KWAZULU-NATAL SPORT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME – 2027 ACADEMIC YEAR

Purpose of the Scholarship

• Retention and development of sporting talent in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Providing opportunities for talented athletes from rural and historically disadvantaged areas that excel in sport.
• Support talented athletes from the province to obtain podium positions at national and international competitions.
• Development of youth through programmes of education and skills.
• Provide access to accredited skills development programmes that will improve opportunities for future employment and contribute towards the alleviation of poverty.

Application Criteria

1. Applicants must be South African Citizens, residing in KwaZulu-Natal and whose parents/guardians are residents of KwaZulu-Natal.
2. The Sport Scholarship will be awarded to both learners in schools and institutions of higher learning.
3. Talented athletes who have:
   • Represented the country and excelled at international sporting competitions in a specific code/s of sport.
   • Athletes who have recorded podium positions at national competitions.
   • In the case of team sport, applicants must have played sport at national level in the previous two years and where evidence can be provided.
   • Talented learners that have been identified through the implementation of the School Sport Programme and who must have represented the province at the National Primary and Secondary Schools Championships, Schools Winter, Summer or Autumn Games and where performances can be substantiated.
   • Talented athletes who have been identified for the Department’s Elite Athlete Development Programme (EADP/Project 350) and/or Academy System.
   (All applications must be accompanied by certified Portfolio of Evidence – including results, national and international ranking, etc.)
4. Preference will be given to applicants who are able to demonstrate the potential for academic success, and which must be substantiated by the appropriate academic record.
5. In the case of institutions of higher learning, applicants must also meet the requirements for enrolment in the relevant faculty or programme at a recognised Department of Higher Education accredited institution of higher learning (Universities, Universities of Technology, TVET Colleges, private colleges, etc.).
6. Sporting performances from the period 01 November 2025 to 31 October 2026.
7. Preference will be given to applicants who are prepared to bind themselves contractually to serve the province in their code/s of sport.
8. Applicants must declare if they have an existing bursary/scholarship/funding from any other public or private institution.

The KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is making available a limited number of Sport Scholarships to talented athletes for the 2027 academic year. Athletes with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.

REQUIREMENTS

• Include certified copies of your ID document including parents or guardian (if a minor).
• Include certified copies of your latest academic results.
• Proof of registration or provisional acceptance (at KZN school or institution) for intended study in 2027.
• A portfolio of evidence detailing your sporting achievements, certified by your coach and/or the Federation or Recreation Body.
• Declaration of any other bursary/scholarship/sponsorship for study purposes in 2027.

CLOSING DATE: MIDDAY FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER 2026. EMAIL APPLICATIONS TO [email protected]