If you’re a South African citizen planning full-time postgraduate study abroad, the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships for 2026 offer a remarkable opportunity. These scholarships are designed to support outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential — and serve as a launching pad back into South Africa after your studies. At BursaryForms, we’re here to guide your application process!

About FirstRand

FirstRand is a major South African banking and financial services group. Through its scholarship initiatives (including the FirstRand Laurie Dippenaar Scholarship and FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Scholarship), the organisation aims to cultivate future leaders by funding international postgraduate study for South Africans.

Fields Covered by the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships

The scholarship programme is broad and supports postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) study abroad in many disciplines. Eligible options include:

  • Any discipline for the Laurie Dippenaar and Empowerment Foundation scholarships.
  • Specific partnership scholarships, such as:
      • MSc in African Studies at University of Oxford (Oxford School of Global & Area Studies)
      • MSc in Sustainability, Enterprise & the Environment at Oxford’s Smith School.
      • MSc in Water & Sustainable Development at IHE Delft Institute for Water Education.

Expenses Covered by the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships

The scholarship supports international full-time postgraduate study. While exact amounts vary by award, key details include:

  • Funding up to R 1.5 million for a Master’s degree and up to R 2 million for a PhD for some awards.
  • Coverage is for study outside South Africa only (international universities).
  • The scholarship is full-time; part-time or correspondence study is not eligible.

Eligibility Requirements for the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships

To qualify for the 2026 round (based on published 2025 criteria), you must meet all of the following:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be accepted or apply for full-time Master’s or PhD study at an internationally recognised university outside South Africa.
  • Not have previously studied overseas for a degree purpose.
  • Demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, community involvement, and potential to make a meaningful contribution on return to South Africa.
  • Preference for applicants under age 35 for some awards.
  • Agree to return to South Africa and work for at least five years after completion of the study.

At BursaryForms, here are some preparation tips:

  • Secure your acceptance letter or provisional admission from the international university early, as the application requires it.
  • Prepare strong reference letters (at least two) — one should be academic if you graduated recently.
  • Craft a convincing motivation letter: show how your studies abroad will help you solve South Africa’s challenges upon return.

This page was updated on October 24, 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 FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2026

Application steps (based on the 2025 cycle):

  • Apply online via the FirstRand bursary portal.
  • Attach all required supporting documents: certified ID, Matric certificate, University transcript, acceptance letter to international university, motivation letter, reference letters, proof of citizenship, etc.
  • Submit by the closing date — late or incomplete applications are not accepted.

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 FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships 2026

Thursday, 20 February 2025 was the closing date for the 2025 cycle.

This date has passed — be sure to check the FirstRand website for the 2026 closing date when announced.

Contact FirstRand

For queries or more details:

Scholarship Programme – FirstRand
Email: firstrandpgscholarship@firstrand.co.za
Website: bursaries.firstrand.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the FirstRand International Postgraduate Scholarships.

Can I apply if I am doing honours or a post-graduate certificate?+
No. The scholarships are only for full-time Master’s or PhD study abroad (internationally) — honours or certificates do not qualify.
May I apply if I have already studied overseas?+
No. Applicants who have previously earned a degree overseas are not eligible.
Does the scholarship cover all my costs (travel, living, tuition)?+
It supports a significant portion (up to R1.5m for majors, R2m for PhDs) but you should check the specific award for whether travel and living expenses are fully covered.
Is a return-to-South-Africa service condition included?+
Yes. Recipients are required to return and work in South Africa for at least five years after completing their studies.
When will the 2026 application open?+
Applications opened 1 November 2024 for the 2025 intake. It’s likely the 2026 cycle will follow a similar timeline (opening late 2024/early 2025), but you should confirm on the FirstRand website.
If I’m under age 35, do I have better chances?+
Preference is given to applicants under 35 for certain awards (eg Laurie Dippenaar) but being over 35 does not automatically disqualify you — check the specific award.
Can I apply if I plan to study part-time?+
No. The scholarship is for full-time study only.
Can applicants from any discipline apply?+
Yes — many awards accept any discipline. Some awards have specific fields (eg water, African studies) so check the scholarship you’re applying for.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?+
In recent years there have been nine international postgraduate scholarships available through FirstRand: two Laurie Dippenaar, three Empowerment Foundation, and four partnership awards.

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