JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) Bursary 2024

About The Johannesburg Stock Exchange 

JSE, short for the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, ranks as the 19th largest stock market exchange globally and is the largest stock exchange in South Africa. With a market capitalization of approximately $1,282 billion, JSE has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1887, coinciding with the South African gold rush, making it the oldest stock exchange on the African continent.

About The Bursary 

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange actively supports education through its JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF), aimed at empowering disadvantaged students in South Africa. JEF operates a bursary program designed to provide financial assistance to a select number of students each year, with the overarching goal of uplifting the community and enhancing the South African labor market. Notably, this is a multidisciplinary bursary program, covering multiple fields of study.

For the upcoming academic session, the bursaries will be awarded to students pursuing degrees in the following fields:

•  Actuarial Science
•  Computer Science
•  Information Technology
•  Informatics
•  Data Analytics
•  Mathematics

Only applications from the following universities will be considered:

•  University of Pretoria
•  University of Johannesburg
•  University of the Witwatersrand
•  Nelson Mandela University
•  University of Cape Town
•  University of Limpopo
•  North-West University
•  Fort-Hare University
•  University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
•  University of the Free State

The value of each bursary will be determined on a case-by-case basis, with JSE covering either a portion or the entirety of the tuition cost, depending on individual needs.

Shortlisted candidates will receive detailed information on the benefits, coverage, and bursary amounts. JSE will contact these candidates shortly after the closing date. If you do not receive any communication, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Eligibility Criteria for the JSE Empowerment Fund:

To be eligible for the JSE Empowerment Fund Bursary, applicants must meet specific criteria set by JSE, as there are typically more applicants than available funding. Failing to meet any of the criteria will result in immediate rejection, so thorough verification of eligibility is crucial before applying. The eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Must be a South African citizen
• Must have completed Matriculation
• Must be pursuing a degree in one of the aforementioned fields of study
• Must be studying at one of the designated universities
• Must be in the second, third, or fourth year of study or at the Postgraduate (Honours) level
• Must be studying full-time, not part-time
• Must have a strong academic track record
• For undergraduate students: Minimum overall average of 60%
• For postgraduate students: Minimum overall average of 60%
• Total household income should not exceed R 600,000 per annum

While meeting these requirements is essential, it does not guarantee funding. Preference is given to students from designated groups with a history of disadvantage and those with outstanding academic performance. The JSE's decisions in this regard are final.

How to Apply for the JSE Empowerment Fund (JEF) Bursary:

Eligible students can begin the application process for the bursary, which is a concise process taking no more than an hour to complete. It's crucial to adhere to the provided instructions and submit accurate and complete forms, as incomplete or incorrect applications will not be considered. The application process involves the following steps:

1. Start by completing the online application on the JSE Career Page. The portal is the central platform for all applicants. If you're a first-time user, sign up and create an account. If you've applied before, sign in to your existing account. Read and follow the provided instructions, filling in all the necessary fields. Alternatively, you can apply through the Pnet portal by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.

Required Documentation

Ensure you have the following documents ready for the bursary application. Applications lacking these documents will not be accepted. Therefore, always double-check to confirm that you've uploaded the required documents:

•  ID documents
•  Matric certificate
•  Complete academic records or transcripts, including the most recent results (on institution letterhead)
•  Certificate of your undergraduate qualification, if pursuing a postgraduate degree (certified copies)
•  Proof of acceptance at a tertiary institution (on institution letterhead)
•  A declaration stating that you're a JSE dependent, if applicable

Upload all the necessary documents and submit your application.

Closing Date for the JSE Empowerment Fund:

The JSE Empowerment Fund is currently open for applications, with the deadline for submission set for October 31, 2023.

JSE will contact successful candidates, while those not selected should anticipate the next application cycle for further opportunities. Good Luck.