FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme 2026
The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, in partnership with StudyTrust, is inviting Grade 12 learners and recent matriculants to apply for its 2026 undergraduate bursary programme. If you’re a high-performing Black South African learner from a household earning below R700,000 per year, this is your chance to access full funding for your studies at a public university.
Closing Date: 30 September 2025
Who Should Apply?
You must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a Black South African citizen (as defined by the BBBEE Act)
- Be currently in Grade 12 or have completed Grade 12 not more than three years ago
- Be 21 years old or younger in your first year of study (2026)
- Achieved at least Level 5 in Mathematics in Grade 12
- Provisionally accepted into a public university for full-time undergraduate studies
- Your household’s combined annual income must not exceed R700,000
Which Degrees Are Funded?
The programme supports first undergraduate degrees in high-demand sectors. These include:
Agricultural Sciences
- All specialisations
Commercial Sciences
- Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Economics
- Financial Management
Engineering
- All specialisations
Environmental Sciences
- Climate Sciences
- Renewable Energy
Information Sciences
- Business Information Systems
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Information Systems
- Information Management
- Information Technology
Mathematical Sciences
- Mathematics
- Risk
- Statistics
Natural Sciences
- Biosciences
- Electronics
- Physics
Social Sciences and Law
- Law
- Society and Sustainability
- Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Arts
- Psychology
Note: If a postgraduate qualification (e.g., PGDip or Honours) is essential for employment in your field (like Accounting or Actuarial Science), funding will also be considered.
What Does the Bursary Cover?
The bursary is comprehensive and includes:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Learning resources
- A monthly stipend
- A laptop for first-year students
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the StudyTrust link below:
You’ll need to create an account and upload all required documents. Incomplete applications won’t be considered, so make sure to double-check your submission.
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