FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursaries 2026 South Africa

Closing Date: 30 September 2025

Location: Public Universities, South Africa

Programme Type: Undergraduate Bursary

Start Date: 2026 Academic Year

Unlock your future with the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursaries 2026! Comprehensive funding for Black South African students pursuing undergraduate degrees in critical skills fields. Apply by 30 September 2025 via StudyTrust’s online portal!

About FirstRand Empowerment Foundation

The FirstRand Empowerment Foundation (FREF), established in 2005 as part of FirstRand Limited’s B-BBEE initiative, is dedicated to reducing poverty and inequality through education and community empowerment. The 2026 Bursary Programme supports Black South African students (per BBBEE Act) pursuing first undergraduate degrees in critical skills fields at public universities, addressing South Africa’s skills shortages and youth unemployment.

Programme Purpose – FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Bursaries 2026 South Africa

The FREF Bursaries 2026 provide financial support to first-year undergraduate students, enabling access to higher education in fields critical to South Africa’s socio-economic development. The programme covers tuition, accommodation, meals, learning resources, a monthly stipend, and a computer, with funding extended to postgraduate qualifications (e.g., Honours, PGD) for fields like Accounting and Actuarial Science.

Eligible Fields of Study

Agricultural Sciences
Accounting
Actuarial Science
Economics
Financial Management
Engineering (all specialisations)
Environmental Sciences (Climate Sciences, Renewable Energy)
Business Information Systems
Computer Science
Data Science
Information Systems
Information Management
Information Technology
Mathematics
Risk Management
Statistics
Biosciences
Electronics
Physics
Society and Sustainability
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Law
Psychology

Benefits

Full tuition fees for the first undergraduate degree.
Accommodation and meals at university residences.
Prescribed textbooks and learning resources.
Monthly stipend for personal expenses.
A computer for first-year students.
Postgraduate funding (Honours, PGD) for fields like Accounting and Actuarial Science.
Access to academic, psychosocial, and professional development support via StudyTrust.

Eligibility Criteria

South African citizen, Black as defined by the BBBEE Act.
Currently in Grade 12 or completed Grade 12 within the last three years (2023–2025).
No older than 21 years in the first year of study (2026).
Minimum Level 5 (60%) for Mathematics in Grade 12 (not Mathematical Literacy).
Intending to study full-time towards a first undergraduate degree in an eligible field.
Applied for and provisionally admitted to a public South African university for 2026.
Combined gross family income not exceeding R600,000 per annum.

Preferences

Applicants from historically disadvantaged communities.
Strong academic potential (e.g., above 70% in Matric subjects).
Commitment to fields addressing South Africa’s skills shortages.
Leadership potential and community involvement.

Why Apply for FREF Bursaries?

The FREF Bursaries 2026 offer more than financial aid—they empower Black South African youth to pursue careers in high-demand fields, fostering innovation and economic growth. With comprehensive support, recipients can focus on academic excellence and professional development, contributing to South Africa’s future as leaders and innovators.

Application Process

APPLY NOW

Submit your application by 30 September 2025 via StudyTrust’s online portal. Required documents include: a clear head-and-shoulders photograph; certified copy of South African ID (not older than six months); Grade 11 final results and Matric June results (if in Grade 12); Matric certificate (if completed Grade 12); proof of university acceptance or provisional acceptance for 2026; proof of parents’ or guardians’ household income (e.g., latest payslips if employed, affidavit if unemployed, SASSA letter if applicable); parents’ death certificates (if applicable); court letter or affidavit stating child support amounts (if applicable). For submission or application enquiries, contact +27 11 403 1632 or email apply@StudyTrust.org.za (note: applications sent to this email will not be reviewed). Incomplete applications or missing documents will lead to disqualification. Shortlisted candidates will undergo further assessments. If you do not hear back within two months of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful. No application fees are charged.