If you are a South African between 18-35 years, a resident of the Free State, and want to study in a scarce-skills or critical field, the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary 2025 offered comprehensive funding for full-time study. The deadline was 31 January 2025 at 16:00, and applications submitted after that were not accepted. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the Free State Office of the Premier

The Free State Office of the Premier coordinates provincial strategy and service delivery, aligning departments and municipalities with the government’s goals. Part of its mission includes enabling young people from the Free State to access higher education by supporting those in critical and scarce skills fields.

Fields Covered by the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary

Fields eligible under the 2025 programme include (but may not be limited to):

  • Commercial (e.g. BAcc, BCom – Accounting, Economics)
  • Psychological Studies (Clinical, Forensic, Developmental, Early Childhood Development)
  • STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
  • Fields identified in the Provincial Work Skills Plan
  • Skills required under the Economic Reconstruction & Recovery Plan

Expenses Covered by the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary

The bursary covers essential study-related costs, including:

  • Registration/tuition/semester or annual fees
  • Residence accommodation – double room + meals
  • Books and study materials
  • Special equipment required for your field of study, including for disability needs (upon request + relevant recommendation)

Eligibility Requirements for the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary

Applicants in 2025 needed to meet all of the following:

  • South African citizen and resident of the Free State province
  • Be aged between 18 and 35 years
  • Completed Matric, or equivalent, and accepted or registered full-time at an accredited Higher Education Institution for one of the eligible fields
  • Provide proof of household income, parents/guardians’ financial situation; motivatonal letter; proof of residence; parents/guardians’ ID copies; and if previously funded, explain why funding has ended
  • Must not already have another bursary for the same studies, or be receiving funding that conflicts with this bursary
  • Agree to a bursary contract with the Office of the Premier; attend required meetings/functions etc.

This page was updated on October 7, 2025 to provide the most current bursary information.

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

How to Apply for the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary

Steps for application in 2025 were:

  • Download the official application form from the Free State Office of the Premier / Careers Office bursary portal.
  • Complete the form fully, print it, attach certified supporting documents: ID, Matric results, proof of acceptance/registration, proof of residence, parents/guardians’ IDs & income documents, motivational letter.
  • If previously funded, include proof of why funding stopped.
  • Hand-deliver the completed application to FSTDI Brahman Building, 124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301 — Bursary Unit, Reception Area.

Related Bursaries in South Africa

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

Closing Date for the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary

31 January 2025 at 16:00

Late applications were not accepted.

Contact the Free State Office of the Premier

Got questions? Use:

Free State Office of the Premier – Bursary Section
Mr ME Makhetha – Tel: 065 742 5935 | Email: makhetha.makhetha@fspremier.gov.za
Ms NB Thekiso – Tel: 060 533 4702 | Email: nthabiseng.thekiso@fspremier.gov.za
Ms MC Motaung – Tel: 065 742 6737 | Email: motshidisi.motaung@fspremier.gov.za
Address: FSTDI Brahman Building, 124 Nelson Mandela Drive, Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9301
Postal: Private Bag X20565, Bloemfontein, 9300

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary.

Is the Free State Office of the Premier Bursary open for applications now?+
No. The 2025 round closed on 31 January 2025 at 16:00.
Do I need to live in the Free State to apply?+
Yes. You must be a resident of the Free State province.
Is there an age limit?+
Yes. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Are all fields eligible?+
No. Studies must be in critical or scarce skills fields such as Commercial (Accounting/Economics/BAcc), Psychological Studies, STEM, fields in the Provincial Work Skills Plan, or the Economic Reconstruction & Recovery Plan.
What documents are required?+
Certified ID; Matric certificate or latest results; proof of acceptance at HEI; proof of residence; parents/guardians ID & income; motivational letter; if previously funded, reasons why funding ceased.
Does this cover accommodation and meals?+
Yes. The bursary pays for double room residence accommodation and meal fees.
Is special equipment covered if needed?+
Yes. Special equipment required by the field of study and for disabled students (subject to HEI recommendation) is covered.
Can students who already receive another bursary apply?+
No. You must not hold another bursary for the same studies.
What happens if I apply late?+
Late applications were rejected.

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