Empowerment Through Education

The Presbyterian Educational Fund offers partial bursaries towards tuition fees to young people in the UPCSA who are aged 12 or 13 (Grade 8) to 25, and who require financial assistance for studies at high school, college or university, provided that they have achieved academically.

Although other sources of help may also be sought, a condition of PEF assistance is that parents/families pay at least part of the tuition and other fees themselves. Full bursaries are never granted and boarding, books, uniforms and transport are not covered.

Anyone wishing to apply for a bursary should ask his/her Minister for an Application Form (or print a form off this page) and submit the completed form and required documentation to the PEF Administrator at the Central Office before 30 September.

By assisting applicants where the need is greatest, the PEF aims to help our young people achieve a bright future for themselves and their families where currently the outlook is bleak, but this dream is hampered by the lack of sufficient funds.

Funding for bursaries comes from donations received from congregations and organizations within the Church, as well as from trusts, individuals and businesses. Income from investments meets no more than a third of disbursements currently. Gifts in memory of loved ones or bequests are also welcomed and all these sources are vital to the continued and future health of the fund.

Each year the General Assembly sets aside the nearest Sunday to Youth Day to publicize the Presbyterian Educational Fund, also requesting that a retiring offering be taken up for the PEF.

To learn more about the Presbyterian Educational Fund please see the Brochure on this page or contact the administrator, Ronnie Maqubela, using the contact details provided.

Application Information

• 📄 2026 PEF Applications Letter
• 📄 2026 PEF Application Form High School (New Electronic)
• 📄 2026 PEF Application Form High School (Information Section)
• 📄 2026 Application Form
• 📄 2026 Application Form – College / University
• 📄 PEF Information Brochure
• 📄 Information on NSFAS

Funding the Future

By assisting applicants where the need is greatest, the PEF seeks to help young people achieve a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Funding comes from donations received from congregations, church organizations, trusts, businesses, individuals, memorial gifts and bequests.

Every contribution plays a vital role in sustaining and expanding educational opportunities for deserving students.

Banking Details

PEF Sunday

Each year the General Assembly sets aside the Sunday nearest to Youth Day to promote the Presbyterian Educational Fund and encourages congregations to take up a retiring offering in support of the Fund.