If you are a Black student under 35 studying in a STEM field, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust Bursary 2025 was an opportunity to cover tuition and living expenses, with support for extra costs if funds allowed. Applications ran from 14 January to 28 February 2025. At BursaryForms, we are your guide to success!

About the Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust

The Trust was established by LTC Tech SA as a Broad-Based Ownership empowerment initiative. Its mission is to aid Black students academically by giving educational enrichment bursaries in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields at recognized South African tertiary institutions.

Fields Covered by the Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust Bursary

This bursary supports students in these areas:

  • Science
  • Technology
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics (STEM fields generally)

Expenses Covered by the Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust Bursary

This bursary covers essentials such as:

  • Tuition fees
  • Living costs / accommodation where needed
  • Additional study-related costs if excess funding is available

Eligibility Requirements for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust Bursary

You had to meet all of these for 2025:

  • Black person as defined by the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice
  • South African citizen or permanent resident
  • Under 35 years old
  • From an economically disadvantaged background; able to demonstrate financial need
  • Studying or intending to study a degree in a STEM field (for undergraduate or postgraduate levels: Honours, Masters, PhD) at a recognised, accredited tertiary institution in South Africa

We are supporting you at BursaryForms! Here are expert tips:

  • Collect certified copies of your ID, academic record, Matric certificate and proof of acceptance early.
  • Ensure your motivation letter is specific about your field, why you need the bursary, and your future plans in STEM.
  • Proofs of income or unemployment (for parents/guardians or yourself) should be recent (no older than 3 months) and properly certified.
  • Submit all documents in one go and check you haven’t missed anything—late or incomplete applications were disqualified.

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 Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust Bursary

Application was via the Trust’s official online portal. First-year undergraduates who could not access online forms were allowed to use a hardcopy form, then scan and email it.

Strengthen your application with these must-have documents (certified):

  • ID document
  • Matric certificate (if entering first year) or full academic transcript (if already studying)
  • Proof of registration or acceptance at your tertiary institution
  • Tuition fee statement
  • Accommodation invoice/quotation if needed
  • Motivational letter explaining why you deserve the bursary
  • Parents’ or guardians’ ID, proof of income or affidavit if unemployed; SASSA letters if applicable

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 Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust Bursary

28 February 2025

This deadline has passed—any applications submitted after that date were not accepted.

Contact the Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust

Got questions? We are all about empowering you—reach out to the provider for answers:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust
Address: Building 15, The Woodlands Office Park, Woodlands Drive, Woodmead, Johannesburg 2191
Email: info@tfsphambilitrust.co.za
Website: https://tfsphambilitrust.co.za
Tel: +27 (11) 214-2000

Frequently Asked Questions

Click each question to see its answer about the Thermo Fisher Scientific Phambili Trust Bursary.

Who could apply for this bursary?+
Black South African citizens or permanent residents under 35, pursuing STEM degrees or postgraduates, from disadvantaged financial backgrounds.
Could postgraduate students apply?+
Yes. Postgraduate levels including Honours, Masters, and PhD in STEM are eligible.
Did the bursary cover full tuition and all other expenses?+
It covered tuition and living costs. It also might cover extra study-related expenses if there were excess funds.
Was there a work-back requirement?+
No reference found in official sources to a mandatory work-back requirement.
Can students in bridging programmes or diplomas apply?+
No. Only degree qualifications in STEM fields were considered. Diplomas or bridging programmes are not eligible.
Is accommodation considered?+
Yes, accommodation invoice/quotation was required if applicable, and the bursary could cover those costs.
What happens if I don’t hear back in time?+
Applications are reviewed for two months after closing. If you have not heard back within three months, assume your application was not successful.
Can first-year students submit hard-copy forms?+
Yes. First-year undergraduates who cannot access the online form were allowed to use hard-copy forms then scanned and emailed.
What is the closing date?+
28 February 2025. Applications submitted after this date were not accepted.
Who to contact for clarifications?+
Email info@tfsphambilitrust.co.za or call +27 (11) 214-2000.

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