PN Foundation Bursary 2027

About the Provider

The Patrick Nndwamato Education Foundation (PN Foundation) is a South African non-profit organisation founded in 2019 with a mission to uplift communities across the country by fostering economic development and reducing poverty. The foundation places a strong emphasis on empowering youth from underprivileged backgrounds, investing in their growth from early childhood through their educational journey and into their professional lives.

The foundation's approach recognises that not all career success requires a university degree. In a country where the shortage of qualified artisans is acute and growing, the PN Foundation has positioned itself as a champion of vocational education and skills-based training. By funding students at colleges and TVET institutions, the foundation addresses a critical gap in South Africa's bursary landscape, where most funding is directed towards university students.

The PN Foundation's long-term vision is to nurture a generation of productive, self-sufficient citizens who play vital roles in driving economic progress within their communities. Artisans — plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and tailors — are the backbone of any functioning economy, and the foundation recognises that investing in these skills creates immediate, tangible benefits for both individuals and their communities.

By providing financial support for artisan training, the foundation removes one of the primary barriers preventing talented young South Africans from entering these high-demand trades. Many potential artisans have the aptitude and passion for hands-on work but lack the financial resources to pay for their training programmes.

The foundation's community-centred approach ensures that bursary recipients are not just gaining qualifications for personal advancement, but are being equipped to contribute meaningfully to the economic development of their local areas.

About the Program

The PN Foundation Bursary Programme supports students who are passionate about learning hands-on skills and pursuing careers in the artisan trades. Unlike most bursaries that target university students, this programme specifically funds studies at colleges and TVET institutions, making it accessible to students who prefer practical, skills-based education over academic degrees.

Bursaries are available for artisan trades including Plumbing, Electrical Work, Tailoring, Carpentry, and other hands-on vocational qualifications. These trades represent some of the most in-demand skills in South Africa's economy, where a severe shortage of qualified artisans has created excellent employment prospects for graduates.

The programme targets students who have completed Matric and are ready to begin their artisan training journey. Applicants must have already applied to a college or TVET institution, demonstrating that they have taken initiative in planning their education before seeking funding.

A key eligibility requirement is that applicants must not currently be receiving a bursary from the PN Foundation, ensuring that funding reaches new students rather than being concentrated among existing recipients.

The foundation's selection process is structured with clear timelines: shortlisted candidates are contacted by 30 May 2026, and applicants who do not receive feedback by this date should consider their application unsuccessful.

Bursary Benefits

• Tuition funding for artisan trade qualifications at colleges and TVET institutions
• Skills-based education in high-demand trades with strong employment prospects
• Pathway to artisan qualification in Plumbing, Electrical Work, Tailoring, Carpentry, and more
• Support from a community-focused foundation dedicated to youth empowerment
• Access to a growing industry where qualified artisans are in severe shortage

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed Matric
• You must intend to study towards becoming an Artisan (Plumbing, Electrical Work, Tailoring, Carpentry, etc.)
• You must have applied to study at a College or TVET institution in South Africa (the bursary does NOT cover university studies)
• You must be passionate about becoming an artisan and working with hands-on skills
• You must NOT be currently receiving a bursary from the PN Foundation

Required Documents

• ID document (certified copy)
• Matric certificate and/or latest academic results (certified copy)
• Course outline and quotation from your chosen college or TVET institution
• Proof of residential address (e.g., an account bill not older than 3 months)
• Motivational letter supporting your application

How to Apply

1. Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements: South African citizen, completed Matric, passionate about artisan work, and applied to a college or TVET institution.
2. Prepare all required supporting documents: certified ID copy, certified Matric certificate or latest results, course outline and quotation from your institution, proof of residential address (not older than 3 months), and a motivational letter.
3. Visit the official PN Foundation Bursary Application portal online.
4. Complete the online application form in full.
5. Upload clear, legible copies of all supporting documents.
6. At the end of the application, where it asks where you heard about the PN Foundation Bursary, select "Other" and enter the relevant information.
7. Submit your application before the closing date of 30 April 2026.
8. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 30 May 2026. If you do not receive feedback by this date, consider your application unsuccessful.

Tips for Success

• Show genuine passion for artisan work in your motivational letter. The foundation wants students who are excited about hands-on skills, not those who see TVET as a fallback option.
• Apply to your college first — you must have already applied to a college or TVET institution before applying for the bursary. Include your course outline and quotation.
• Get your documents certified — both your ID and Matric certificate must be certified copies from SAPS or the Post Office.
• Ensure your proof of address is recent — it must not be older than 3 months.
• Research your chosen trade — demonstrate in your motivational letter that you understand what the trade involves and why you are suited to it.
• Highlight any practical experience — if you have helped with plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry projects (even informally), mention this.
• Be specific about your career goals — explain whether you plan to work for a company or start your own business after qualifying.
• Apply early — the extended deadline is 30 April 2026, but early applications demonstrate commitment.
• Mention community impact — the foundation values candidates who want to contribute to their communities' economic development.
• Keep your motivational letter focused — explain why you want to be an artisan, why you need financial support, and how you will use your qualification to build a career.

Career Prospects

Qualified artisans are among the most sought-after professionals in South Africa. The country faces a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople, creating exceptional employment opportunities and earning potential for those who complete their artisan qualifications.

Career paths for artisan graduates include:

• Plumbing — residential and commercial plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair. Qualified plumbers can earn R15 000–R40 000+ per month
• Electrical work — wiring, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems in buildings and industrial settings. Electricians are consistently in demand
• Carpentry — furniture making, construction carpentry, shopfitting, and custom woodwork
• Tailoring — fashion design, alterations, bespoke clothing, and textile manufacturing
• Self-employment — many artisans start their own businesses, serving residential and commercial clients directly
• Construction industry — large construction companies actively recruit qualified artisans for infrastructure projects
• Mining sector — mines require electricians, plumbers, and fitters for maintenance operations
• Manufacturing — factories need skilled tradespeople for production and maintenance

The artisan route offers a significant advantage: qualified tradespeople can begin earning immediately after completing their training, without the 3–4 year delay of a university degree. Many artisans earn more than university graduates within their first few years of work.

South Africa's government has identified artisan development as a national priority, with various incentives for companies that employ and train artisans. This policy support ensures continued demand for qualified tradespeople for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this bursary cover university studies?

No. The PN Foundation Bursary specifically funds studies at colleges and TVET institutions only. University studies are not covered.

What artisan trades are funded?

The bursary covers Plumbing, Electrical Work, Tailoring, Carpentry, and other hands-on artisan trades at accredited institutions.

Do I need to have already applied to a college?

Yes. You must have applied to study at a college or TVET institution before applying for the bursary. Include your course outline and quotation with your application.

When will I hear back about my application?

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by 30 May 2026. If you do not receive feedback by this date, your application was unfortunately unsuccessful.

Can I apply if I already have a PN Foundation bursary?

No. Applicants must not currently be receiving a bursary from the PN Foundation.

What documents do I need?

Certified ID copy, certified Matric certificate or latest results, course outline and quotation from your institution, proof of residential address (not older than 3 months), and a motivational letter.

Is there a work-back obligation?

The source information does not mention a work-back obligation for this bursary.

What does the PN Foundation do?

The Patrick Nndwamato Education Foundation, founded in 2019, is dedicated to uplifting communities by fostering economic development, reducing poverty, and empowering youth from underprivileged backgrounds through education and skills development.

Applications Closing

Applications close on 30 April 2026 (extended deadline). Apply before this date to be considered.

About the Organization

Tel: 082 373 1688 Email: info@pnfoundation.org.za