The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust invites academically outstanding yet financially needy South African students to apply for its 2026 bursary—designed for those in 1st to 4th year of IT-related degrees like Computer Science, Software Engineering, IT or Computer Engineering at public or private accredited institutions.

About the Bursary Provider

The Trust, established in 2021 as part of Cisco’s global CSR initiatives in South Africa, partners with StudyTrust to offer bursaries in strategic ICT fields—supporting national transformation by developing future tech professionals in the “missing middle” income bracket of R350 000–600 000 per annum.

Fields Covered

The bursary supports full-time study (NQF 7–8) in:

  • Computer Science
  • Computer Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Information Technology

Expenses Covered

This is a full bursary, which typically covers:

  • Tuition and registration fees
  • Textbooks and prescribed materials
  • Potential living allowance (e.g. travel, daily needs)

Funding is determined based on need and Cisco Trust guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a South African citizen
  • Entering 1st–4th year in 2026 (including BTech/Honours)
  • Studying a qualifying IT discipline at a Department of Education–registered institution
  • Maintain strong academic performance
  • Come from a household earning between R350 000–R600 000 per annum (“missing middle”)
  • Equity students are strongly encouraged to apply

How to Apply

Applications open on StudyTrust’s portal from 1 May to 30 September 2025.

  • Create a profile and complete the online form
  • Upload certified documents: ID, Matric certificate/results, full tertiary academic record (if applicable), proof of registration/acceptance, household income proof, and a current photo

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

Closing Date

30 September 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact the Bursary Provider

StudyTrust (administrator)
Phone: 011 403 1632
Email: apply@studytrust.org.za
Website: studytrust.org.za/cisco/

1. Who is eligible to apply?
South African citizens entering 1st–4th year (including BTech/NQF 7 & Honours/NQF 8) in 2026 in qualifying IT disciplines, with strong academics and household income between R350k–600k. Equity students encouraged.
2. Which fields are supported?
Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, and Information Technology—all at NQF 7 or 8 level.
3. What does the bursary cover?
Full tuition, registration fees, textbooks, and may include a living/travel allowance based on assessed need.
4. What academic results are required?
Strong academic performance is expected—both in Matric and current tertiary results if applicable.
5. What is the income requirement?
Your family’s combined gross income must fall between R350,000 and R600,000 per annum (“missing middle”).
6. How do I apply?
Apply online via StudyTrust from 1 May–30 September 2025, upload all required docs, and indicate “www.bursaryforms.co.za” when asked.
7. What documents are needed?
Certified ID, Matric certificate/results, tertiary transcripts (if studying), proof of registration or acceptance, proof of household income, and a current ID photo.
8. When is the deadline?
30 September 2025. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
9. Why is it called a “missing middle” bursary?
It targets students whose families earn too much to qualify for NSFAS (
10. Who can I contact for more info?
Contact StudyTrust at 011 403 1632 or apply@studytrust.org.za, or visit the Cisco bursary page on StudyTrust’s website.