Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how ufunda (“ufunda”, “we”, “us”) collects, uses, shares and protects your personal information when you use our website and bursary application service. We are committed to processing your information lawfully and transparently in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA).

Information we collect

To prepare and submit bursary applications on your behalf, we collect: your name and surname, South African ID number, date of birth and gender; contact details (email and mobile number) and residential address; household and guardian information including income bracket; academic and study information; and supporting documents you choose to upload. We also collect account information when you sign up.

How we use your information

We use your information to create your profile, match you to bursaries you may qualify for, complete and submit applications to funding bodies (such as NSFAS, the SETAs and corporate bursary providers) on your behalf, communicate with you about your applications, process your payment, and improve our service.

Lawful basis and consent

We process your personal information on the basis of the consent you provide when you register, and to perform the service you have requested. Because bursary applications require us to act for you, your consent includes submitting your information to the relevant funding bodies. You may withdraw consent at any time, although this may mean we can no longer provide the service.

Sharing your information

We share your information only as necessary to deliver the service: with bursary and funding providers to whom we submit applications, and with trusted service providers who process data on our behalf (for example, hosting, email and payment providers) under appropriate confidentiality and data-protection terms. We do not sell your personal information.

Security and retention

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information against loss, unauthorised access and misuse. We retain your information for as long as needed to provide the service and to meet our legal obligations, after which it is securely deleted or anonymised.

Your rights

Under POPIA you have the right to access the personal information we hold about you, to request correction or deletion, to object to processing, and to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@ufunda.co.za.

Contact

For any privacy questions or to reach our Information Officer, email support@ufunda.co.za. See also our POPIA notice.