The Roche Diagnostics Bursary invites eligible South African students to apply for the 2026 academic year. This funding opportunity supports full-time study in STEM, health sciences, business, legal, supply chain/logistics and related fields at accredited tertiary institutions, aiming to develop future professionals aligned with Roche’s mission in South Africa.

About the Bursary Provider

Roche Diagnostics is the diagnostics arm of the global healthcare company F. Hoffmann‑La Roche AG. In South Africa the company provides in-vitro diagnostics, molecular testing, laboratory automation and related healthcare services. Its bursary programme reflects a commitment to skills development, socio-economic transformation, and creating talent pipelines for the healthcare and diagnostics sector.

Fields Covered

The bursary supports studies in the following fields (for the 2026 cycle):

  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) — e.g., engineering, IT, quantitative science
  • Medical/health sciences (or closely related)
  • Business Management (or related)
  • Human Resources (or related)
  • Legal (or related)
  • Marketing (or related)
  • Purchasing / Logistics / Supply Chain (or related)

Expenses Covered

The bursary typically covers:

  • Registration and tuition fees for full-time study.
  • Accommodation, meals, textbooks, stationery (as approved) and technology support (e.g., laptop) depending on the year’s funding agreement.
  • Psycho-social and mentorship support via a partner programme (e.g., Excel@Uni) to support student success.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria for the 2026 cycle:

  • South African citizen.
  • Under 30 years of age.
  • Matriculants of 2025 (or those who’ve completed Matric earlier) OR already studying full-time towards an NQF level 6 or higher qualification (Diploma Advanced Diploma Bachelor’s/Honours) in 2026.
  • Full-time enrolment (or intent to enrol) at an accredited South African tertiary institution.
  • Strong academic record: typically a minimum overall average of 60% in the latest full academic year; reduced threshold (e.g., 50%) may apply for students living with disability.
  • Studying (or intending to study) in one of the eligible fields listed above.

This page was updated on October 27, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

Indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked how you heard about this bursary.

How to Apply

To apply for the 2026 bursary, follow these steps:

Visit the Roche Diagnostics careers/bursary portal to access the official bursary application form.

Prepare and submit certified copies of the following documents with your completed form:

  • Applicant’s South African ID (certified copy)
  • Matric certificate (or proof of final Matric results) or latest academic transcript for tertiary students
  • University/tertiary registration or acceptance letter for the 2026 year
  • Motivational letter describing your chosen field, career aspirations and how the bursary will help you
  • Proof of parents/guardians income (e.g., payslips, affidavits, SASSA letters) and guardian ID if applicable
  • Any other documents required in the online form (e.g., CV, referees)

Related Bursaries in South Africa

Apply for multiple bursaries in South Africa to increase your chances of receiving funding this year.

Closing Date

To be announced. As of now the exact closing date for the 2026 intake has not yet been officially published. For the 2025 cycle it was 7 January 2025. Applicants should monitor the Roche Diagnostics careers portal for the 2026 announcement.

Contact the Bursary Provider

For queries, contact:
Roche Diagnostics South Africa – Bursary Programme
Website: www.roche.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the closing date for the 2026 bursary be announced?
The exact closing date is not yet published. Applicants should regularly check the Roche Diagnostics careers or bursary webpage for updates.
2. Can first-year tertiary students apply for the 2026 bursary?
Yes — the bursary accepts students who will register for first year in 2026 as well as those already in higher years, provided they meet the academic and eligibility criteria.
3. Does the bursary cover postgraduate studies?
No. The bursary is aimed at NQF level 6 or higher full-time study (diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor’s, honours) but currently excludes certificate studies or postgraduate (master’s/doctoral) level.
4. What is the minimum academic average required?
Applicants generally need a minimum overall average of 60% in their latest academic year (50% for those living with a disability).
5. Which fields of study are eligible?
Eligible fields include STEM (Science, IT, Engineering, Mathematics), health/medical sciences, business management, human resources, legal, marketing, purchasing/logistics/supply chain.
6. What expenses does the bursary cover?
Typically registration/tuition fees, textbooks, accommodation, meals, laptop/technology support, and mentorship/psychosocial support as approved in the award letter.
7. Is there a work-back obligation?
Yes — recipients are usually required to accept employment with Roche or repay the bursary for each year funded (as per the agreement).
8. How do I submit my application?
Applications are submitted online via the Roche Diagnostics careers/bursary portal. Upload certified documents as requested.
9. Can I apply if I already hold another bursary?
Yes, but you must declare any other funding received and the existence of other bursaries may affect the award decision.
10. Where can I get more information or ask questions?
Visit the Roche South Africa website under careers/bursary. If you have queries you can also use the contact details listed on the bursary announcement page.

Before you apply for any bursary, make sure you have a clear plan. Download our comprehensive Bursary Application Checklist to stay organized, submit your documents correctly, and increase your chances of success.

Bursary Application Checklist