FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary 2026: Applications Now Open

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation is offering an exciting bursary opportunity for first-year students pursuing undergraduate degrees at South Africa’s traditional public universities. If you are academically strong, passionate about making a difference, and in need of financial support, this programme could be your gateway to a brighter future.

About the Bursary

This bursary supports students whose studies align with South Africa’s critical skills needs, FirstRand’s strategic focus areas, and the broader goal of addressing youth unemployment through quality education. Administered by StudyTrust, the programme ensures that students receive not only funding but also the resources they need to succeed.

Degree Programmes Covered

Applicants may apply for funding in the following fields:

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

• Society and Sustainability

• Indigenous Knowledge Systems

• Law

Arts

• Psychology

What the Bursary Covers

The bursary provides comprehensive financial support, including:

• Tuition fees

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Learning resources

• A monthly stipend

• A computer for first-year students

Postgraduate funding may also be considered where a PGD or Honours degree is essential for employability (e.g., in accounting or actuarial science).

Who Can Apply?

To be considered, applicants must meet 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 within the last 3 years

• Be no older than 21 years in their first year of study

• Be provisionally admitted to a public traditional university in South Africa for full-time study

• Have obtained at least level 5 in Mathematics in Grade 12

• Come from a household with a combined gross annual income of no more than R700,000

How to Apply

• Application platform: StudyTrust’s online application portal

• Application period: 1 May – 30 September 2025

• Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants are advised to read all instructions carefully on the Bursary Applications page.

This is more than financial support — it's an investment in your potential to help shape South Africa’s future. Apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary and take the first step toward an empowered tomorrow.

APPLY NOW