FirstRand Empowerment Foundation 2026 Bursaries

FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Invites South African Youth to Apply for Undergraduate Bursary Programme 2026

Bursary Application Closing Date: 30 September 2025

Bursary Location: South Africa (Public Traditional Universities)

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation, in partnership with StudyTrust, is offering comprehensive undergraduate bursaries for Black South African students entering their first year of university in 2026. This initiative is aimed at addressing youth unemployment by supporting studies in fields aligned with South Africa’s critical skills needs and social investment focus areas.

Who Can Apply:

• Black South African citizens (as per BBBEE Act)
• Currently in Grade 12 or completed matric no more than 3 years ago
• Under 21 years old in their first year of study (2026)
• Achieved minimum level 5 in Mathematics in Grade 12
• Provisionally accepted into a public traditional university for one of the eligible degree programmes
• From families with a combined gross annual income of R700,000 or less

Funded Fields of Study:

• Agricultural Sciences (all specialisations)
• Commercial Sciences: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Financial Management
• Engineering (all specialisations)
• Environmental Sciences: Climate Sciences, Renewable Energy
• Information Sciences: Computer Science, Data Science, IT, Information Systems
• Mathematical Sciences: Mathematics, Risk, Statistics
• Natural Sciences: Biosciences, Electronics, Physics
• Social Sciences & Law: Law, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Society & Sustainability
• Arts: Psychology

What the Bursary Covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Accommodation and meals
• Learning materials and a monthly stipend
• Laptop (for first-year students)
• Funding for essential postgraduate qualifications (e.g. PGD or Honours in Accounting, Actuarial Science)

How to Apply:

Click here to apply for the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursary Programme 2026:
👉 Apply Now

Important: Applications must be submitted through StudyTrust’s online platform. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Be sure to read the full instructions on the Bursary Applications page.

Application Season: 01 May to 30 September 2025.