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13 October 2025

Give Back 100: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

By Cornerstone Institute

In South Africa, higher education remains a critical lever for social and economic transformation. However, access is still marked by profound inequality. With youth unemployment among 15–34 year-olds at a staggering 43.4% (Statistics South Africa, Q1 2025), a tertiary qualification is not merely an academic achievement but a vital determinant of lifelong opportunity and a direct response to a national crisis.

Evidence confirms that financial barriers extend beyond tuition. Recent studies identify food insecurity, mental distress, and a lack of learning resources as significant predictors of student dropout. These challenges create an uneven playing field, where potential is too often sidelined by circumstance. A successful educational intervention must address the whole student, not just their fee statement.

In this context, Cornerstone Institute launches the Give Back 100 Campaign. This initiative represents a holistic commitment to student success, designed to dismantle the multifaceted barriers that hinder academic achievement and employability.

Our institutional mission drives this campaign. Cornerstone Institute is a fully accredited private higher education institution dedicated to academic excellence and social impact. Our ethos is grounded in the belief that education should be a transformative force for both the individual and society.

We understand that every graduate we support creates a ripple effect, uplifting families, strengthening communities, and contributing to a more skilled and equitable nation. The Give Back 100 Campaign is a direct expression of this mission.

The Give Back 100 Campaign aims to award 100 fully-funded bursaries for the 2026 academic year. The allocation is as follows:

-90 bursaries for the Higher Certificate in Business Studies

-10 bursaries for the Bachelor of Commerce degree

Cornerstone understands that financial support alone does not guarantee student success. That is why the Give Back 100 Campaign combines tuition funding with partnerships that will provide students with tools such as laptops, textbooks, and internet access. This comprehensive package aims to mitigate the external pressures derailing academic progress.

While resources may vary depending on partnerships, the campaign is committed to addressing the real barriers South African students face, helping recipients focus on learning and graduation.

These bursaries are intended for individuals with clear potential who face financial constraints. We are seeking applications from:

-Unemployed youth and adults (aged 18–35) seeking to enhance their employability.

-Employed individuals aiming to upskill and advance their careers.

-Recent school leavers with strong academic records who lack the means to pursue higher education.

Applicants must be prepared to demonstrate:

- Financial need through proof of household income or an affidavit.

-Academic capability via a certified matric certificate or transcript.

-Personal motivation and commitment through a motivational letter and at least one   recommendation.

-The applications for the 2026 academic year will be accepted from 6 October 2025 to 31 January 2026.

The process is as follows:

Access the official application form via the Cornerstone Institute website.

Prepare and upload the required supporting documents:

-A certified copy of your matric certificate or latest academic transcript is required.

-A detailed motivational letter.

-Proof of household income or an affidavit for unemployed guardians.

-At least one letter of recommendation.

The Give Back 100 Campaign is an investment in human potential. By empowering 100 students with a quality education and robust support, we aim to foster a generation of leaders, professionals, and change-makers.

We encourage you to apply if you are ready to embark on a transformative educational journey. Share this opportunity within your networks to help us reach those who would benefit most.

Cornerstone Institute is committed to breaking down barriers and building a more inclusive future.

Join us today, secure your future.