Assessing the sufficiency of corporate funding for undergraduate bursaries and their impacts on student access and success in South Africa perspectives and insights from past bursary recipients and corporate social investment (CSI) professionals in Gauteng Province

Abstract

In South Africa, where the high cost of tertiary education often exacerbates existing socio-economic inequalities, corporate bursaries have emerged as a crucial source of funding for disadvantaged students. However, the effectiveness and impact of these bursaries on student success remain under-researched. This qualitative study addresses this gap by examining the adequacy of corporate funding for undergraduate bursaries and its broader implications for student success in Gauteng.

Grounded in the perspectives of social justice, human capital development, and social capital development, this research explores the impact of corporate bursaries on the academic success and well-being of undergraduate students at South African universities, with a focus on Gauteng. Recognising the potential of these bursaries to alleviate financial barriers and foster human capital, the study delves into the lived experiences of past recipients and insights from Corporate Social Investment (CSI) professionals to assess whether corporate funding is sufficient to support student success.

Through in-depth interviews and meticulous document analysis, the study uncovers a complex landscape of experiences. While bursaries provide essential financial support, they often fall short of covering students’ full needs, leading to financial strain, compromised academic choices, and the adoption of both adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms to mitigate the adverse impacts of inadequate funding. Students may struggle to balance academic demands with the need to support families, work part-time jobs, or even engage in risky behaviour to make ends meet.

The research further uncovered the nuanced impact of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policies on corporate bursary programmes. While well-intentioned in their aim to redress historical inequalities, these policies appear to inadvertently create unintended consequences. The study reveals how the emphasis on B-BBEE points can sometimes lead to a focus on compliance rather than comprehensive student support. This results in the selection of bursary recipients based on demographic criteria, potentially overlooking deserving candidates and perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage. Additionally, the pressure to meet B-BBEE targets may lead corporations to offer bursaries that are insufficient to cover the full costs of education, leaving students with significant financial burdens. Ultimately, while B-BBEE aims to empower disadvantaged communities, the current implementation creates an environment where corporate bursaries fall short of their intended goals, hindering rather than facilitating the academic success and well-being of students.

The findings challenge the prevailing assumption that corporate bursaries automatically translate into student success. Instead, they underscore the need for a more holistic approach that addresses the broader socio-economic challenges faced by students. This includes providing comprehensive financial support, fostering student autonomy and agency, and offering additional resources such as mental health support, career guidance, mentorship, and work experience.

This study offers valuable insights for stakeholders in higher education by shedding light on the lived experiences of bursary recipients and the perspectives of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) professionals. It calls for a re-evaluation of corporate bursary programmes to ensure they adequately support students’ academic journeys and overall well-being. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of collaboration between universities, corporations, and policymakers to create a more equitable and effective funding system that truly empowers students and contributes to their long-term success.