TEVET Bursary: Everything You Need To Know
The TEVET Bursary Awards scheme, is an initiative under the Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS). The awards provide financial support for students pursuing higher education at TEVETA registered institutions. The goal is to guarantee equitable access to skills development as specified in the Technical Education, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) policy.
The scheme designates approximately 60% of the funding for programs, primarily in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It allocates the remaining 40% of the scholarships to programs that focus on business and related skills.
However, due to lack of adequate resources, the bursary award only covers part of the training expenses. Key areas of expenses covered are:
- Tuition fees to the institution at (50%, 75%, and 100%). Paid directly to training provider.
- Boarding fees for rural institutions and only to those that deserve boarding. Paid directly to the training provider.
- Examination fees at 100%. Paid directly to the training provider.
Besides what was mentioned above or in the award conditions, the student adds the other educational requirements.
TEVET Bursary Eligibility
The bursary award is for students who meet the Vulnerability Selection Criteria. This is as determined by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Welfare. Additionally, applicants required to meet the following:
- Must be Zambian and in possession of a Green National Registration Card (NRC).
- Must have an Acceptance letter from a MoTS Institution.
- Must be in possession of any of the following qualifications:
- Grade 12 School Certificate or its equivalent for those applying for (Craft/Certificate, Technician/ Advanced Certificate, Technologist/ Diploma and Degree Programmes).
- Grade 9 Certificate or Grade 7 Certificate for those applying for Trade Test Programmes.
- The MoTS encourages those who have never been to school to apply for trade test programmes.
- Assessed by social welfare officers (to gain a copy of an electronic social welfare report).
- Must be 25 years or below by February of the following academic year.
- Persons with disabilities must be (35 years and below) by next February following the open application window.
- Returning students or those already awarded are not eligible to apply.
Conditions of the Bursary Award
The Government awards bursaries through the MoTS (TEVET) bursary committee. This decision is final and non-negotiable.
The bursary is valid for one (1) academic year, one (1) semester, or one (1) modular course. But it may be renewed upon submission of satisfactory academic results. Additionally, the bursary award is non-transferable to another student.
To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the vulnerability criteria determined by their District’s Social Welfare Department. However, the awards also give chance to initially self-sponsored students but later become vulnerable.
Additionally, applicants should not hold any other Bursary or Scholarship. And should be under 35 years of age, except when enrolled in a short tailor-made program.
When to Apply
Prior to each academic year, the MoTS (TEVET) Bursaries Committee usually invites applications from students or successful School Leavers. These are those in need of Bursary support in each academic year. However, the scheme is applicable only to student at any of the MoTS Training Institutions.
Application Process
The application and selection process begins by getting an acceptance letter from the MoTS training school you are interested in.
Additionally, a Social Welfare report that outlines the applicant’s vulnerability level is required and must be obtained from the District Social Welfare Office (DSWO). The DSWO issues the report after screening the applicant for vulnerability status.
The application window starts in October up to December every year. Following an advert, eligible students can apply for a Bursary in each application window via this link; https://tevetbursary.mohe.gov.zm/.
Selection Process
The applicant submits the forms including all other required documents online before the deadline. By December, the MoTS TEVET Bursaries Committee will review applications, select the most deserving candidates, and award bursaries.
Lastly, the Permanent Secretary communicates the selection process results to all applicants through either the Institution or online media.
You can explore other student financial support options, if u don’t meet the conditions for this award scheme.