The Free State Office of the Premier has opened applications for the Bursary Programme 2026. The bursary supports full time studies at recognised and accredited higher education institutions in South Africa.
The programme targets South African youth residing in the Free State province and focuses on scarce and critical skills needed by the provincial and national economy.
Programme Overview
- Bursary provider: Free State Office of the Premier
- Programme: Free State Provincial Government Bursary Programme 2026
- Study level: Diploma, Bachelor, Honours, Postgraduate, and Masters
- Fields of study: Scarce and critical skills
- Location: South Africa
- Target group: Youth residing in the Free State
- Age range: 18 to 35 years
- Closing date: 16 January 2026
About the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary
The bursary programme forms part of the Free State Provincial Government’s strategy to build skills capacity within the province. Funding is directed toward qualifications linked to healthcare, education, engineering, data science, finance, agriculture, built environment, and public service related disciplines.
The programme prioritises students who show academic potential and financial need, with the aim of strengthening the provincial workforce and supporting long term economic development.
Fields of Study Supported
Bursaries are awarded to students studying in the following fields.
- Community Development
- Accounting, Postgraduate Diploma, and Honours in Accounting
- Dietetics
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Radiography and Radiation Therapy
- Pharmacy
- Nursing
- Data Science, Data Analytics, Financial Analytics, Investment Management, Business Analytics
- Nuclear Medicine
- Social Work
- Human Resource Management, Psychology, Human Resource Analytics
- Economics, Econometrics, Developmental Studies
- Education in Accounting, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Early Childhood Development
- Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Construction Project Management
- Risk Management, Fraud Investigation, Internal Auditing
- Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics
- Actuarial Science
- Psychology
- Emergency Medical Care
- Supply Chain Management and Finance
- Engineering including Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Mining, Nuclear, Architectural, Aerospace, Mechatronics, Structural, Agricultural
- Disaster Management
- Town and Regional Planning, Property Valuation, GIS, Occupational Health and Safety, Built Environment
- Publicity, Marketing, Arts Management, Fine Arts, Social Studies
- Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Soil Science, Pasteur Science
- Information Technology including Cyber Security, Software, Network Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics
- Somatology
- Clinical Psychology
- Medicine
- Applied Psychometry
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary provides funding for approved study related expenses.
Coverage includes:
- Registration fees per semester or year
- Tuition fees for registered modules
- Residence and meal fees
- Prescribed books and study materials
Funding is provided subject to the bursary agreement and academic performance requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all minimum requirements before applying.
- South African citizen
- Resident of the Free State province
- Aged between 18 and 35 years
- Currently in Matric or have completed Matric
- Household income below R600 000 per year
- Not receiving any other bursary or sponsorship
- Studying or intending to study full time in one of the approved fields
- Accepted to study at a recognised and accredited higher education institution
- Preference given to financially needy students with strong academic results
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Required Documents
Applicants must submit clear certified copies of all required documents.
- South African ID
- Matric September results if currently in Matric
- Matric certificate if completed
- Proof of acceptance from a registered higher education institution
- Proof of Free State residence not older than three months
- Parent or guardian ID documents or death certificates where applicable
- Proof of household income including payslips, affidavit if unemployed, or proof of SASSA grant or pension
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be completed using the official bursary application form.
You can apply in one of the following ways:
- Download and complete the Bursary Application Form 2026
- Collect application forms from the Office of the Premier, Thusong Centres, Central University of Technology, or the University of the Free State
Completed applications must be hand delivered to:
FSTDI Brahman Building
124 Nelson Mandela Drive
Westdene
Bloemfontein
9301
Bursary Unit at Reception
NB. Applicants must ensure all information is accurate and documents are certified. Late applications or missing documents reduce the chances of selection.
