The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation invites academically high-achieving yet financially needy Black South African matriculants (or recent graduates) under 21 to apply for its 2026 undergraduate bursary—covering first-year studies in critical STEM, finance, commerce, and social sciences fields.

About the Bursary Provider

The Foundation, part of FirstRand Group’s B-BBEE initiative since 2005, supports public higher education aligned with national skills priorities. It partners with StudyTrust to award bursaries to promising youth from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Fields Covered

Eligible full-time undergraduate degrees include:

  • Agricultural Sciences (all specialisations)
  • Commercial Sciences: Accounting, Actuarial Science, Economics, Financial Management
  • Engineering (all branches)
  • Environmental Sciences: Climate Science, Renewable Energy
  • Information Sciences: Business Info Systems, Computer Science, Data Science, IT
  • Mathematical Sciences: Mathematics, Risk, Statistics
  • Natural Sciences: Biosciences, Electronics, Physics
  • Social Sciences & Law: Law, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Society & Sustainability
  • Arts: Psychology

Expenses Covered

This bursary covers:

  • Full tuition, registration, and exam fees
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Learning materials
  • Monthly stipend
  • Laptop computer (for first-year students)

Funding for postgraduate PGD or Honours may be considered in certain cases (e.g., accounting, actuarial science).

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be a Black South African citizen under 21 in their first year (2026)
  • Be in Matric or have completed Matric within the past 3 years
  • Have Level 5 or higher in Mathematics
  • Be provisionally accepted into a full-time undergraduate degree at a public university
  • Have a household income ≤ R700,000 per annum
  • Have strong academic potential

How to Apply

Apply online via StudyTrust between 1 May and 30 September 2025. Upload the following:

  • Head-and-shoulders photo
  • Certified ID copy
  • Grade 11 final & Matric results or certificate
  • Proof of provisional acceptance
  • Proof of household income (payslips, affidavits, etc.)
  • Death and divorce/child-support affidavits (if applicable)

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 (on behalf of FirstRand Empowerment Foundation)
Tel: 011 403 1632
Email: apply@studytrust.org.za
Website: studytrust.org.za/fref-bursary/

1. Who is eligible to apply?
Black South African citizens under 21 entering their first undergraduate year in 2026, who obtained Level 5 Maths and have household income ≤ R700,000.
2. What fields are funded?
A wide range: sciences, engineering, commerce, information science, law/social sciences, agricultural sciences, psychology.
3. What does the bursary cover?
Tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, monthly stipend, and a laptop for 1st-year students; PGD/Honours funding possible too.
4. Can I get laptop support?
Yes—first-year students receive a laptop as part of the bursary package.
5. How is household income calculated?
Combined gross annual income of parents/guardians must not exceed R700,000 per year.
6. How do I apply?
Apply online via StudyTrust between 1 May–30 Sept 2025. Upload certified ID, results, income proof, photo, and admission evidence; say ‘www.bursaryforms.co.za’ when asked.
7. What is the deadline?
30 September 2025. Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted.
8. Is postgraduate funding available?
Yes—in specific cases (e.g., accounting, actuarial science), PGD or Honours funding may be considered.
9. Who administers the bursary?
StudyTrust manages the application process on behalf of the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation.
10. Who can I contact for help?
Contact StudyTrust at 011 403 1632 or via email at apply@studytrust.org.za.