REAP - Rural Education Access Programme



 

Welcome to the REAP Online Application form

Please note

REAP is a holistic Higher Education Support Programme. In an attempt to reduce poverty and empower young people to improve the quality of their lives, the Rural Education Access Programme (REAP) assists students from rural areas across South Africa to succeed at selected universities. Please note that this online application form does not cater for TVET institutions. For successful applicants REAP provides a structured student development programme consisting of financial, psycho-social and skills development support. REAP no longer provides full-cost bursaries and financial support is limited to R7000 per year. REAP students are required to do community service each year.

Institutions supported by REAP

REAP supports students at a number of institutions however, you need to be aware that the number of applicants that can be supported at each institution is limited. We therefore often require that applicants meet specific academic criteria which may be higher for certain institutions and courses. You can only apply for REAP support if you have applied to study at one of the following institutions:

  • Central University of Technology
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • Rhodes University
  • Sol Plaatjie University
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
  • University of the Free State
  • University of the Western Cape
If you are applying to study at Motheo TVET, do not continue with this online application. Send an email request to applications@reap.org.za.

REAP Criteria to be considered for support:

  • You must be a South African citizen
  • You must come from a rural area and have attended a rural school
  • You must have written your NSC examinations at a rural school within the previous two (2) years
  • You must not be older than 24 years
  • Your family/household income (including all grants and contributions) should not exceed R122 000 per year before any deductions (e.g. less than R10 167 per month)
  • You must produce proof your family/household income and social grants if requested to do so
  • You must have obtained more than 55% average for your NSC examinations (DO NOT use Life Orientation marks when calculating the average)
  • You must have applied to study at any one of the institutions listed above.
  • You must apply to NSFAS for funding. Applications close on 31 January 2023. Failure to apply to NSFAS will result in rejection of your REAP application. Click here to find out how to apply.

Completion of the Online Application Form

  • Online applications for 2023 open on Monday 9 January 2023 and close on Tuesday 14 February 2023.
  • Read the information on the form carefully.
  • You MUST complete ALL SECTIONS of the form.
  • Fill in your answers clearly in your own words.
  • Answer all questions honestly.

The process

  • You must have an email address in order to proceed with this application. Refer to the General Information Section below for a guide on how to set up an email address if you do not have one already.
  • The application has three phases. If your phase 1 application is successful, a link will be emailed to you, requesting that you complete phase 2. If your phase 1 application is unsuccessful, a Decline Message will pop up on your screen.
  • If your phase 2 application is successful, you will be considered for shortlisting. This will occur between 14-28 February. If you are shortlisted, you will be requested to submit copies of your ID, Proof of Registration on HEI Letterhead, your National Senior Certificate (NSC) and your Grade 12 June and Grade 11 Final results certificates. You will also be invited to attend an information session on your campus on 29 February.
  • If you are not shortlisted, you will receive a Decline message by email.
  • If you qualify for an interview, you will be contacted by the 28th of February.
  • If your application is successful, you will be notified by the end of March.

General Information

  • REAP is not able to assist all students who apply for support.
  • It is important that you choose a career for which you have a real passion.
  • Career advice is availabe from SAQAC Career Advice Services. Helpline number: 086 999 0123. Email: careerhelp@dhet.gov.za.
  • If you are unsure about how to apply to a Higher Education Institution please click here for a step-by-step guide.
  • If you do not qualify to apply to REAP, you may wish to approach another bursary provider. Click here for alternative bursary providers in South Africa.
  • If you experience any problems during the REAP application phase, please email applications@reap.org.za.

To get started, please provide us with your ID number:

ID Number

Personal Information:

Title
First names
Surname
Email address
Verify email
Cell number
Home number
Birth place
Disabilities
Race
When not at university, do you live in a...
Name of nearest farm / village / town
Do you have any children? Yes No
How many children?
Where did you hear about REAP?
Name of representative
Start year

Postal
Physicalthe same as Postal
Street / PO Box
Suburb
City
Province
Postal Code

Alternate Contact:

In case the primary contact details do not work.

Title
Name
Surname
Relationship to alternate contact
Cell number

Compliance:

Have you applied to NSFAS for financial aid? Yes No
Have you been formally accepted by NSFAS? Yes I was accepted
No I was rejected
I am still waiting for an answer
NSFAS reference no:
Do you have another bursary? Yes No
What is the name of your funder?
Are you a South African citizen? Yes No
At which of the following institutions do you have provisional or final acceptance?
  • Central University of Technology
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • Rhodes University
  • Sol Plaatjie University
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
  • University of the Free State
  • University of the Western Cape
  • Other
In 2023, will you be registered for an undergraduate qualification for the first time? Yes No
Did you matriculate at a school in a rural area? Yes No

Did you attain a minimum aggregate of 55% in your latest set of results? Please exclude your Life Orientation marks from your calculation.

Minimum aggregate of 55%? Yes No
Did you complete your National Senior Certificate more than 2 years ago? Yes No
Is your yearly total household income more than R122k, prior to deductions? Yes No

Please note:

You are now ready to submit the 1st part of your bursary application.

If there are inaccuracies, or missing data, it may delay or prejudice your application.

You can review your answers by clicking the Back and Next buttons to navigate between sections.

Once you are are ready to proceed, please press the Submit button on this page.

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