The Give Back 100 campaign is a transformative bursary initiative by the institute that aims to remove the financial and practical barriers preventing South Africans from accessing higher education. The close of applications marks a key milestone in a nationwide effort to support 100 students with funded bursaries for the 2026 academic year.
The campaign received strong responses over the two rounds of application, reflecting the demand for accessible, values-driven education and the growing interest in business-focused qualifications that open pathways to employment and economic mobility.
Cornerstone is also in the process of completing the selection processes for the first batch of applicants who will register for the first semester of 2026, starting in February next year. The selection team will shortly be finalising its list of successful candidates and thereafter notifying all applicants of the outcomes.
These selections were guided by three criteria that lie at the heart of the Give Back 100 Campaign:
- Academic potential
- Financial need
- Motivation and personal commitment
"Receiving the news that I was awarded the bursary had a profound impact on my life. It brought a sense of relief and reassurance, knowing that my dream of furthering my studies is now possible. For a long time, financial limitations made my future feel uncertain, and this news replaced that uncertainty with hope and direction.
It motivated me emotionally and mentally, reminding me that my hard work and perseverance are being recognised. This bursary is not just financial support, it represents opportunity, belief, and a second chance to build a better future for myself and my family.With the 12 December close of the second round of applications, Cornerstone confirms that these applicants will be considered for the July 2026 (second semester) intake. Review of these applications will begin in early 2026, with the evaluation process expected to conclude by April. Successful candidates for the July intake will be notified well ahead of registration," said 24 year-old Ibtishaam Abrahams from Steenberg in CT.
“We want applicants to know that their submissions are being carefully reviewed,” says Geoff Schreiner, Head of the Business Studies Department at Cornerstone Institute. “If you submitted during the second round of applications, you are being evaluated for our mid-year intake.”
Cornerstone also confirmed that the Give Back 100 Campaign has secured its first set of corporate and organisational partners, who will support student success beyond tuition by providing tools such as laptops, learning resources, and connectivity assistance.
Partnerships span sectors including media, technology, and corporate social investment, forming a multi-stakeholder ecosystem committed to supporting students holistically. Announcements of individual partners will follow in early 2026.
“These partnerships strengthen our ability to support the whole student,” Schreiner noted. “When we collaborate with sector leaders, we can provide students with not just an education, but the resources that enable them to succeed.”
"By choosing a Higher Certificate in Business Studies, I hope to become a confident and capable working professional with a strong understanding of how businesses operate. I’ve always wanted to build a stable career while also having my own business on the side.
This qualification will give me the practical knowledge and skills to manage finances, make informed decisions, and grow both professionally and entrepreneurially. It represents my desire to create financial independence, long-term stability, and a future where I am in control of my growth and success.
The Give Back 100 Campaign goes beyond traditional bursary models by addressing the realities South African students face. Research consistently shows that financial barriers extend beyond fees, students often struggle with the absence of devices, textbooks, stable internet access, and emotional support.
The campaign therefore pairs tuition funding with practical resources where available, ensuring students can focus on learning and completing their qualifications," said Abrahams.
The bursaries include:
- 90 bursaries for the Higher Certificate in Business Studies
- 10 bursaries for the Bachelor of Commerce degree
Eligible applicants range from unemployed youth seeking employability pathways, to working adults looking to upskill, to recent school leavers with strong academic results but limited financial means.
"The close of this second application cycle marks an important milestone, not just for Cornerstone, but for every young person who dared to believe in their potential. Give Back 100 is about removing barriers and opening doors, and we are deeply encouraged by the quality, determination, and spirit we’ve seen from applicants. This is only the beginning of what we hope will be a generational ripple of opportunity,” Schreiner concluded.