ABSA CSI Trust: Historical Debt Relief Programme 2025

Absa is inviting graduates to apply for their 2025 ABSA CSI Trust Graduate Historical Debt Relief Intervention. This programme is designed to address the burden of unpaid historical student debt that prevents graduates from obtaining qualifications and entering the job market in South Africa.

The ABSA CSI Trust Graduate Historical Debt Relief Programme was created to address the growing challenge of graduates burdened by unpaid historical student debt, that prevents them from receiving their qualifications and entering the job market. By removing this financial barrier, Absa helps graduates unlock new opportunities to participate fully in South Africa’s economy.

In addition to debt relief, the Absa CSI Trust also supports these graduates in their transition to employment by partnering with the Youth Employment Service (YES). This collaboration connects graduates to real work opportunities, helping them gain experience and establish sustainable careers.

To ensure the smooth rollout of the programme, the Feenix Trust has been appointed to manage and facilitate the debt clearance process on behalf of the Absa CSI Trust.

Fields of Study

Students who have completed their degrees in the following areas but cannot graduate due to outstanding fees, may apply.

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
• Digital Economy
• Green Economy

The programme funds students who studied at these selected universities:

• University of Limpopo
• University of Venda
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Mangosuthu University of Technology
• University of Zululand

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying:

• You must be a South African citizen
• You must have completed your studies towards a degree in a STEM field or a field that is aligned to the Digital Economy and the Green Economy (you must NOT be currently studying)
• You must have studied at one of the following public universities in South Africa: University of Limpopo, University of Venda, Tshwane University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, University of Zululand
• You must have been unable to graduate due to historical debt/ outstanding study fees
• You must be currently unemployed and not enrolled for studies
• You must have a total household income of LESS than R700 000 per annum