The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) is inviting financially needy, high-performing South African citizens under 26 to apply for its 2026 External Bursary Programme, opening 1 June 2025. Applicants studying full-time at a public institution in priority fields can receive funding covering tuition, accommodation, meals, transport, a laptop, and more.

About the Bursary Provider

The IDC is a national development finance institution focused on industrial growth and skills development in South Africa. Through its bursary programme, it invests in the next generation of professionals essential for economic transformation and sustainable development.

Fields Covered

The bursary supports full-time undergraduate (and select postgraduate) studies in the following disciplines:

  • Commerce & Management (Accounting [CA], Financial Management, Internal Audit, Investment Management, Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain, Economics, Quantitative Finance, Transport/Logistics)
  • Engineering (Industrial, Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mining, Metallurgy, Civil, Construction, etc.)
  • Applied Sciences (Data/Actuarial Science, Computer Science, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Agricultural Science, Biotechnology, Geology)
  • Law (BCom Law, LLB, Diploma/Postgraduate in Law).

Expenses Covered

The bursary benefits include:

  • Full tuition fees
  • On- or off-campus accommodation & meals
  • Transport allowance
  • Once-off laptop grant.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following:

  • South African citizens aged ≤ 26
  • Studying or intending to study full-time toward a first undergraduate qualification at a public university, university of technology, or TVET college (except postgrads in Finance, Accounting, Law only)
  • Matric students: APS ≥ 75%; tertiary students: APS ≥ 65%
  • Combined household income ≤ R600 000/year (some weighting given to ≤ R350 000)
  • Academic excellence and financial need
  • Preference for disability, rural/Quintile 1–3, previously disadvantaged backgrounds
  • Unemployed and not currently funded by another bursary/employer

How to Apply

Applications open on 1 June 2025 and close on 30 September 2025 via the IDC Bursary Portal at www.idc.co.za.

Upload certified documents, including:

  • ID document (≤ 3 months certification)
  • Matric/Grade 11 final and June results, or full tertiary results
  • Provisional or confirmed university acceptance
  • Parents/guardians’ IDs and proof of household income (payslips, bank statements, affidavits, SASSA, death/divorce certificates)
  • Proof of residency

Closing Date

30 September 2025 at 12:00. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact the Bursary Provider

Industrial Development Corporation
Email: bursary@idc.co.za
Tel: 011 269 3374
Website: www.idc.co.za

1. Who is eligible to apply?
SA citizens ≤ 26 years, with financial need and academic merit (Matric APS ≥75% or tertiary APS ≥65%), unemployed, not funded elsewhere, studying full-time in specified fields.
2. What fields qualify?
Engineering, Commerce & Management, Applied Sciences, and Law (BCom Law/LLB) – all full-time at public universities, universities of technology or TVETs.
3. Can postgraduate students apply?
Postgraduate funding is only available for Finance, Accounting, and Law; all other fields are only funded at undergraduate level.
4. What does the bursary cover?
It covers full tuition, accommodation, meals, transport allowances, and a once-off laptop grant.
5. How do I apply?
Apply online between 1 June and 30 September 2025 via the IDC website’s bursary portal, submitting certified documents.
6. What documents are required?
Certified copies of ID, Matric/tertiary results, acceptance/proof of registration, parents’ IDs & income proof, and proof of residence.
7. What is the household income limit?
Combined household income must be ≤ R600 000/year (lower incomes may receive preference, especially ≤ R350 000). Preference to Quintile 1–3 and rural areas.
8. Are there preferences?
Yes—priority is given to students with disabilities, from rural areas, and schools in Quintile 1–3 or previously disadvantaged communities.
9. What if I already have partial funding?
You cannot be funded by another bursary or employer – full funding is required to qualify.
10. When will I hear back?
Successful applicants will be notified via email. If you do not hear back post-deadline, your application was likely unsuccessful.