EU-UK Bursary Fund

Graduation debt at Stellenbosch University is a significant concern that impacts a considerable number of students. Like many other universities around the world, Stellenbosch University faces the challenge of high tuition fees, living expenses, and limited financial aid options, resulting in students accumulating debt throughout their academic journey. This debt burden can have long-lasting consequences, affecting graduates' financial stability, career choices, and overall quality of life. The effects of graduation debt can be far-reaching. Graduates burdened with debt may face difficulties in finding employment or pursuing further studies due to limited financial flexibility. The stress and financial strain of debt repayment can impact their mental well-being and delay important life milestones, such as buying a home or starting a family. Additionally, the cycle of debt can perpetuate socio-economic inequalities, as students from disadvantaged backgrounds may find it even more challenging to break free from financial constraints. Stellenbosch University is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world and has the highest throughput rate of any university in South Africa - which means that any student studying at Stellenbosch University is most likely to graduate and secure meaningful employment in a country where current unemployment rates are lying at about 35%. However, students graduating with student debt are unable to enter these meaningful careers without proof of their degree or transcripts, which is withheld where there is debt on graduation. As an institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and the holistic development of its students, it is crucial that we address the financial burdens faced by our graduates. By alleviating student graduating debt, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our students and empower them to pursue their dreams without the weight of financial constraints. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, Stellenbosch University has been actively exploring ways to alleviate graduation debt and provide support to students. Efforts include expanding scholarship and bursary programs, creating partnerships with external organizations for additional funding opportunities, and implementing financial literacy programs to educate students on responsible borrowing and money management. These initiatives aim to ease the financial burden on students, increase access to education, and enhance post-graduation prospects. While progress has been made, addressing graduation debt remains an ongoing challenge. It requires continued advocacy, collaboration, and financial resources to ensure that students at Stellenbosch University can pursue their studies without excessive financial strain. By investing in reducing graduation debt, the university can empower its graduates to thrive in their chosen fields, contribute to society, and create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. The EU-UK Bursary Fund was launched as an initiative that aims to get as many of these graduating students across the final hurdle to ensuring their success and opportunity to join the economic world of South Africa and begin to contribute to building our country. Please join us in alleviating student graduating debt at Stellenbosch University, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment for our students, foster innovation, and entrepreneurship. I urge you to consider the importance of this issue and the long-term benefits it will bring to our students, our university, and society. Together, let us pave the way for a brighter future for our graduates. (When donating please consider activating the Gift Aid contribution where the HMRC will gift to the charity an additional 25% of your donation if you are a qualifying UK taxpayer.)