The Rotary Club of Knysna is inviting applications for its 2026 bursary programme, aimed at supporting students from the Greater Knysna area who wish to pursue undergraduate studies at a recognised South African institution. This bursary has been running since 1982 and focuses on empowering students who show academic potential and commitment to their communities.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, applicants must:
- Have lived in the Knysna area for at least 5 years
- Be South African citizens
- Be studying full-time undergraduate studies only
- Have a minimum 50% academic average
- Demonstrate financial need with some other funding source
- Be willing to attend an interview
- Show community involvement, leadership or initiative
- Display interest in current affairs and Rotary International values
Fields of Study Supported
Rotary Knysna funds degrees in areas that support community development, including:
- Engineering
- Teaching and Education
- Nursing and Healthcare
- Medicine
- Business and Commerce
- Law
- Media & Communication
- Social Work
- Nature Conservation
- Marketing
- Architecture
- Journalism
- Accounting
- Emergency Services (e.g. Ambulance Training, Firefighting)
What the Bursary Covers
- Partial bursary (R6,000 – R30,000)
- Paid directly to the institution
- Funds are released in two payments:
- First half on proof of registration
- Second half after mid-year progress results
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Matric results (or latest academic record if studying)
- Proof of registration (or provisional acceptance)
- Proof of residence (Knysna)
- Copy of ID
- List of other funding sources
- Motivational section on application form
Selection Process
- Written application review
- Interview with bursary committee
- Evaluation based on academic dedication, motivation, leadership, financial need, and career goals
- Bursary recipients are encouraged to support Rotary volunteer programmes
