary and text book requirements considered necessary by the institution at which you are studying. The Department does not cover costs for computers, cameras or any other expensive equipment. If yours is a special case, the Department will consider the merits of your case, provided you have submitted a written application to the Department stating as fully as possible why you consider your case to be exceptional. The application must also be supported by the dean of the faculty in which you are studying.
What happens if I receive a job offer from a company once I've completed my course?
In terms of the contract that you sign, the Department has first option on your employment. You may also be placed with a partner company to work back your bursary obligation. The Department may however be prepared to negotiate your release from contract, if formally approached by the company concerned. If the Department does not need you it will release you from your bursary obligations.
If I need work experience (eg, vacation work or in-service training) as part of my course, would the Department assist me in finding work?
Yes, the Department will find a placement for your work experience either within the Department or in the private sector. However, it is your responsibility to inform the Department of such a need. This must be done in writing at least 4 months prior to the required work experience.
If I discontinue my studies at any point, what obligations do I have with regard to the bursary?
If you do not intend to continue your studies, you will be required to repay the full amount that has been paid to you. If, however, you want to interrupt your studies for a specified time period, you may apply in writing to the Department and your case will be considered on merit.
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